Dr. Brett Malone named new CEO of Cherokee Farm Development Corporation
Malone has also played a pivotal role in driving growth through entrepreneurial leadership throughout his career.
Cherokee Farm Development Corporation (CFDC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Brett Malone as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective September 30, 2024. With over 20 years of experience in leadership roles across advanced research and commercial programs, CFDC said Malone brings a dynamic, innovative approach to growth.
Malone previously led the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, where he spearheaded the development and execution of a master plan for the 200-acre campus and oversaw $110 million in transactions for commercial and academic research facilities.
Through his leadership, revenue increased 50 percent during his first three years and he extended the enterprise to new locations across Virginia, including key sites adjacent to research hubs such as the Thomas Jefferson National Lab, a Department of Energy nuclear research facility.
Throughout his career, Malone has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation and collaboration, leading successful efforts to secure funding for complex projects through various means such as state and local funding, private sector financing, and donor-based proceeds. His expertise in real estate financing and strategic planning makes him ideally suited to support the unique needs of both the University of Tennessee (UT) and commercial tenants.
“I am honored to join Cherokee Farm Development Corporation and excited to contribute to the mission of elevating UT’s research enterprise,” Malone said. “Together, we will accelerate technologies that are critical to global growth such as clean energy, health sciences, and advanced manufacturing. CFDC will play a key role in driving innovation and economic growth in Tennessee and beyond.”
Malone, who holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Virginia Tech, has also played a pivotal role in driving growth through entrepreneurial leadership. As a Co-Founder and CEO of Phoenix Integration, he led the funding and growth phases to capture top aerospace companies and ultimately a successful exit. As Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Intrexon (now Precigen), he helped guide the company through its early formation which led to a 2013 IPO. His leadership has fostered partnerships with global corporations such as Boeing, GE, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, and DARPA, reflecting his commitment to driving innovation through collaboration.
Dr. Malone will succeed Tom Rogers, who was instrumental in laying the foundation for CFDC’s ongoing success since 2019, and Interim President and CEO, Tony Hopson, who has been shepherding CFDC through this transition period.
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