USA's Chambers Named to Alabama Innovation Corporation Board

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Posted on December 15, 2021

Lance Crawford

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Governor Kay Ivey and Condoleezza Rice, 66th U.S. secretary of state and director of the Hoover Institution, recently shared the Alabama Innovation Commission’s policy recommendations and announced the Alabama Innovation Corporation board of directors as part of a shared vision to grow Alabama’s economy through innovation and technology.

The governor established the commission and its advisory council in July 2020 with a charge to develop forward-thinking policy recommendations and ideas to create a more robust, inclusive economy that supports entrepreneurship, innovation and technology.   

The Alabama Innovation Corporation was subsequently formed to execute the stated mission with the benefit of the recommendations and findings of the Commission.

University of South Alabama Associate Vice President of Research, Dr. Michael Chambers was named as one of the board members.

"I am truly honored to be selected for this important mission. This vision of Governor Ivey and the Alabama Legislature is a bold one," Chambers said. “The prior work and recommended initiatives of the Alabama Innovation Commission are inspiring. I look forward to working with the other appointees to the new Alabama Innovation Corporation to make this vision a reality."

The commission, led by Alabama Finance Director Bill Poole and State Sen. Greg Reed, brought together private-sector experts and policymakers to develop legislative priorities for Alabama to remain competitive.

The advisory council, led by Alabama Power Executive Vice President Zeke Smith, included innovation leaders from across the nation, and a partnership with Hoover Institution research scholars led by Rice, to support the commission’s work.

“I’m proud to be a daughter of Alabama, and believe that Alabama’s education, job training and workforce development can be second to none. This state is poised for an even greater future here and we are excited to be a part of that,” said Rice. “The Hoover Institution will continue to partner with the state and the Alabama Innovation Corporation to support this initiative as Alabama continues to push for strengthening its economy so life can be good for all Alabamians.”

Chambers has a law degree and a Ph.D. as well as a diverse background in business. He co-founded InnoRx Pharmaceuticals, an ocular drug delivery company. He has served as chairman of the board of a public company, as well as serving on boards of several private companies in the life sciences sector. He has been recognized as "Start-Up Executive of the Year" by Alabama Launchpad and Entrepreneur of the Year by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. At South, he leads instruction of a rapid commercialization course known as I-Corps and a team-based mentoring program licensed from MIT, known as RAMP. 

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