TechTown leadership change is real-life lesson for startups
A feature story highlights the growth and development of TechTown and the transition of leadership as Executive Director Randal Charlton steps down. Leslie Smith, general manager and former Michigan Economic Development Corp. director of business acceleration will succeed Charlton as president and CEO expanding the incubator beyond a startup support entity into a regional business development agency. Wayne State University President Allan Gilmour said he hopes that under Smith, TechTown will begin \"graduating\" companies -- growing them beyond startup phase when they can operate without assistance -- allowing the incubator to work with more and more companies. \"Randal certainly did do a terrific job getting it rolling, and Leslie has got the capability of going forward,\" Gilmour said. \"We\'re sad to see Randal go, but I think it\'s a good transition at this time. Under Leslie, we want greater size, scope and greater impact and influence.\"