RCBI ’ s Stone Named New Marshall University Center Director
Deacon Stone .
Deacon Stone , director of the Center for Innovation at Marshall University ’ s Robert C . Byrd Institute ( RCBI ), has been promoted to director of the West Virginia Economic Development Administration ( EDA ) University Center .
University Center is a U . S . EDA program to leverage the resources of regional colleges and universities to support economic development . West Virginia ’ s
University Center , one of 66 across the country , has its headquarters at Marshall . It provides a full range of prototyping and entrepreneurial and manufacturing services .
“ RCBI ’ s University Center recognizes that institutions of higher education are critical players in the development of vibrant economic ecosystems ,” says Charlotte Weber , RCBI director and CEO . “ Deacon is a forward-thinking , collaborative leader who also is a successful entrepreneur and more than prepared to guide this regional program , expanding the reach and depth of the center .”
As director of RCBI ’ s Center for Innovation , Stone has assisted entrepreneurs across West Virginia , helping bring new products to market , empowering startups to innovate and grow and helping establish new businesses . Stone has collaborated with numerous university departments — including the colleges of business and information technology and engineering , the school of medicine and others — to facilitate technology transfer and commercialize research .
“ I look forward to building upon the successes of the EDA University Center to spur economic development through regional collaborations ,” Stone says . “ We ’ ll continue to partner with higher education institutions across the area to ensure that we leverage the strengths and expertise of each to deliver a focused and effective strategy for driving economic development .”
Stone joined RCBI in 2018 . He previously served as marketing and outreach director for Solar Holler , a state-based renewable energy company , and project director for Coalfield Development ’ s West Edge Factory and enterprise president for its Rediscover Appalachia .
Stone studied electrical engineering at Ohio University . He earned a bachelor ’ s degree from Marshall and a master ’ s degree from the Cranbrook Academy of Art . He also earned an executive education certificate from Harvard University Business School and a certificate in entrepreneurship center management from the International Business Innovation Association .
Derek Scarbro , RCBI deputy director and director of business development ,
Diversified Energy wishes to congratulate Ben Sullivan on his induction into the 2022 Class of Lawyers & Leaders .
We are grateful for his leadership and dedication to our company and the oil and gas industry .
Congratulations , Ben ! dgoc . com
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