Heather Hage

Heather Hage is President & CEO of the Griffiss Institute, a leading national nonprofit talent and technology accelerator for the United States Department of Defense and an international network of academic, government and industry partners. Heather leads the expansion of the GI’s portfolio of DOD talent and technology development programs for command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I), cyber operations, robotics, and electromagnetic spectrum research, and is leading the GI through the standup of its new R&D and incubator facilities and programs at Innovare Advancement Center. Innovare is a 150,000 square foot open innovation hub, adjacent to the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate in Rome, NY, that converges world-class scientific, engineering, and entrepreneurial talent from universities, government, and industry to tackle Air Force and Space Force challenges in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, quantum communications, and unmanned aerial systems. Innovare’s unique capabilities include access to specialized laboratories for experimentation in quantum communications and neuromorphic computing, 40,000 square feet of high-tech and high-speed communications-enabled collaboration spaces, an auditorium with capacity for over 250 people, and 50-mile drone corridor for advanced unmanned aircraft operations.

Prior to joining the Griffiss Institute, Heather served the State University of New York for 17 years in various roles, departing as Vice President for Industry and External Affairs for SUNY Research Foundation, where she was responsible for the divisions of innovation and partnerships, technology transfer, external relations, communications, economic development, affiliated corporations, strategic planning, and new ventures. Heather served as the founding Managing Director of the SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund and SUNY Startup Summer School. A graduate of Hamilton College and Albany Law School, where she was Managing Editor of the Journal of Science and Technology, Heather’s professional background includes media relations, telecommunications, IP management and corporate finance. An active investor and board member, Heather is the recipient of various honors and awards, including SUNY’s 2015 Woman of Excellence award for outstanding service, exemplary support of women in leadership, and a distinguished career.

When Heather is not working, you can find her in the Adirondacks, with her family.