CORVALLIS, Ore. - Mark Lieberman, an expert in business commercialization, entrepreneurship and international finance, has been named as the new chief startup officer and co-director of the OSU Venture Accelerator, an initiative to help move university research to commercial success.

The Venture Accelerator and a related effort, the Industry Partnering Program, are two key parts of the Oregon State University Advantage, a major new program to boost the university's impact on job creation and economic progress in Oregon and the nation. It began this spring.

Lieberman most recently has been executive director of the Business Technology Center of Los Angeles County, and was named one of the 50 "Most Innovative Men for 2012" by THE Magazine. He has taught entrepreneurship programs at various colleges, consulted with several governments, worked in international finance, and served on President Obama's "Rank Review Committee" for 2010.

"Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in launching new enterprises and in mentoring management teams," said Ron Adams, executive associate vice president for research at OSU. "His leadership as chief startup officer will help ensure OSU's success in fostering job creation and in developing Oregon's future entrepreneurial talent."

The Venture Accelerator is designed to identify innovation or research findings that might form the basis for profitable companies. It will aid their development with legal, marketing, financial and mentoring assistance to help turn good ideas into real-world businesses.

Source: 

Ron Adams, 541-737-7722

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