FAU President Stacy Volnick (Photo by Alex Dolce)

The Research Park at Florida Atlantic University® has elected FAU President Stacy Volnick as chair of the Florida Atlantic Research and Development Authority Board (the Authority) for 2024. This marks the first time an FAU President is chair since 1985.

The research park is governed by the Authority, an independent special district which supports and promotes research and development in affiliation with and related to Florida Atlantic. It fosters technology-based economic development in both Palm Beach and Broward counties.

In her leadership role as chair, Volnick will work closely with the members of the Authority, fellow board members, and the research park’s executive management to continue the park’s mission of promoting research and economic development in South Florida, and to complete the execution of its 2023-25 strategic plan.

“The work of the Research Park at Florida Atlantic has a significant impact on both the University and its surrounding communities,” said Volnick. “I am proud to lead its governing authority this year as we continue to advance its mission for the benefit of our entire region.”

Volnick became a member of the university’s administrative staff in 1991, advancing steadily through the ranks. In 2013, she became vice president for administrative affairs and chief administrative officer, and more recently, she was promoted to chief operating officer. A three-time alumna, she earned a doctorate and master’s degree in educational leadership from FAU’s College of Education, as well as a bachelor’s degree in communication from the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters. Appropriately, her doctoral dissertation addressed the challenges facing women college presidents.

Imran Siddiqui, also a Florida Atlantic alumnus, was elected vice chair. Most recently, he served as the executive director of Tech Equity Miami, leading a $100 million funding consortium dedicated to promoting equity in the tech industry. Before that role, he served as an associate vice president at Broward College where he successfully built and launched BCEx, an award-winning accelerator and entrepreneurship center.

“We are thrilled to have President Volnick and Imran Siddiqui step up and be elected to lead the Research Park at Florida Atlantic at this important time,” said Andrew Duffell, president of the research park. “Their leadership and expertise will be invaluable as we drive innovation and collaboration between the companies based in the Research Park and the research faculty and students at Florida Atlantic. I look forward to working with both of them to achieve our goals and support economic growth in our region.”

-FAU-