Urban Innovation21's President and CEO William Generett Jr. Appointed to Serve as a Member of the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Urban Innovation21 President & CEO William Generett Jr. has been selected to serve on the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NACIE), U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker announced today. Generett is one of 27 NACIE members who will advise the Secretary of Commerce on issues related to accelerating innovation, expanding entrepreneurship, and developing a globally competitive workforce. The Council will operate as an independent entity within the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIE), which is housed within the U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA).

"Through our 'Open for Business Agenda,' the Commerce Department has prioritized supporting entrepreneurs and helping foster innovation, which are key drivers of America's global competitiveness," said Secretary Pritzker. "The new NACIE members are a diverse and dynamic group of successful entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors, as well as leaders from nonprofit organizations and academia. I appreciate their willingness to serve our nation on these important issues, and I look forward to working with the Council to advance innovation and cultivate a skilled workforce for today's 21^st century jobs."

NACIE's overarching focus is recommending transformational policies to the Secretary that will help U.S. communities, businesses, and the workforce become more globally competitive. NACIE members, who will serve a two year term, were chosen based on their ability to carry out the objectives of the Council. All of the appointees have demonstrated expertise and experience in the areas of innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce skills. In reviewing the applications, the Secretary sought individuals who have been nationally recognized leaders in a variety of fields in order to create a balanced point of view, including a representation of different demographics, organization size, industry sector, and geographic regions.

"I am excited to serve and honored to be selected" said Generett.  "Around 2040 Latinos and African Americans will make up the majority of the US population and they will be concentrated in the cities that are in the center of many regional high growth economies.  Our success or failure at creating 'inclusive' regional innovation economies within the next two decades will ultimately determine our nation's competitiveness.   I really look forward to working with my colleagues on the council to drive holistic entrepreneurial growth and innovation throughout the United States."

William Generett, is the inaugural President and CEO of Urban Innovation21, a regional public-private economic development partnership that links successful innovation economy clusters with the needs and assets of inner city communities to produce sustainable economies. Under Generett's leadership Urban Innovation21 has been recognized nationally for its work to connect underserved communities and their residents to the greater Pittsburgh region's most successful innovation ecosystems. He is also a partner at the MAPA Group, a DC based consulting firm.  Generett's career includes that of an entrepreneur, corporate executive, attorney and teacher. 

The full list of NACIE board members and more information on the council is available here.

Urban Innovation21 Partners and Supporters: Alcoa Foundation, Allegheny County Department of Economic Development, Carlow University, Community College of Allegheny County, Duquesne University, the Heinz Endowments, the Hill House Association, Hillman Foundation, Idea Foundry, Innovation Works, McAuley Ministries, PA  Department  of Community and Economic Development, PNC Bank, Point Park University, Reed Smith, Richard King Mellon Foundation, Roy A. Hunt Foundation, Reed Smith,  Surdna  Foundation,  UPMC Health Plan, The Urban Redevelopment Authority of the City of Pittsburgh 

SOURCE Urban Innovation21