Robert Ward Appointed as Activation Capital’s Interim President and Chief Executive Officer
July 24, 2024
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Robert Ward has been appointed interim president and CEO of Activation Capital, effective today. Ward, a senior executive with over 25 years of experience, previously served as Virginia’s chief transformation officer and senior adviser to Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rob Ward as interim CEO,” said Michael Rao, VCU President and Activation Capital board chair. “His experience in corporate real estate and strategic development will be invaluable as we advance our mission and projects.”
Ward takes over from Chandra Briggman, who resigned earlier this month. He will oversee the continued growth of Activation Capital’s innovation ecosystem and pharmaceutical cluster development while the search for a permanent CEO continues.
About Robert Ward
Robert Ward previously served as the president and CEO of Skanska Commercial Development U.S., where he led the company’s strategic direction and oversaw the investment, development, and construction of over $4.5 billion in commercial and residential assets nationwide.
Before becoming CEO, Ward was the COO, leading the U.S. Investment Committee and the Strategic Services Team, which encompassed product innovation, technology, customer strategy, systems optimization, operational excellence, and portfolio management. His earlier roles included direct oversight of operations in the mid-Atlantic region, Houston, Texas, and Los Angeles, California.
Ward began his career at Skanska in the commercial construction division, contributing to executive leadership teams in both the mid-Atlantic and Southeast U.S. markets, focusing on life sciences, pharmaceuticals, higher education, and federal government projects.
About Activation Capital
Activation Capital is a leading innovation ecosystem development organization that provides social, knowledge, and financial capital to clusters, entrepreneur support organizations, and entrepreneurs, accelerating their progress through development and maturation. Activation Capital, an independent authority of the Commonwealth of Virginia, is on a mission to grow life sciences and other advanced technology innovation by promoting scientific research, commercialization, and ecosystem development that attracts and creates 21st-century jobs and companies. It operates the 34-acre Virginia Bio+Tech Park – the hub of life science and technology innovations in Central Virginia. It oversees the Cluster Accelerator for Advanced Pharmaceutical R&D and Manufacturing and supports developing and expanding the region’s startup ecosystem. For more information, visit www.activation.capital.
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