Chief Executive Officer, NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas

Chief Executive Officer
UNC Charlotte Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas
Charlotte, North Carolina

THE SEARCH

Leading the powerhouse coalition selected as a National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine to modernize the nation’s electrical grid and transform the regional economy across North and South Carolina, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is seeking a dynamic, innovative, and transformational Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The coalition includes Clemson University, the South Carolina Research Authority, York Technical College, Joules Accelerator, and more than 100 public and private partners spanning academia, industry, utilities, government, nonprofits, and other regional stakeholders. Backed by up to $160 million in federal support over 10 years, the initiative represents one of the largest grants in the history of the UNC System and is expected, when fully realized, to generate an estimated 20,000 new jobs and $2 billion in economic activity across the Carolinas.

The Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas (GMEC) is part of the NSF’s broader Regional Innovation Engines program, which is designed to build technology-driven regional innovation ecosystems that advance critical technologies, address societal and geostrategic challenges, drive economic growth, create quality jobs, and expand equitable career pathways. NSF Engines bring together diverse partners around an integrated portfolio of use-inspired research, translation and commercialization, entrepreneurship and venture creation, workforce development, community engagement, and ecosystem building. Operating over a period of up to 10 years, these enterprise-scale initiatives are intended to create durable regional capacity and translate innovation into tangible economic and societal outcomes.

For GMEC, this mandate will require an executive leader capable of translating an unprecedented federal investment into measurable, lasting results. The CEO will establish the Engine’s strategy and operations, build and lead a high-performing executive team, coordinate a complex portfolio of activities and partnerships, oversee implementation of the NSF award, and serve as a trusted cross-sector connector and compelling external representative. This leader must be comfortable navigating coalition governance and board oversight while balancing the interests of diverse partners and stakeholders. Operating at the intersection of industry, academia, government, utilities, commercialization partners, and regional stakeholders, the CEO will build the relationships and alignment necessary to move ideas from research and early development through commercialization, workforce development, economic development, and industry adoption. The CEO will also engage funders, elected officials, industry leaders, utilities, government agencies, academic institutions, and regional organizations, while cultivating strategic funding opportunities and building long-term sustainability.

A rare opportunity, the CEO will not simply manage an established institution; they will shape the strategy, culture, partnerships, and long-term capacity of a nationally significant initiative backed by an unprecedented federal investment, creating a lasting impact across the Carolinas and beyond. With an ambitious mandate to convert innovation into new technologies, businesses, jobs, and economic opportunity across the Carolinas, GMEC provides an extraordinary platform for a leader who wants to tackle significant challenges at scale. The role combines the intellectual depth of a leading academic and research environment with the pace and entrepreneurial spirit of a start-up, the reach of a major public-private partnership, and the opportunity to influence the future of the electric grid and the regional economy. The successful candidate will be energized by building, connecting people and institutions, and turning bold ideas into measurable impact.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this important recruitment. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and resumes/CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website.

Rebecca Kennedy, Managing Partner
Karson Freeman, Associate
Ryan Smillie, Managing Search Coordinator
Isaacson, Miller

UNC Charlotte is an equal opportunity employer.