UAlbany Dean Peter A. Bloniarz Named Chairman of TechConnex

 

ALBANY, N.Y. (December 22, 2008) -- The Center for Economic Growth (CEG) announced today that Peter Bloniarz, Founding Dean of the College of Computing and Information at the University at Albany, will serve as the Chair of TechConnex.

TechConnex is dedicated to building and supporting a broad-based information technology community by providing comprehensive connections to technology and professional resources in Tech Valley. In addition to providing a networking hub for information technology professionals, TechConnex encourages professionals from all technology sectors -- as well as regional technology service providers -- to attend its monthly meetings. Its mission is to accelerate growth, expansion and competition within the Tech Valley corridor by fostering innovation in information technology through education, collaboration, mentorship and networking opportunities.

"CEG is fortunate to have Dean Bloniarz supporting a program as important as TechConnex. We are looking forward to his expertise in the information technology industry as well as his dedication to see the industry grow in Tech Valley," said F. Michael Tucker, President and CEO.

During his more than thirty year tenure at UAlbany, Bloniarz has worked to develop public-private-university partnerships aimed at increasing New York State's ability to compete in today's global information-based economy. UAlbany's College of Computing and Information is one of the first schools in the country to blend information technology and application areas into a broad set of interdisciplinary research and educational programs. Prior to becoming dean, Bloniarz was the University's Interim Vice President for Research and one of the founders and research director of the University's award-winning Center for Technology in Government (CTG). The University is also home to a number of other nationally-recognized research centers focused on computing and information, including the Center for Information Forensics and Assurance,  developed in partnership with the New York State Police and the NYS Office of Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure Coordination.

"It is a privilege to work with so many talented entrepreneurs who are creating a vibrant information technology industry in Tech Valley," said Bloniarz. "I look forward to working more closely with this community and the Center for Economic Growth in bringing excitement and economic vitality to the region."

An advocate for quality teaching, Dean Bloniarz is a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Medallion for Excellence in Teaching. He received his doctorate in electrical engineering and computer science from M.I.T.

About the Center for Economic Growth
The Center for Economic Growth (CEG) is a regional economic and business development organization dedicated to attracting high-tech talent and companies and to providing innovative services to bolster local businesses in New York state's Capital Region and Tech Valley. CEG receives financial support from the New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research (NYSTAR), New York's high-technology economic development agency, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). CEG serves as NYSTAR's designated Regional Technology Development Center for Tech Valley, one of nearly 350 MEP locations across the country assisting local manufacturing and technology companies with generating new sales, creating stronger operational infrastructure and overcoming barriers to growth.

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