Key Industry Player Joins USC Columbia Fuel Cell Collaborative Team
October 28, 2008
Stewart McKenzie to Serve as Midlands Zone Manager for SC Launch!
COLUMBIA, SC – October 28, 2008 – The University of South Carolina – City of Columbia Fuel Cell Collaborative announced today that it welcomes Stewart McKenzie to its team, who will serve as midlands zone manager for SC Launch! McKenzie is a specialty chemicals and technology business development specialist with the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA). He most recently served as director of business development, nanotechnology and energy systems at Columbian Chemicals Company in Marietta, GA. While there he was responsible for developing the overall commercialization strategy, marketing, sales and the establishment of new business entities.
McKenzie’s duties as the SC Launch! midlands zone manager will include managing relations with SC Launch! client companies, due diligence with program applicants, as well as collaboration with midlands colleges and universities, program partners and economic development organizations. He will also play a vital role on the USC Columbia Fuel Cell Collaborative team.
“I’m very impressed with the activities of the Fuel Cell Collaborative,” said McKenzie. “The Collaborative is actively supporting the innovative commercialization of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, creating economic opportunities and growing alternative energy jobs in the Columbia, South Carolina region. I’m looking forward to working with the team and engaging fuel cell industry members to get involved,” he further added.
“We’re glad to have Stewart on the Fuel Cell Collaborative team,” said Russ Keller, senior director of alternative energy programs at SCRA. “His 24 years of experience in technology business development and his background within the fuel cell industry will be invaluable to the team,” he continued.
McKenzie earned a master’s degree in business administration from Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina, and he also holds a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from The University of Kentucky. He is an active member of the US Fuel Cell Council , serving as chair of its education and marketing work group and as a member of its executive and strategy committees.
About the USC Columbia Fuel Cell Collaborative
The University of South Carolina – City of Columbia Fuel Cell Collaborative was formed by the University of South Carolina, the City of Columbia, EngenuitySC and the South Carolina Research Authority to position Columbia, SC as a leader in hydrogen fuel cell innovation and technology. Its mission is to attract private sector partners, top fuel cell scientists, entrepreneurs and innovators to the Columbia region. For more information, visit: www.fuelcellchallenge.com
About SC Launch!
SC Launch!, an SCRA affiliate, assists entrepreneurial start-up companies with up-front counseling, seed-funding, and access to a powerful Resource Network. The SC Launch! mission is to help generate knowledge economy jobs in South Carolina, enhance the state’s quality of life and provide opportunity for all South Carolinians in the new economy. For more information, visit: www.sclaunch.org.
About SCRA
SCRA is a global leader in applied research and commercialization services with offices in Anderson, Charleston, and Columbia. SCRA collaborates to advance technology with industry, government, and research universities like Clemson University, the University of South Carolina and the Medical University of South Carolina. For more information, visit: www.scra.org.
