Joe Thiel

MARQUETTE — Innovate Marquette SmartZone has announced Joe Thiel, an accomplished entrepreneur and inventor, has been appointed as its new CEO.

Thiel’s return to Marquette (he is an 2004 Northern Michigan University alumnus) marks the start of Innovate Marquette SmartZone’s first major leadership transition, according to a press release.

Additionally, Thiel has joined Invent@NMU as executive director, beginning both roles on Aug. 1.

Ray Johnson, outgoing CEO, will serve on the Innovate Marquette SmartZone board of directors through the end of August.

In his new role, Thiel plans to drive the tech and entrepreneurial industry in the Marquette community through empowering the Innovate Marquette SmartZone team, fostering deep relationships with economic development organizations and partners and sealing innovative deals with local, state and federal officials.

“Ever since I was a student at NMU, Marquette has felt like home to me, and I’m looking forward to taking this ecosystem of tech-inspired entrepreneurs, innovators and start-ups, and putting Marquette on the map as a tech leader,” said Thiel. “Inventing tech-based solutions is a passion of mine, and as the CEO of Innovate Marquette SmartZone, I will harness the knowledge I have learned and gained during my more than 17 years in the industry, and support and lead the next generation of aspiring tech entrepreneurs.”

Thiel was offered the CEO position after an extensive national search, with the assistance of Stang Decision Systems, to find the ideal candidate to assume the instrumental and influential role of CEO for Innovate Marquette SmartZone.

“Joe will bring energy, creativity and a vast network to this position and take us to the next level of developing innovative, local ideas that result in new businesses and jobs in Marquette,” said Fred J. Taccolini, Innovate Marquette SmartZone board of directors chairperson in the release.

Throughout his career, Thiel has held many high-level positions within startups, and leading roles as VP and partner of Lockout Co., president and CEO of LecConnect, partner in C&T Technologies, VP of innovation within Centra Corp., CEO of Hybra Advance Technology and CEO and president of Hybra Energy Corp.

Thiel also wrote, collaborated on, and was named in numerous U.S. and international patents. He received top awards in innovation, has been recognized as an expert in many hi-tech fields including energy, battery, sound, security and others.

Those interested in learning more about Innovate Marquette SmartZone or its services are encouraged to email info@innovatemarquette.org to set up a video call until in-person gatherings resume.

A full list of online events and resources is available at https://www.innovatemarquette.org/news-events.