Sheryl Waddell Named Director of Economic Development and Innovation Hubs for UNC-Chapel Hill

Sheryl Waddell, Director of Economic Development and Innovation Hubs

Originally Published: June 14, 2022
By Shellie Edge and Justin Hickland, Innovate Carolina
Photography by Sarah Daniels and Brock Pierce, Innovate Carolina

Sheryl Waddell has been named director of economic development and innovation hubs for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In this role, Waddell will lead the implementation of UNC-Chapel Hill’s economic development strategy centered around innovation, talent, and place by engaging with University and community partners, including corporate, nonprofit and government leaders. As a senior leader of Innovate Carolina – the University’s central team for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development – Waddell’s work focuses on enhancing career opportunities for students and creating economic vibrancy for the local community, region and state.

Waddell will also lead the innovation hub and innovation district initiative, which will provide innovation spaces to a community of entrepreneurs and industry leaders in the heart of Chapel Hill. The hub is part of the Carolina Economic Development Strategy, which aims to create a downtown innovation district that will retain, attract and grow more innovation-oriented companies and talent in Chapel Hill. It’s vital for industry and businesses to have a larger presence in Chapel Hill, and as part of her new role, Waddell will help facilitate relationships with industry partners on behalf of the University in a more holistic way. . . [Read the entire article at https://innovate.unc.edu/sheryl-waddell-named-director-economic-development-innovation-hubs/]