Statewide Innovation & Public-Systems Leader

WADE FULGHUM

Program Development and Innovation Leader State and Public Systems

Open to opportunities across North Carolina

Professional Summary

Dynamic and strategic leader with extensive experience designing and leading statewide and university-based innovation programs. Builds effective programs and partnerships across public, private, and academic sectors to strengthen North Carolina’s communities. Proven record in program design, public-private collaboration, and the management of multimillion-dollar initiatives advancing science, technology, and environmental stewardship.

Core Competencies

Strategic Program and Policy Development Public–Private and Interagency Collaboration Grant Acquisition & Federal/State Compliance Budget Management and Fiscal Accountability Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Building Workforce & Economic Development Initiatives Environmental and Resource Management Leadership, Mentorship, and Organizational Change Professional Experience

Vice President, Grants & Technology Commercialization NC Innovation — Raleigh, NC 2024 – 2025

Led statewide rollout of research and commercialization funding for UNC system institutions, managing grant RFPs and partnerships with NC State, UNC, and NC Central. Directed evaluations of advanced proposals spanning human therapeutics, semiconductor design, and clean energy technologies. Ensured alignment with state and federal objectives for innovation, compliance, and economic growth. Assistant Vice Chancellor, Office of Research Commercialization NC State University — Raleigh, NC 2019 – 2024

Managed multimillion-dollar operational budgets supporting technology and research translation. Cultivated partnerships with federal and state agencies (NSF, DOE, USDA, DOD, EDA). Represented the university in executive-level state and industry meetings; advanced statewide innovation frameworks. Interim Executive Director, Office of Research Commercialization NC State University 2017 – 2019

Led organizational restructuring and professional development for research commercialization staff; implemented new evaluation systems for project prioritization. Director / Associate Director, New Ventures

NC State University 2012 – 2017

Directed professional teams evaluating research for commercialization potential. Co-founded and chaired the Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster, coordinating statewide objectives for environmental and energy issues.

Assistant Director, Economic Development Partnership / NC Solar Center Program Manager NC State University 2008 – 2012

Served as Co-PI on federally funded projects in solar, distributed wind, and biofuels. Led alignment of NC Cleantech initiatives with the International Cleantech Network in Copenhagen. Energy Conservation Coordinator, Facilities Operations NC State University 2007 – 2008

Developed and implemented energy conservation programs, reducing campus utility consumption and operating costs.

Heavy Weapons Squad Leader

U.S. Army (1-27 Infantry, 25th ID) 1998 – 2004

Recognized as Noncommissioned Officer of the Year (2001) for leadership and performance. Oversaw training and mission readiness for assigned personnel. Grant & Funding Experience

Principal Investigator or Co-PI on numerous state and federal awards totaling $5 million+, including NSF and DOE projects in renewable energy, materials, and resource management. Education

MBA, Hawaii Pacific University — Honolulu, HI Graduate Certificate, Organizational Change Management — Hawaii Pacific University B.S. Finance, University of Florida — Gainesville, FL Economic Development Course, UNC Chapel Hill School of Government Areas of Interest in State Government

Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Department of Commerce Department of Transportation Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

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