Koshut named board president of research parks group

HUNTSVILLE – Erin Koshut, executive director of Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park, has been named president of the Board of Directors for the Association of University Research Parks.

AURP is a nonprofit organization representing more than 250 college-associated research parks and innovation districts globally. The organization also has corporate members supporting initiatives such as planning, building, and operations of these research communities.

“I’m honored to represent Huntsville, Alabama and Cummings Research Park while serving on the AURP Board of Directors,” said Koshut. “All communities of innovation are important drivers of innovation, not just for their local communities but globally.

“AURP brings together diverse teams to identify best practices, bridge ideas and work toward collaborations that will solve big challenges. I look forward to working alongside my peers to help advance this mission.”

Cummings Research Park has been a member of AURP since 1987; Koshut has served on the board since 2019 as secretary and vice president before her appointment as president.

Her two-year term as president runs until Dec. 31, 2024.

“Erin is a visionary leader in our community with a passion for Cummings Research Park,” said Lucia Cape, senior vice president of Economic Development for the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. “She has created a dynamic environment in the park that attracts talent while propelling Huntsville to the world stage through her work with AURP.

“We are proud of her role with the association this year and know she will add value and energy to the organization.”

Koshut will be responsible for helping set strategy and direction for the association, focused on membership retention and engagement, financial sustainability, plus diverse, equitable and inclusive programming.

“Research parks and innovation districts are central to fostering groundbreaking discoveries built on unique public-private partnerships,” said Vickie Palmer, AURP CEO. “Most recently, Erin has chaired the Creating Communities of Innovation 101 program including the strategy and implementation of a digital on-demand series for those just starting the process of creating their own unique community of innovation.

“I am honored to serve alongside Erin in her new association role and am confident Erin will continue to drive high-impact collaboration for our network.”