Frerichs Elected Board Chair for Illinois Science & Technology Coalition and Institute
March 17, 2021 – (CHICAGO, IL) – The Illinois Science & Technology Coalition and Institute (ISTC/I) today announced the election of Laura Frerichs, Executive Director of the University of Illinois Research Park as chair of its board of directors.
As Executive Director, Laura Frerichs oversees the University of Illinois Research Park operations and development, manages the entrepreneurship programs at the University’s technology incubator, and supports the University’s economic development efforts.
She has served on the Board for ISTC/I since 2013.
Laura Frerichs also serves as Director of Economic Development at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is active in numerous regional organizations including the board of the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, ChicagoNEXT Council, the elected board of
the Association of University Research Parks, and is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago.
Laura was named “Woman of the Year” by Central Illinois Business Magazine in 2009; awarded the Entrepreneur Advocacy Award at the Champaign County Innovation Celebration, 2011; presented the 2013 Athena
Young Professional Award; and awarded a Chancellor’s Academic Professional Excellence (CAPE) Award, 2015. Laura is a graduate of the University of Illinois.
“The Illinois Science & Technology Coalition is incredibly fortunate to have Laura Frerichs lead our board of directors. Laura is a nationally recognized leader in innovation and economic development, and will be a tremendous asset to our organization as we continue our work growing Illinois’ innovation
economy,” said Matthew Bragg, Director of ISTC.
“The Illinois Science and Technology Institute is proud to announce the appointment of Laura Frerichs as our new Board Chair,” said Emily Cooper, Director of ISTI. “She has been a fierce advocate for ISTI’s programming and has fervently supported our growth throughout the years. Laura is a leader in
the academic world and has opened doors for our organization to continue it’s high dosage, high quality programs. We are excited to see how Laura will continue to pave a way for ISTI in the future of the
Illinois STEM ecosystem.”
From CEO & President Colleen Egan: “Since joining The Illinois Science & Technology Coalition and Institute as its President & CEO, Laura Frerichs has been an incredible friend and supporter of my vision for the organization. I am honored to work alongside her and learn from her every day. ISTC has
been very fortunate to have Laura Frerichs as a dedicated board member and our state has been fortunate to have such a visionary for Illinois’ innovation economy. As our new Board Chair Laura continues her legacy of leadership. I’m so excited to begin this journey together.”