91±¬ÁÏ

James (Jake) Ward IV is the Vice President for Innovation and Economic Development. His office supports economic development by acting as a liaison for business and industry, facilitating technology transfer, and handling patenting, licensing and commercialization activities for the 91±¬ÁÏ. The office also supports federal and state government relations for the university’s R&D mission. Vice President Ward has served 91±¬ÁÏ in various roles within the Department of Industrial Cooperation and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship since joining the university in 1990.Prior to joining the 91±¬ÁÏ, Vice President Ward worked in private industry in software development and manufacturing. He serves on the boards of state/industry organizations, including the Maine Technology Institute, FOR/Maine and SEA/Maine. Originally from Saco, he holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering and an M.S. in ocean engineering from the University of New Hampshire.