About Us — Our Team
William Brah
Assistant Vice Provost for Research and Executive Director
Before launching the Venture Development Center, Bill was a special assistant to the UMass Vice President for Economic Development. He led a pioneering multi-campus clean tech initiative that created new university-industry research and development centers, technology licenses and start-up companies.
Bill brings to the Venture Development Center over 25 years of building and leading a variety of organizations. These include a business trade association in Boston, policy research center in Chicago, governor’s policy council in Madison, and a science agency in Washington, D.C. Bill was instrumental in several landmark initiatives such as the Massachusetts Green Energy Fund and the Great Lakes Protection Fund.
Bill is committed to collaboration as the best strategy for achieving innovation. Read his blog about innovation at the university.
Bill earned a master’s degree in business administration/marine resource management from Texas A&M University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Regis College in Denver.
Contact Bill at 617-287-7723 or william.brah@umb.edu.
John Ciccarelli
Assistant to the Chancellor for Economic Development
John brings the resources of the Office of the Chancellor to the Venture Development Center. He is responsible for linking UMass Boston faculty, students and staff to state and local governments, neighborhoods and communities in order to enhance economic development in Metropolitan Boston and the Commonwealth.
Prior to assuming this position, he was State Director of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center headquartered at University of Massachusetts Amherst. John was the first Deputy Commissioner for Small Business in Massachusetts and assisted in the establishment of the State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance.
He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the College of the Holy Cross and Masters of Public Administration from Northeastern University. He currently sits on numerous committees throughout Boston focused on economic development.
Contact John Ciccarelli at 617-287-7893 or john.ciccarelli@umb.edu.
Susan Daudelin
Director of Industry Relations
Prior to joining the Venture Development Center in 2007, Susan held the position of program analyst reporting to the Head of International Commercial Development at Genzyme Corporation. This group assessed business development opportunities that were generated outside of U.S. She has also worked in corporate communications in biotech.
Susan brings to the Venture Development Center strong business development skills, communications experience, and a passion for new business creation and funding.
In her role with the Venture Development Center, Susan strategizes and creates research and development partnership opportunities that connect researchers and entrepreneurs with industry partners and with other institutions. She also manages the intellectual property program for the UMass Boston campus.
A graduate of Williams College she is currently completing her MBA at UMass Boston.
Susan may be reached at 617-287-7510 or susan.daudelin@umb.edu.
Christine DePalma
Program Manager
Christine joined the Venture Development Center in 2007, having previously served as the communications coordinator for the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost at UMass Boston. She brings to the Venture Development Center strong relationships with academic leadership and faculty, extraordinary management skills, and a commitment to excellence.
Christine manages the Venture Development Center’s daily operations and program. In addition, she focuses on connecting faculty to the university’s strategic research and development initiatives.
Christine is currently completing her master’s degree in applied linguistics at UMass Boston. A proud alumnus of UMass Boston, she was selected by the chancellor and featured in university publication, “Inspiring Minds, Inspiring Lives”.
Contact Chris at 617-287-5629 or christine.depalma@umb.edu.