Lorince Honored for Leading TechConnectWV
Russ Lorince, founding chairman of TechConnect West Virginia
TechConnect West Virginia honored its founding Chairman, Russ Lorince, at the group’s May board meeting. Lorince served as Chairman of TechConnect from its formation in 2006 until February 2014. He is Vice President of External Affairs for Arch Coal’s Eastern Operations.“Russ’s early commitment to creating an organization devoted to technology-based economic development in West Virginia led to the formation of TechConnect,” said current Chairman John Maher. “His vision, leadership and tenacious support were instrumental in launching TechConnect.”
Under Lorince’s leadership, the organization grew from vision to startup, hired a part-time and later full-time director, and initiated a variety of programs aimed at startup businesses and entrepreneurs.
“Much of this work centers on convening the right partners to collaborate, and his skills are particularly well suited to this key task,” said Mary Hunt, senior program officer at the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. The foundation has been a staunch supporter of TechConnect since its inception.
“Russ’s unique blend of professional experience, gentle persistence, and sense of humor brought together a diverse group of stakeholders and helped meld them into a thriving organization with a shared determination to move forward. We’re grateful to him for contributing so much time and energy into this effort,” Hunt said.
A native of Morgantown, Lorince graduated from Morgantown High School and WVU. He worked for Allegheny Energy for 25 years, ending with the position of Director of State Affairs. Over the years, he has held a variety of managerial positions in economic development, corporate affairs and government relations involving activity in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio. In addition to continuing to serve on TechConnect’s Board, he currently is Chairman of the Board of Vision Shared, Inc. He was Economic Development Director for West Virginia University when TechConnect was incorporated in 2006.