Mike Cassidy
President and Chief Executive Officer, Georgia Research Alliance, Georgia

Mr. Cassidy shapes and guides the strategic direction of the Georgia Research Alliance, a private, non-profit organization that brings together the state’s academic, industry and government leaders to grow Georgia’s economy through scientific discovery. Key programs are recruitment of top scientific talent (GRA Eminent Scholars), development of centers of research excellence, and commercialization of university R&D (GRA VentureLab).  He also serves as liaison to other local, regional and national organizations with an economic development mission and helps to promote Georgia as a leader in science and technology worldwide. 
 
Before joining the Alliance in 1993, Mr. Cassidy managed the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) Georgia's technology incubator. Prior to that he worked for the IBM Corporation where he held various staff and management assignments. Mr. Cassidy holds a Master’s degree in Technology and Science Policy from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a BBA degree in Marketing from Georgia State University.

Mr. Cassidy serves on the Board of Directors of the State Science and Technology Institute, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, the Council of Biotechnology Centers, the Georgia Cancer Coalition, Georgia Advanced Technology Ventures, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and the Technology Association of Georgia and is a member of the Regional Panel of Experts of the U.S. Council on Competitiveness.