Associates and Special Advisors

Richard Clinch, PhD

Richard has a more than 20-year track record of work on both traditional and technology-led economic development at the local, regional, state and national level. Dr. Clinch focuses on the areas of economic competitiveness, economic and fiscal impact analysis, and workforce development with substantial experience in working with universities, research parks, state and local economic development agencies, and workforce investment boards.

Mark Crowell

Mark Crowell brings over 35 years of experience as a leader in academic innovation and business development. Throughout his career leading major research university programs, Mark has helped elevate and transform university-based innovation enterprises. The innovation programs he has led have helped to launch more than 135 startup companies and numerous products and services. Currently he serves on a part-time basis as Professor of Practice for Eshelman Innovation at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

William Higbee

Bill is a leading healthcare consultant with over 30 years’ experience in strategic planning, operations improvement, and systems implementation consulting to major provider, health insurance, pharmaceutical, and government organizations in the U.S. and internationally. During his career, Bill held several leadership positions for Accenture, including Metro New York Provider Practice Lead and Asia Pacific Healthcare Practice Lead. He holds a BA with Honors in Economics from Colgate University.

David Hochman

David serves clients in the government and nonprofit sectors as an independent consulting contractor to TEConomy Partners and other clients. David holds an AB in the history of science from Princeton University and an MBA in finance from NYU’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business. He has also played key roles in several of TEConomy Partners and Battelle’s landmark national reports.

Walter Plosila, PhD

Walt brings extensive experience in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Formerly Vice President of Battelle Technology Partnership Practice, he remains a sought-after speaker and advisor on technological innovation and technology-based economic development throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Gwen Trautner

Gwen has more than 25 years of experience in the field of Human Resources Management including expertise in strategic planning and organizational design. Gwen is a detail-oriented professional with strong communication, project management, client relations, facilitation, and problem-solving skills. Gwen holds an MBA from Cleveland State University and a BBA Summa Cum Laude from Ohio University’s College of Business.