The president and chief executive officer of the Science and Technology Corporation at UNM has announced that his resignation will take effect in April.
Peter Perna, who was named to the position in October 2000, said the decision was based on his interest in starting up new ventures.
"Although the STC continues to be interested in forming new ventures around UNM's technology, its primary focus is licensing," Perna said in a UNM press release. "Leaving gives me the opportunity to pursue my interest in new ventures on a full-time basis."
The Science and Technology Corporation was formed and owned entirely by UNM to protect and transfer its faculty inventions to the commercial marketplace.
The corporation licenses innovative technology developed at UNM, including optics, microfluidics and high performance materials as well as medical devices and drug discovery tools.
"I think Dr. Perna came here to bring UNM to a certain level," said Gary Douglas, director of licensing and life sciences at UNM. "I think he's accomplished that and that new opportunities are presenting themselves to him. We hate to see him go."
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Douglas said that Perna's decision will have no real impact on the corporation, as he is not leaving for several months and he will continue to be available for consultation afterward.
He added that the board of directors overseeing the Science and Technology Corporation fully supports Perna's decision to resign.
"The corporation has a great team in place, and it is on the right course and poised for success," Perna said. "Now it's time for me to move on to do the things for which I have the most passion."
Edward Cantrell, chairman of the Science and Technology Corporation's Board of Directors, said a five-member search committee has already begun to find Perna's successor.
He added that Perna brought 20 years of experience in technology assessment, patenting, licensing and commercialization to the Science and Technology Corporation.
"I think Peter has done an extraordinary job of reforming the corporation, focusing on licensing opportunities as well as new start-ups," Cantrall said. "On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank him for his fine leadership and wish him well in whatever endeavor he decides to pursue."
