Laura Appenzeller
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Innovation at the University of Illinois
Champaign, Illinois
Overview
Work Experience
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Innovation
2022 - Current
In this role, I work to bring University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus-based discoveries together with the vibrant local and regional business communities to support research, innovation, and entrepreneurship activities. We are building long-term relationships to support technology transfer, job creation and economic growth. In 2024, I was appointed as Chief Operating Officer of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) in Chicago as a location to build a leading quantum industry innovation hub with global companies and cutting edge startups.
Executive Director, University of Illinois Research Park
2009
Manages the University of Illinois Research Park and the EnterpriseWorks technology business incubator. The Research Park at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is an innovation hub for startups and established companies. Through the orchestration of a vibrant business ecosystem, the Research Park creates long-term value for the university’s intellectual assets, its students, participant companies, and the economy. The University of Illinois Research Park includes 120 companies in a public-private development including 200 acres on the Urbana campus with 18 buildings. EnterpriseWorks incubator is a startup community at the Research Park that supports current and future innovators to enable new ideas to blossom and new businesses to thrive.
Vice President of Marketing and Business Development
2005 - 2009
Management of the University of Illinois Research Park for private developer, Fox/Atkins Development, LLC. Marketed the Research Park to companies as a site for their technology operations. Develop customized proposals for prospects by highlighting relevant University of Illinois strengths, describing amenities, developing operating plans for new centers, and negotiating real estate. Successfully completed over $7 Million in new leasing revenue, with 40% increases annually since starting at Fox Development Corporation.New Tenants included: Yahoo, ADM, Qualcomm, State Farm CCF, Riverbed, Time-O-Matic, Roundtable, Ploughman Analytics, OLLI, Trusted Computer Solutions, John Deere, Bytemobile, CU Aerospace, Anvik, Cline Center, Open Prairie Ventures, Ambitech, Riverglass, IGPA, China Executive Leadership Program, R-Systems, SmartSpark, Illini Computing, Integrated Data Services, Singleton Law Firm, and Abbott Laboratories. Negotiated Lease Agreements: Obtained Illinois Real Estate License, negotiated all Research Park leases. Produced weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting to the University of Illinois and UIRP Board of Managers on the progress of the Research Park. Oversaw the design and construction of new offices for clients from initial concept to occupancy. Managed new building construction development at the Research Park including the Design Review Committee process with the University, budgeting, pro forma analysis, and contractors. Screened Fox Ventures funding opportunities and made recommendations, advised start-up companies on funding and business development, interacted with offices supporting small businesses. Created regular programming in the Research Park to build a vibrant tech community.
Senior Account Manager
2004 - 2005
Provided counseling in East Central Illinois about engaging the State of Illinois to help with economic development. Worked with local businesses and community organizations on grant programs and business development. Managed business attraction/retention prospects for the State of Illinois in East Central Illinois and marketed applicable economic incentive programs and state services to competitively sell Illinois. Fostered relationships with local government representatives and businesses to provide information on applicable state grant programs and services that can spur development. Lead development of new communications programs for economic development for East Central Region that were recognized and duplicated as examples statewide by DCEO. Creator and editor of weekly e-newsletter on economic development for businesses and community leaders. Successfully organized monthly business & community seminars on pertinent economic development topics and attract subject matter experts to come as speakers, prepare event details, and write seminar materials. Wrote and presented targeted economic development presentations on community development, business programs in Illinois, Entrepreneur financing & services, Tourism, Biofuels, and Workforce Development. Helped to stimulate technology commercialization by working with University of Illinois on DCEO funding, consulting entrepreneurs, and assisting DCEO Homeland Security Bureau.
Media Supervisor
1999 - 2004
Managed national and local media strategy for large national advertisers including Allstate, Pillsbury, and US Army. Areas of expertise included targeting strategy, print investment strategy, national and local advertising budgeting. Media Planning: TV, Sports, Magazines, Newspaper, Radio, Online, Alternative Media, and Trade media. Advertising Budget Setting: wrote executive briefing on rationale for setting advertising budgets based on shopping share and share of spend correlation research, revenue per ad dollar, and zero-based planning. Launch Plans for Allstate Financial Services: conducted consumer research on use of media for financial decisions, wrote media strategy for launch in local markets and nationally, negotiated media vehicles, and executed components. Cannes Award Shortlist Nominee for Media (International Industry Award). Allstate Workplace Division Launch Plan: created strategy for announcing new supplemental insurance offerings. Pillsbury Media Supervisor: managed media planning team for refrigerated baked goods. Project manager for national and local media for 6 brands with $50 Million Media Budget. University of Illinois Recruiting for Starcom: Presented media trends, attended career fairs, and interviewed students. Media Supervisor – PAX non-profit campaign (gun safety for children): media plan development (Sept. 2000 – 2002)Teaching Assistant - Taught 35 students daily the fundamentals of media planning and graded projects, 1 semester. Media Associate – Green Giant and Old El Paso (June 1999 –April 2000).