VCU Names New Enterprise and Economic Development Executive

By Anne Buckley

Virginia Commonwealth University has named Nicole M. Colomb to the newly created position of Enterprise and Economic Development executive.

Colomb will be tasked with development and execution of the university’s economic development agenda as a major economic engine in the Greater Richmond area. The position supports VCU’s strategic plan, Quest for Distinction, which includes an emphasis on commercialization of intellectual property and economic development.

“Nicky’s experience with evaluation of new technologies and helping medical companies successfully navigate the commercialization process is a real added value to the office,” said Ivelina Metchiva, executive director of VCU’s Office of Tech Transfer, where the new position resides. “With this position, our office strengthens its commitment to increasing industry collaborations, enhancing the entrepreneurial culture at VCU and supporting the development of new innovations.”

Colomb previously was vice president of marketing and business development for Virginia Life Science Investments and the Virginia Biosciences Commercialization Center, where she evaluated a diverse range of medical technologies for potential investment and led portfolio companies through the commercialization process to ensure maximization of shareholder value. Prior to that, she was director of marketing at the Virginia Biotechnology Research Park. During that time, Colomb served as a life sciences consultant for the Greater Richmond Partnership, the region’s economic development agency, coordinating all life sciences marketing initiatives and working with prospective bioscience companies.

“Nicky is well known and respected in the economic development community,” said Gregory H. Wingfield, president of Greater Richmond Partnership Inc. “VCU is a major economic development asset for the region. It helps to attract and retain industry and having her as the designated point of contact for these activities will help us leverage resources at VCU to meet the needs of both local and prospective companies.”

Colomb received an undergraduate degree from Fredonia State University and a MBA from VCU.