Jack Atchason Named Interim Executive Director of Hershey Center for Applied Research

James Berens, President of Wexford Science and Technology, today confirmed the appointment of Jack Atchason as Interim Executive Director for Hershey Center for Applied Research (HCAR). Jack has been the Center's Director of Business Development since 2009. For the past year however Jack’s role has expanded while Laura Butcher focused on a major project for the HCAR co-developer Wexford Science & Technology LLC., and Wexford Equities LLC. He has taken on more of the day to day oversight of all aspects of the research park including overall vision, partner relations, master plan assessment, operations, marketing, etc.

Atchason replaces outgoing Executive Director Laura Butcher, who served in the role since 2007, when the Center celebrated its grand opening. Butcher resigned the position earlier this month to focus on personal pursuits and family obligations.

“Jack has been managing the day-to-day activities at HCAR this past year, so I am confident his experience will ensure a smooth transition for us and for our tenants,” said Berens. "Our Hershey facility is an important market for Wexford Science and Technology with respect to growth and expansion opportunity. I know I can count on Jack to make it happen." A permanent decision on structure of HCAR’s leadership will be deferred until HCAR concludes its master plan assessment in 2012.

"I am proud of all that we've accomplished to date at HCAR. I have learned a tremendous amount from Laura and I look forward to continuing HCAR’s vision of being a leader in the innovation economy of Central Pennsylvania and creating a Knowledge Community around our sponsor institution The Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine, and other partners in the region. We are just about to embark on a new international marketing campaign and look forward to welcoming additional domestic and ex US entities to the park in the next few months.”

Atchason will remain the point of contact for all facilities inquiries and continue to oversee lease negotiations and promotion, sales and marketing strategy for HCAR. Project Associate Caitlin Orr will be primary contact for operations and business inquiries with the park.

Prior to his tenure at HCAR, Atchason spent his career in the Pharmaceutical/Biotech industry in various roles of increasing responsibilities.

A native of Central Pennsylvania and a graduate of Cumberland Valley High School, Atchason has a BA in Political Science from Villanova University.

ABOUT HERSHEY CENTER FOR APPLIED RESEARCH

As a Wexford Science and Technology property, the Hershey Center for Applied Research (HCAR) is part of a thriving network with connections to some of the country’s most respected research institutions. Our strategic partnership with Penn State University and the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center offers domestic and international-based tenants access to advanced technology and other research resources, and immerses them in a climate of innovation.

With an ideal east-coast location convenient to New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington D.C., Hershey is an emerging research hotspot that offers a high quality of life and access to a well-educated and stable workforce. By leasing fully customizable research, manufacturing and office space while also providing integrated strategic business services tailored to each tenant, HCAR helps early stage to mature life sciences, nanotech and clean tech companies innovate and grow.

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