Purdue Research Foundation appointed Greg Deason as chief operating officer, effective Feb. 1.
Deason will work closely with Chad Pittman, the foundation’s new president and CEO following Brian Edelman’s retirement, also effective Feb. 1.
Deason is currently the foundation’s senior vice president of alliances and placemaking. He will work with Pittman to lead the foundation’s strategic operations and business processes.
“For decades Greg has served the Purdue community and will continue to do so in his new appointment,” said Mitch Daniels, Purdue University president emeritus and chair of the PRF board, in a press release. “He is a proven leader, and I’m certain he will continue the momentum of impactful growth and strategic use of PRF as a tool for fulfilling Purdue’s land-grant mission.”
Purdue President Mung Chiang said Deason is an outstanding choice for the key role.
“His dedication and execution have resulted in Greater Lafayette becoming a preeminent ecosystem for job creation and economic growth,” Chiang said. “We appreciate Greg’s experience in and focus on cultivating community, enabling growth and connecting companies to Purdue’s world-class ecosystem.”
Deason previously served as executive director of Purdue Research Park from 2004-16. In that role he helped implement three other technology park locations in Indiana. Deason served in various positions at Purdue’s Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship and as president of the Association of University Research Parks.
Deason said he is honored to have the opportunity to take on a new role within PRF.
“Purdue provides incredible opportunities for businesses and innovators to turn their ideas into impact across the state, country and world,” Deason said. “I look forward to working closely with Chad in the coming years to make sure that the companies and people who choose Purdue get what they need to be successful and thrive in this community.”
Deason graduated from Purdue with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics. In 2010, he was named an outstanding alumnus. Deason remains active in service to the university through the Griffin Society, President’s Council and John Purdue Club.
Purdue Research Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation. Established in 1930, the foundation accepts gifts, administers trusts, funds scholarships, acquires and sells property and supports creating Purdue-connected startups. The foundation operates Purdue Innovates. It also manages Purdue Research Park, Discovery Park District, Purdue Technology Centers and Purdue for Life Foundation.
