
The Foundation

Start With a Strong Foundation
The Auburn Research and Technology Foundation supports Auburn University and its Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development by expanding new contracts and partnerships, translating applied research into commercialized opportunities and new business ventures, and providing an entrepreneurial business environment. ARTF operates in the Auburn Research Park, located on over 170 acres adjacent to the Auburn campus.
Auburn University bolsters businesses in their infancy, and improves processes and provides training to mature businesses. The innovation ecosystem at Auburn University includes the New Venture Accelerator, the Tiger Cage student start-up competition, LAUNCH faculty research competition, idea protection and marketing through the office of Innovation, Advancement & Commercialization, and the newly opened Research and Innovation Center in Auburn Research Park.
Board Members

James H. Sanford
Chairman

James Weyhenmeyer, PhD
President

Bill Ham Jr.
Secretary

Bill Dean
Executive Director

Mayor Ron Anders, Jr.

Greg Barker

Chris Crumbly

Michael A. DeMaioribus

Robert W. Dumas

Thom Gossom Jr.

Patrick T. Murphy, Jr.

Vini Nathan, PhD

Jim Odom

Paul M. Patterson, Ph.D.

Dr. Annette L. Ranft

Christopher B. Roberts, PhD

John G. Rocovich, Jr. JD, LLM

David R. Thrasher, MD
Staff

Bill Dean
Executive Director

Cary Chandler
Senior Director

Leslie Parsons Chapman
Director, Strategic Initiatives and Public Relations

Phil Dunlap
Director, Auburn Research Park

Barbara Norell
Business Manager
Director of Events

Lori Bugg
Accounts Manager

Cathy Baker
Administrative Support