Simon One of Four American Representatives

Troy, N.Y. - Denis Fred Simon, dean of the Lally School of Management and Technology at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., has been appointed one of four American representatives on the board of directors for the U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation (USISTF).

The USISTF serves as the administrative arm of the bilateral U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Commission (USISTC), which was established by the United States Department of Commerce and the Israel Ministry of Industry and Trade in 1994 to foster scientific, technological, and economic cooperation between the people of the U.S. and Israel.

"Dr. Simon has brought a global vision and keen understanding of the role of technology and entrepreneurship to the Lally School, and it is that same expertise that he will contribute to the board of directors of the U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation," President Shirley Ann Jackson said.

"Denis Simon's appointment to our board of directors has been well received both in the United States and in Israel," said Stuart Brotman, chairman of the USISTF. "His broad and deep background in technology management and technology transfer issues is recognized around the world. We look forward to hearing his perspective as the [USISTF] continues its strategic initiatives in biotechnology, information technology, and the harmonization of technical standards, along with new initiatives in nanotechnology and the protection of critical network infrastructures."

The USISTF implements the charter of the USISTC through the best practices for cost recovery and project management outside the framework of both the U.S. and Israeli governments. It enacts the policies and programs determined by the USISTC to help foster collaboration in science and technology between American and Israeli industry.

"I feel honored and privileged to have been asked to serve on the board of the USISTF," said Simon. "The foundation's mission to advance science and technology across U.S.-Israeli borders is an important one, and I look forward to helping establish stronger partnerships between both nations in those areas."

Simon was appointed dean of Rensselaer's Lally School in May 2002. The school develops technologically savvy, entrepreneurial business leaders who can drive innovation for commercial success. It was founded in 1963 as an integral part of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the nation's oldest technological university. Dedicated to advancing business through innovation, the school's curriculum is designed to train business leaders in the strategic use of technology to create corporate value and establish sustainable competitive advantage in the global marketplace. Faculty members emphasize the value of hands-on experience available through campus resources such as the Severino Center for Technological Entrepreneurship and a world-class technology Incubator program. The school offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs in management, doctoral programs in management and technology, an Executive MBA program, and a joint Sino-U.S. MBA for local and foreign companies operating in China.

Prior to joining Rensselaer, Simon worked in international business, primarily in China. He served as president of Monitor Group (China) Ltd. in Beijing, managing director of the business strategy and architecture innovation center in Asia for Scient Corporation, associate partner at Andersen Consulting China, and general manager for Andersen Consulting's China practice in Beijing. He also held positions as the president of China Consulting Associates (Boston) and president and vice-chairman of the board of Shanghai Hua Mei Economic & Technology Consulting Company, Ltd., and served as a private consultant to numerous Fortune Global 500 firms regarding their business entry and operations in China.

Simon has also served as professor of international business strategy and technology management at the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, Tufts University, and as the Ford International Assistant Professor of Management & Technology at the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He received a doctorate in political science and a master of arts degree in Asian studies from the University of California at Berkeley. He received a bachelor of arts degree from the State University of New York at New Paltz in 1974.

Contact: Caroline Jenkins
Phone: (518) 276-6531
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