The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES), Maryland’s environmental research university, has appointed Carlene Cassidy to its Board of Visitors. Cassidy is the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation, as well as an entrepreneur, educator, coach and mentor.
"We are delighted to welcome Carlene Cassidy to our Board of Visitors," said Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm, UMCES President and University System of Maryland Vice Chancellor for Sustainability. "She brings an incredible amount of both academic and industry experience to the table, which will be valuable in elevating UMCES as the state’s premier institution for environmental solutions."
Cassidy is known for her dedication to working with various programs to inspire innovation and job creation, including the Ratcliffe Environmental Entrepreneur Fellow (REEF) program, an entrepreneurship program geared towards encouraging students, post-docs and faculty research assistants – at UMCES and the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET) – to explore the potential business aspects of their research. The program celebrated its 10 year anniversary this past September.
"The REEF Program was formed to give our students the business and leadership skills necessary to consider applying their scientific research outside of academia, perhaps with an existing company, or to start their own business, as well as equipping them with the skills and leadership ability necessary for outstanding careers – funding from the Ratcliffe Foundation and Carlene’s hands-on involvement have been crucial to ensuring all UMCES labs can participate in the program," said Russell Hill, professor and IMET Director.
Prior to joining the Ratcliffe Foundation, Cassidy was the founding director of the Anne Arundel Community College Entrepreneurial Studies Institute where she also served as a professor for 18 years. She spent more than a decade in corporate leadership roles including partner and chief operating officer for a multi-million-dollar regional computer consulting firm. In addition, Cassidy co-authored three management-related textbooks published by South-Western Cengage Learning. She earned a master of science degree from Johns Hopkins University in information systems and telecommunications and a bachelor of science degree in health services administration from Providence College.
