The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC), with support from the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED), continues a robust search process for a permanent President and Chief Executive Officer. Timothy J. McGourthy, who has served as acting President and CEO at MLSC since January, departed for a new role with the City of Worcester, and Damon Cox, who currently serves as Assistant Secretary for Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at EOHED, will assume the interim role as the search process continues. MLSC and its partners are grateful for the contributions of Mr. McGourthy and welcome Mr. Cox during this time of transition.
Mr. Cox also serves as the Assistant Secretary for Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In this role he works closely with the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and MassVentures to implement and execute innovation strategies for the commonwealth. Cox also served as co-chair of the MLSC Board of Directors as Secretary Kennealy’s designee between 2018 and 2019.
Before joining the Baker-Polito administration in 2018, Cox oversaw The Boston Foundation’s economic development portfolio of investments in workforce development, innovation, and economic mobility, where he steered capital and support to women and underrepresented minorities starting businesses. During this time he established the Business Equity Fund in collaboration with Eastern Bank and the Business Equity Initiative. In addition, he led a joint effort with MassChallenge, to increase participant diversity, resulting in 30 women- and minority-led start-ups completing rigorous business training and mentorship. Cox earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of North Florida.