Herty Advanced Materials Development Center named Alexander Koukoulas, Ph.D as its President and CEO Thursday.

“We are excited to have Dr. Koukoulas join Herty as its President and CEO,” Georgia Southern University President Brooks Keel said in a news release. “Not only is Alex an outstanding business leader, but he is an accomplished scientist and entrepreneur.  His diverse experience will be a perfect fit as we work to expand Herty’s capabilities as a global leader in traditional and advanced materials innovation.”

Herty Advanced Materials Development Center’s management was transferred over to Georgia Southern University back in April with a goal of enhancing economic and business development in the state of Georgia.

“Dr. Koukoulas brings a wealth of technology management, business and new product development experience to Herty,” Charles Patterson, vice president for research and economic development at Georgia Southern University, said in a news release.  “His expertise in the chemical sciences and engineering, pulp and paper and bioenergy will enhance Herty’s existing relationships as well as forge strategic partnerships with industries in the region, the nation and beyond.”

Koukoulas previously served as vice president and executive director of research and development at Albany International, a leading manufacturer of engineered textiles according to the release.

“Not only are we looking forward to welcoming Dr. Koukoulas to Herty, but we are excited to welcome him to Savannah and the Coastal Empire,” Patterson said.  “Our goal is to expand the center’s existing capabilities to help make Savannah and South Georgia an even more attractive market for research and development in the areas of pulp and paper, materials science, polymer science and composites, with an emerging interest in bio-derived materials and biofuels.”

According to the release, Kouskoulas’s primary goals will work to create an environment that cultivates opportunity for businesses to relocate or stay within Georgia. The result, according to Patterson and officials at Georgia Southern, will be more jobs and an expanded national reputation helping to put Savannah on the map as a center for advanced materials innovation.