May 9, 2024
Dear colleagues,
The global search for the next executive director of the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) is open for applications, and I encourage qualified individuals to consider the opportunity presented by this exciting position.
Founded in 2018, DPI is the University of Illinois System’s hub within the Illinois Innovation Network. With a mission of equitable economic development at scale, DPI is focused on accelerating job creation and economic growth through talent development, applied research, and business development. DPI is a vibrant partner for industry, a hub for talent and innovation, and a provider of effective tech training aimed at reshaping Chicago’s economic landscape. DPI is positioned to enhance the efforts and impact of all three of our universities and indeed all of the DPI partners.
The executive director position is a full-time, 12-month leadership position within the President’s Office that also works closely with the chancellors of the system’s three universities as well as the system’s vice president for economic development and innovation.
The U of I System vice president for economic development and innovation, Jay Walsh, is leading the search for the new leader of DPI – someone who shares our values and vision for equity in education and economic opportunity and can lead DPI forward as it is poised for growth and impact that is local, regional, and global.
In addition to Walsh, search committee members are:
- Nancy Amato, Department Head and Professor, Computer Science, UIUC
- TJ Augustine, Vice Chancellor for Innovation, UIC
- German Bollero, Dean, ACES, UIUC
- Vickie Cook, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment and Retention Management, UIS
- Deneen Jackson-Gillespie, Assistant Vice President, Strategic Communications
and Marketing, System Offices - Robert Kerr, Executive Director, Innovation Center, UIS
- Kumar Kintala, Director, Innovation Hub, Discovery Partners Institute
- Praveen Kumar, Executive Director, Prairie Research Institute, and Professor,
Civil and Environmental Engineering, UIUC - Susan Martinis, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, UIUC
- Jami Painter, Senior Associate Vice President and CHRO, System Human
Resource Services - Amita Shetty, Director, BTT, Computer Science, UIC
- Sandy Wayne, Dean, College of Business Administration, UIC
- Donald Wink, Professor, Chemistry, UIC
The committee will be assisted by the international executive search firm Perrett Laver. The full position description, requirements, means to nominate candidates, or to apply, can be found at DPI Executive Director Search.
The search committee welcomes suggestions from our university communities interested in the search for the next DPI executive director. Please feel free to provide suggestions to the committee as they embark on this search.
Please help spread the word to extraordinary individuals who might thrive in this role and encourage them to consider this phenomenal opportunity to build upon the success and momentum of the Discovery Partners Institute.
Tim Killeen
President
University of Illinois System
