Organizational Updates: Innovation & Technology Commercialization

From Vice Chancellor for Research Prasant Mohapatra

We have several changes within the ITC organization that we would like to bring to your attention. First, Bill Tucker, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Technology Commercialization returned to full retirement on July 31, 2022. We sure appreciate Bill stepping back in to help us since his initial entry into retirement. Bill provided exemplary leadership for technology transfer across the UC—in roles at UCOP and UC Davis. We are grateful for all his contributions.

During this transition, I appointed Denise Ehlen to serve as Interim AVC for ITC in addition to her existing role as AVC for Research Administration and Central Services. Since this appointment, Denise launched a strategic planning process with the ITC team to develop a roadmap to continue to provide best in class service to the research community. While much of that work continues, we are happy to report the following interim leadership appointments.

Eugene Sisman will serve as the Interim Director of InnovationAccess. Eugene is a seasoned and talented technology transfer professional with expertise in IP strategy. He will be instrumental in guiding the team through the leadership transition. Eugene and Denise will share responsibility for the InnovationAccess team.
Janine Elliott will serve as Interim Director of Venture Catalyst. Under her guidance, the team will continue to provide critical services and support to our innovators. Janine brings a strong entrepreneurial spirit, non-profit leadership acumen and operations expertise to the role.
Dianna Francis will serve as the Interim Contracts Team Leader bringing extensive MTA/DTA expertise and her experience as an IP Officer to this important position. The Office of Research has also engaged external consultants to support the Contracts Team in order to rebalance the equilibrium between workload and available resources.

Michael Carriere will continue to lead the Plant Variety Team. Michael’s strong UCOP, UC Davis, and scientific expertise ensures continuity of services and a focus on meeting the needs of UC Davis innovators and the agricultural community.

Please contact Denise Ehlen if you have questions related to these changes or current needs.