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Paula Sorrell
Board Member, Associate Vice President - Innovation & Economic Development at George Mason University
Paula Sorrell is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in technology commercialization, entrepreneurial education, and economic development. She currently serves as the Associate Vice President of Innovation & Economic Development at George Mason University, a position she has held since May 2020.1
Professional Background
In her role at George Mason University, Paula leads a team of over 200 people across various departments and initiatives, including:
- Office of Tech Transfer
- Entrepreneurship programming
- Six business incubators
- Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
- Virginia Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)/APEX
- Women's Business Center
- A Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)
- A maker space
- Mason campus place making, including Innovation Corridor Development related to Amazon HQ21
Board Memberships and Advisory Roles
Paula is actively involved in numerous boards and advisory committees, showcasing her expertise and influence in the field:
- American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute (LIFT)
- State Science & Technology Institute Leadership Committee
- Institute for Biohealth Innovation Advisory Council
- Potomac Quantum Innovation Center Steering Committee
- Fairfax County Innovation Economic Advisory Board
- Fairfax County Founders Fund Advisory Board
- Prince William County Life Science Leadership Committee
- Arlington Economic Commission1
She has also served as a reviewer for the National Science Foundation and held positions on various other boards in the past, including the University of Michigan Office of Tech Transfer and the Michigan Venture Capital Association.1
Previous Experience
Before joining George Mason University, Paula ran her own consulting firm, Paula, LLC, from June 2015 to present. In this role, she provided strategy consulting services to universities, tech companies, and non-profit organizations. Her clients included the University of Michigan, University of Miami, and the Department of Defense - Office of Economic Adjustment.1
Paula Sorrell's extensive experience and leadership in innovation, economic development, and entrepreneurship make her a valuable asset to George Mason University and the broader innovation ecosystem.
Highlights
Second Accelerate Breakfast Series is in the books with another sold-out crowd. Special thanks to our Executive Director J. David Harvey , seen here presenting the Spirit of Accelerate to Rodney Lusk , who championed the series launch. Special thanks to the companies that pitched, the volunteers, and to Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, Prince William Economic Development and Tourism, Arlington Economic Development, and Mason Enterprise™ team Lisa Shapiro, M.Ed. and TJ Master
YAY Virginia! And congrats to all of our hard-working economic development government partners across the commonwealth: Virginia Economic Development Partnership, VIPC | Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation, GO Virginia, Arlington Economic Development, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, Fairfax City Economic Development, Prince William Economic Development and Tourism, Loudoun County Economic Development, FAUQUIER, COUNTY OF, City of Manassas EDA, Town of Herndon and so many more!
