Copyright © 2012, Tulsa Business Journal
Scott Meacham, a director with the Crowe & Dunlevy law firm and former Oklahoma State Treasurer, has been named the president and CEO of i2E Inc., a not-for-profit corporation that provides a suite of services for the state’s high growth startup companies, the company announced Wednesday. The company has offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
Meacham was recently selected as i2E’s fourth CEO in its 14-year history. He succeeds Tom Walker, who resigned from the post at the end of July to accept a similar position with TechColumbus in Ohio.
Meacham, who has served on i2E’s board of directors since 2010, will assume CEO duties on Jan. 1. He served as Oklahoma State Treasurer from 2005 to 2011 during the administration of Gov. Brad Henry.
Meacham said he was attracted to the i2E position because of the leading role the company has taken in building the state’s knowledge-based economy.
i2E provides venture advisory services, access to more than $25 million in capital and entrepreneurial development through its Fellows program and management of the Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup, a statewide collegiate business plan competition.
“My position on the i2E board of directors provided an insider’s view to witness the innovative ways this organization has worked to help build new companies that create jobs and wealth for the state,” Meacham said.
“The unanimous selection of Meacham as chief executive officer concluded a national search by the i2E board of directors,” said Howard Barnett, Jr., chairman-elect of the i2E board and president of Oklahoma State University-Tulsa and Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. “We considered applicants from across the nation, but it soon became apparent that Scott Meacham possessed all the qualities we sought in a person to lead this organization into the future.
“He brings financial expertise to the role from deep experience as a former banker and state treasurer, as well as legal and business savvy from his current position as a practicing attorney with one of the state’s largest law firms.”
Meacham will lead an organization that has advised 550 companies, an impressive portfolio that has attracted more than $770 million of funding to Oklahoma including $489 million from private investment.
“I’ve served with Scott on the i2E Board of Directors for the past two years, so I know what he brings to the company as far as knowledge of its mission and its programs,” said Roy Williams, Chairman of the i2E Board and President of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. “I’m excited that we have a man of such quality and expertise to take the reins of the organization and move it forward.”
Meacham said his first order of business would be to help build greater visibility and an expanded scope for a company that serves a vital role in helping to build Oklahoma’s economy.
“I’m looking forward to helping i2E expand its role as one of the state’s most valuable resources for researchers and entrepreneurs who are striving to build successful businesses,” Meacham said. “I’m ready to go to work.”
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