durham inc.
BIZBRIEFS Compiled by Madeline Taylor
ON THE MOVE
Duke University Fuqua School of Business alumnus Brett Wheatley was named CEO of TransLoc, which develops intelligent software and services for transit agencies, in March. “Efficient transit services are critical to the economy and the future of U.S. cities,” Wheatley said. “New developments in connected and autonomous vehicles will continue to improve how we travel, but their success is dependent upon how we integrate these services into our existing transit systems across cities, campuses and corporate enterprises and continue to provide equitable access. I’m excited to lead the talented team at TransLoc to meet these challenges and collaborate with Ford’s other mobility businesses to help ensure everyone has access to affordable transportation options.” Disaster and crisis management company IEM added James Clark and David Andrews to its team in March. Clark serves as director of response and recovery and has more than 13 years of experience in the private and public sectors, including in Louisiana at the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
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Andrews serves as director of international homeland security and brings more than 20 years of experience, including at Alaska’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “Clark and Andrews are incredibly accomplished emergency managers, and we are excited to have them join IEM,” said Bryan Koon, IEM vice president of homeland security and emergency management. Knox St. Studios, a resource hub for entrepreneurs, appointed Selena Haggins as its executive director in March. She leads the organization’s educational program strategy to establish corporate partnerships for students to gain experience in the STEAM field. “… Now is the right moment for corporations to fund nonprofits such as this by offering professional development opportunities for free or at a deep discount for Black and minority students,” Haggins said. Independent energy storage technology company FlexGen named Kelcy Pegler as its CEO in March. Pegler previously served as executive
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chairman of solar, roofing and storage software company Sofdesk. Yann Brandt was also named CFO after doubling the revenue of solar hardware company Quick Mount PV, leading to its acquisition. “There are no more excuses or limitations to creating a more intelligent power grid,” Pegler said. “Energy storage is a critical part of today’s energy transition and will create a cleaner and more resilient system.”
NEW ON THE SCENE
Brightway insurance agent Charvon Parker opened Brightway Insurance, The Parker Agency at 2606 S. Miami Blvd. in March. Brightway offers customized insurance needs from multiple brands. Parker joined the company in 2019 with more than 20 years of sales and customer service experience. “Many times customers come to me just to purchase insurance because it is something that they know is needed,” she said. “My goal is to educate customers about why it is important to insure and how the policy protects them and their families.”
Biogen Inc. plans to build a gene manufacturing facility at its Research Triangle Park campus with hopes to grow its supply of therapeutic medicines for those with neurological or neurodegenerative diseases. The 175,000-square-foot space will be designed with advanced sustainability standards, and the company expects the site to create around 90 local jobs in addition to its 1,900-person workforce. It is slated for completion in 2023. Durham Technical Community College launched seven Guided Career Pathways, which provide Durham Tech students with clear paths aligned to their career interests, at the end of March. Students can shift among short-term, long-term and university transfer options within a Pathway with easier transitions. The launch of Guided Career Pathways comes after two years of planning and restructuring at the college and is based on a national Pathways model that has shown success in increasing student persistence and completion rates. The pathways are: Building, Engineering and Skilled Trades; Business and Entrepreneurship; Creative and Liberal Arts; Health and Wellness; Information Technology; Human Services and Public Safety; and Science and Math.
