DATE: January 30, 2008

CONTACT: John Kelly, (864) 656-3015
jkelly@clemson.edu

WRITER: Debbie Dalhouse, (864) 656-6737
ddalhou@clemson.edu

Karl Kelly will lead public-private partnerships for Restoration Institute and biotechnology at Clemson University

CLEMSON – Karl B. Kelly will join Clemson University on Feb. 1 to develop public-private partnerships for biotechnology and the Restoration Institute.

“Karl has a long history of developing public-private partnerships and a proven ability to assist start-up R&D companies in advancing technology to the marketplace,” said John Kelly, Clemson vice president for public service activities and executive director of the Restoration Institute. “His strong relationships in transferring university technology to private industry make him the ideal candidate to lead this initiative for Clemson University.”

To assume his duties at Clemson, Karl Kelly will resign as CEO of SC BIO, the state’s biotechnology incubation program, but will continue as a consultant with the organization.

In his new role with the university, Kelly will continue to promote biotechnology development, particularly human genetics-nutrition research at the Greenwood Genetic Center and biofuels and transgenic plant research at the Pee Dee Research and Education Center in Florence. He also will encourage rural economic development through the Clemson Institute for Economic and Community Development in Columbia.

Kelly will develop partnerships that advance Restoration Institute programs in advanced materials, community revitalization, historic preservation, renewable energy and restoration ecology. These duties include identifying industries that may locate at the Restoration Institute’s North Charleston site, assisting in development of a master plan and leading site development and facilities management as programs are implemented.

Kelly brings 27 years experience in business development, marketing, project development, industrial development, technology transfer/commercialization, and consulting in the areas of business/company development, facility planning, company financing, site location, and manufacturing.

He has served as CEO of SC BIO since its formation. Prior to that, he served as senior vice president of sales and marketing at Suitt Construction Co., executive vice president of the Birmingham Metropolitan Development Board, director of business development for Fluor Daniel Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals, coordinator of real estate and facility planning for Genentech, and project director for Fluor Daniel siting and consulting services.

His consulting experience focuses on life sciences, biotechnology and related sectors, including enzymes, biopharmaceuticals, food additives and biochemicals. Construction experience includes direct sales, market analysis, market development, contract negotiation, management, facility planning, site location, real estate management, real estate negotiation, financial analysis and project management. His international experience includes project management in Europe, Asia, Mexico, Caribbean, Australia and Canada.  

He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in city and regional planning, both from Clemson University, and is a member of the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineers, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), and the Palmetto Biotechnology Alliance. He led formation of the state’s Bioenergy Research Collaborative that includes Clemson, the Savannah River National Laboratory, South Carolina State University, and SC BIO.

Kelly can be reached at the Restoration Institute at (843) 554-7226.

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