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Jill Sorensen Named SCRA’s New Director of Entrepreneurial Programs

Summerville, S.C. – SCRA, a public, non-profit chartered with fostering the Innovation Economy of South Carolina, has announced the appointment of Jill Sorensen, J.D. as the new Director of Entrepreneurial Programs and Executive Director of SC Launch. Jill is an innovation manager with more than twenty-five years of experience in emerging technology, intellectual asset management and economic development.

In her new role, Jill will oversee the direction of SCRA’s entrepreneurial programs, under which provides investments, grant opportunities, mentoring and support to early-stage technology companies in the Life Science, IT and Advanced Manufacturing/Materials industries.

Jill is assuming this role upon the retirement of Greg Hillman, who worked in SCRA’s SC Launch program for more than ten years, during which time the program provided grants and investments to more than 330 companies. During Greg’s time with the company, SC Launch Portfolio Companies secured more than $650 million of external capital.

Prior to joining SCRA, Jill directed an innovation management consultancy that advised startups across the health, energy, transportation and manufacturing sectors. Jill co-founded and directed the Baltimore-Washington Electric Vehicle Initiative, a division of the non-profit Electric Vehicle Association of the Greater Washington DC area. Additionally, she served as Executive Director of the Johns Hopkins University Technology Transfer Office and taught innovation management at the university. Before joining Johns Hopkins, Jill worked for the University of Illinois directing its Office of Technology Management and serving as in-house intellectual property counsel. Jill is a registered patent attorney, earned her J.D. from DePaul University and her B.A. from Northwestern University.

“Jill’s diverse experience makes her uniquely qualified for this position,” said SCRA Executive Director Bob Quinn. “Her skill sets will benefit each aspect of the role, and we are excited she has joined the team.”

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About SCRA

Chartered in 1983 by the State of South Carolina as a public, non-profit corporation, SCRA fosters South Carolina’s Innovation Economy by supporting entrepreneurs, enabling academic research and its commercialization, and connecting industry to innovators.

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Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.