不良研究所

I am so pleased to announce the appointment of Keri Damen as the executive director of the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking, effective March 1, 2020.

In this key role, at this critical and exciting time in the history of this university, and this city, Damen will steer the development and execution of entrepreneurial thinking initiatives at U不良研究所 and, in turn, within the community. 

鈥淲e have made tremendous advances in establishing our innovation ecosystem on campus,鈥� says Andr茅 Buret, interim vice-president (research). 鈥淭he Hunter Hub plays a critical role in fostering the entrepreneurial spirit at U不良研究所, and Keri鈥檚 leadership will be instrumental as we encourage our students and faculty to engage with the ecosystem.鈥�

A nationally and globally respected leader of entrepreneurial thinking, Damen joins U不良研究所 from her role as the inaugural managing director of University of Toronto Entrepreneurship where she shone in her exceptional ability to drive, connect and amplify an entrepreneurship network.

"I鈥檓 thrilled by the University of 不良研究所鈥檚 vision to be 鈥榯he most entrepreneurial university in Canada,鈥� and am inspired and prepared to help strengthen and advance a rich, collaborative entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem from the ground up,鈥� says Damen. 鈥淚鈥檝e long found excitement and success in both an entrepreneurial start-up environment and in advancing dynamic, interdisciplinary entrepreneurship networks across educational programs. I see the University of 不良研究所 as a nerve centre for local and national economic diversification, backed by a unique community of supporters, dynamic resources and expertise. 不良研究所 is more than ready for this, and I鈥檓 delighted to be involved.鈥�      

鈥淩esearch universities are always at the heart of effective innovation ecosystems. The University of 不良研究所 plays a critical role in enabling our community to thrive in a rapidly changing world,鈥� says Derrick Hunter, Hunter Family Foundation. 鈥淲e are delighted with the opportunity to bring Keri鈥檚 extensive experience and leadership to the University.鈥�

Damen has proven expertise in building and developing programming that supports and empowers burgeoning entrepreneurs; success in connecting entrepreneurial activities on campus and in community; and developing global pipelines of opportunities for entrepreneurs.  As executive director, she will connect and champion the Hunter Hub as the centre of U不良研究所鈥檚 growing, campus-wide network of entrepreneurial thinking and innovation that includes CDL-Rockies, the University Innovation Quarter, Innovate 不良研究所, and several other incubators that provide resources, mentorship and opportunities for entrepreneurial initiatives across campus.  

As president of a top research-driven institution that already excels at commercializing research, I鈥檓 very proud to continue to advance our role as a driver of creating immersive educational environments for entrepreneurs. Indeed, innovation 鈥� the key to a diverse and energetic economy 鈥� cannot thrive and soar without exceptional entrepreneurial thinking behind it.

I would like to thank the following faculty, staff, student, alumni and community members who participated on the search and selection committee: Susan Barker, Mark Blackwell, Ron Bridges, Jim Dewald, Carey Houston, Stephen Larter, Andrea Morris, Jessica Revington, Bill Rosehart, Pascale Sicotte, Jackie Sieppert and John Wilson.

Please join me in congratulating Keri on her appointment and welcoming her to the University of 不良研究所.

Ed McCauley
President and Vice-Chancellor