Zaehringer named deputy director of CASE at Syracuse University

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Center for Advanced Systems and Engineering (CASE) at Syracuse University has announced the hiring of Peter H. Zaehringer as deputy director.

In this role, Zaehringer will contribute to the center’s strategic plan, oversee the implementation of goals, and offer leadership and management of CASE’s day-to-day operations, according to a university news release.

Zaehringer most recently served as VP of economic development at the Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce in Wisconsin. He helped bring together more than 300 regional stakeholders to develop the region’s “first comprehensive” economic-development strategy centered on innovation, retention, and attraction of businesses and talent. “His efforts were instrumental in attracting TitletownTech — a globally competitive innovation destination and partnership between the Green Bay Packers and Microsoft,” the release stated. Zaehringer also directed the Advance Business Development Center, a business and manufacturing incubator.

“I am delighted that we have been able to attract Peter to Syracuse from Green Bay, where his accomplishments in the area of economic development were truly impressive,” Pramod K. Varshney, director of CASE and professor of electrical engineering and computer science, said. “I believe that his skill set is ideal for this position and I expect that he will be instrumental in taking CASE to a new level.”

CASE is an Empire State Development Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR) Center for Advanced Technology. The center says it helps companies identify faculty collaborators and establish joint university-industry research projects; nurture ongoing relationships with industry partners, co-op companies, and corporate prospects; network with other high-tech businesses; and engage with local and state government and economic-development organizations.

CASE has operated on the Syracuse University campus since 1984. It currently works with more than 60 companies, leveraging nearly $1 million in annual state investment with “well over” the required $1.25 million matching funds from industry, the release stated. The center’s total economic impact, as measured by the state over the last 20 years has topped $500 million, growing businesses and bringing new revenues, jobs, and investment to New York State.

“Peter rose to the top of a rich pool of candidates in a national search because of his significant experience in economic development, his passion for facilitating university-industry partnerships, and his leadership skills in making good things happen,” John Liu, VP for research at Syracuse University, said.

Contact Rombel at arombel@cnybj.com

Photo credit: Syracuse University