DETROIT – Randal Charlton is stepping down as the Wayne State University Executive Director to led an organization that enables adults over 50 to engage in Southeast Michigan’s new economy by creating pathways to pursue career changes, entrepreneurship and meaningful volunteer service.
Replacing Charlton on Nov. 1 will be TechTown General Manager Leslie Smith Smith who joined TechTown in July 2010 from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, where she was director of business acceleration. Smith had direct oversight of a $300 million investment portfolio, including state and federal grant and loan programs.
“Leslie Smith has already made an impact on TechTown’s performance, and I’m convinced that she, together with her talented team, will scale TechTown’s operations to make a major difference in Detroit,” Charlton said. “It’s been a privilege to be a part of TechTown’s early development, and I am grateful for the broad support from Wayne State University, the Henry Ford Health System, government of all levels and the foundations that have gotten behind this important initiative.”
Former Wayne State University President Irvin D. Reid appointed Charlton Interim Executive Director of TechTown on April 1, 2007. In 2009 he was confirmed as Executive Director.
Since Charlton first took command of a nearly empty industrial building with just a smattering of resources, TechTown has transformed into a thriving entrepreneurial community. TechTown currently supports 250 companies and has introduced 8,000 Michigan residents to an entrepreneurial culture through events and walk-in sessions. Additionally, more than 2,200 entrepreneurs have received training through TechTown. To date, TechTown has invested $700,000 directly in early-stage businesses and helped clients raise $14 million in follow-on funding.
Upon resigning from TechTown, Charlton will transition into a leadership position with BOOM! The New Economy, a collaborative program funded by the Community Foundation and administered by TechTown, AARP Michigan, Operation ABLE, the Luella Hannan Memorial Foundation and the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce. It enables adults over the age of 50 to engage in Southeast Michigan’s new economy by creating pathways to pursue career changes, entrepreneurship and meaningful volunteer service.
Charlton hopes to continue contributing blogs, interviews and articles.
“Under Randal’s leadership, TechTown has achieved global recognition as a critical economic catalyst in Detroit,” Smith said. “At a time when Detroiters desperately needed hope, they found it at TechTown in the form of a leader who had no boundaries, only the willingness to think beyond the status quo to move Detroit forward with entrepreneurial enthusiasm. We are blessed to have had Randal’s visionary passion at TechTown for the past four years and look forward to many more years of partnering with him to support the baby boomer entrepreneur.
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