The Virginia Biotechnology Research Park Authority Board appointed Robert Ward as interim president and chief executive officer of Activation Capital, an innovation ecosystem development organization, effective today. Ward is a senior executive with over 25 years of experience leading organizations, driving strategy and innovation, developing high performing teams and executing complex transactions.
Ward has served as Virginia’s chief transformation officer where he supported agency secretaries with technologies to improve their operations. And prior to that, he was senior adviser to Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
“We are excited to welcome Rob Ward as interim CEO of Activation Capital,” said VCU President and Activation Capital board chair Michael Rao. “Rob brings extensive experience in corporate real estate and strategic development in his career at Skanska, a background that will help us advance Activation Capital’s mission and capital project priorities. As a Virginia Tech alumnus and Virginia resident, Rob understands Virginia and our strengths as an ideal location to grow pharmaceutical manufacturing and innovative biotechnology industries.”
Ward previously was the president and CEO for Skanska Commercial Development U.S., where he set the strategic direction of the company while driving continuous improvement through operational effectiveness, efficiency, and innovation. As CEO, he had responsibility for the investment, development, and construction of more than $4.5B of commercial and residential assets across the country.
Prior to becoming CEO, he served as the COO for the organization where he led the U.S. Investment Committee as well as the Strategic Services Team which included product innovation, technology, customer strategy, systems optimization, operational excellence, portfolio management and construction. Prior to his role as COO, Robert had direct oversight of offices/operations in the mid-Atlantic region, Houston, Texas and Los Angeles, California.
His career at Skanska began in the commercial construction division. He served on the executive leadership teams in both the mid-Atlantic and Southeast U.S. markets where he focused on life science, pharmaceutical, higher education, and federal government construction projects.
“I want to thank outgoing CEO Chandra Briggman for her leadership and I look forward to furthering Activation Capital’s mission and priorities as interim CEO,” Ward said. As the search continues for a CEO, I am committed to growing and fostering Activation Capital’s venture, ecosystem and pharmaceutical cluster development.”
Ward has served on real estate development and construction boards in the United States, Central Europe, the Nordics and the United Kingdom.
Ward is a graduate of Virginia Tech and an emeritus member of the Advisory Board for the Virginia Tech Program in Real Estate. He is a member of the Economic Club of Washington D.C. and has served on the Board of Directors for The First Tee.
Ward replaces Chandra Briggman, who resigned earlier this month after serving in the role since May 2020.
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