Bob Duffy, who is president and CEO of the Rochester Business Alliance, will now have another title. He has been named Chairman of the AIM Photonics Leadership Council, which is tasked with establishing the strategic and technical direction for the $600 million photonics institute that was announced in July.
As chairman, Duffy will be involved in working with industry and government officials as well as strategic planning and management.
AIM Photonics CEO Michael Liehr says that Duffy, a former Lieutenant Governor, has a "global network of business and professional relationships" and he says no one has a deeper knowledge of the Rochester business landscape.
Duffy tells WXXI News that a lot of what he will be doing is working to create closer ties with companies that could be bring more high tech manufacturing to Rochester.
“First of all, I’m not a photonics expert obviously, but they wanted someone who could really help foster relationships with the many CEO’s and businesses from around the country, and even around the world that hopefully will be involved with this effort.”
Separate from the Leadership Council, a seven-person governance board will also be created to help oversee and implement the photonics program.
The Leadership Council is a requirement of the U.S. Department of Defense. The chairman is one of five founding members and the remaining members will be announced in the near future. They are volunteer positions and receive no compensation.