RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – Seeking to expand its collaboration efforts with the Triangle region, the Research Triangle Foundation on Wednesday named Ray Trapp, a North Carolina A&T executive, as its Vice President of Strategic Engagement.

“It was important to our Board that the VP of Strategic Engagement demonstrate a strong understanding of how our local university, government and business communities collaborate,” says Jud Bowman, chair of the RTF Board of Directors and a veteran Triangle entrepreneur who now leads startup Sift Media, in the announcement. “We’ve found that in Ray. Ray’s experience illustrates that he has the ability to strengthen the Foundation’s relationships, and we’re thrilled that he is joining the Foundation.”

The RTF said Trapp “will work closely with the Foundation’s leadership, planning and marketing teams to further these initiatives and help strategically position RTP as the best place for business in the country. Ray will also represent RTF on committees and working groups to strengthen relationships among RTP’s companies, universities, and local and regional partners.”

With a variety of new ventures underway, especially the Hub RTP development,

Trapp was director of external affairs for A&T. A US Navy veteran, he holds a master’s in agriculture education from A&T. He also served as a Guilford County Commissioner from 2012-2017.

“Ray joins us as the Triangle Region is in the national spotlight as a top market for relocations and expansion,” said Scott Levitan, CEO of RTF, in the announcement. “Our companies want to be engaged with community, educational and workforce development partners, and are seeking leadership from the Research Triangle Foundation to enable this. Ray will be front and center in the effort – we’re excited by the possibilities he brings to the region.”

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