Upcoming: UEDA Innovation Network Hosts Waymaker Group

Date: Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (ET)

Register for this event

Join the UEDA Innovation Affinity Network next week to hear from the Waymaker Group.

Waymaker Group is a full-service technology-based economic development firm that has spent the last decade focused on jumpstarting innovation ecosystems in emerging cities. Waymaker’s partnerships and expertise help city leaders plan and source funding for mixed-use innovation spaces, develop clusters, attract anchor tenants, and build diverse talent pipelines.

Waymaker Group will present on their work and how they collaborate with university and industry partners. They will discuss how high education can best engage with industry, strategies for coalition development, and leveraging university strengths to secure state funding for commercialization. Waymaker Group will be joined by the Michigan State University Research Foundation and Fraunhofer to discuss their experiences.

Meet the Presenters

Julie Huls is the founder and CEO of Waymaker Group. With more than two decades of experience, Julie ignites growth opportunities for mid-market cities looking to jumpstart innovation economies, build diverse talent pipelines, and fuel a more equitable and economically diverse America.​ Before starting Waymaker Group, Julie served as President and CEO of the Austin Technology Council, an association that represents 300 Central Texas technology companies and their executives and $29 billion in annual regional economic impact. She’s also served as the CEO of the DoSeum, a STEM foundation for kids 0-12, President and Founder of TalkMedia a public relations agency, and in executive functions for real estate ventures nationwide. Julie has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois and a Master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Dallas Browning is an expert in economic development, urban innovation, and technology-driven venture formation. With over seven years of experience, he began his career at the Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation (KSTC). Here he spearheaded strategic initiatives such as the creation of an industry consortium for the KY Aerospace & Defense industry and a first-of-its-kind workforce reskilling program for veterans and transitioning service personnel. Dallas has advised state government departments in economic and workforce Development, worked with think tanks like Heartland Forward, and has passed or advised on state legislation focused on everything from innovative research to venture capital policy. 

Jeffrey Jothum Smith is an instructor of urban and regional planning in the School of Planning, Design and Construction at Michigan State University. He is also director of the University Corporate Research Park at the MSU Foundation. In his role at the Research Park, Smith manages and directs the real estate and economic development opportunities, to include the Research Park and the Technology Innovation Center business incubator, as well as develops opportunities and resources for companies commercializing University technologies into the marketplace.

Russ Zarras is the Fraunhofer USA Marketing and Communications Manager. He was previously the Communications Manager for the Fraunhofer USA Center for Coatings and Diamond Technologies. He oversees the marketing and communication activities of Fraunhofer USA by working to promote interest and awareness of the organization to potential customers and partners with the goal to grow business for the centers. He has worked on large variety of industry and governmental research projects and has also worked to better develop the relationship between the center and its university partner, Michigan State University.