Rowan University refocuses on regional economic development

The Board of Directors of South Jersey Technology Park at Rowan University voted at its annual reorganization meeting on Oct. 20 to adopt a new name that better reflects its mission: Rowan Innovations & Strategic Enterprises (RISE). 

The organization was incorporated in 2002 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to serve as a catalyst to promote collaboration between Rowan University and the region’s innovators and entrepreneurs. Today, with Rowan’s advances in healthcare, engineering and business, RISE is positioned to drive economic development through a much broader array of strategies, including: real estate development, capital projects, corporate and industry partnerships, workforce development and online education, research and technology commercialization. The Rowan University Board of Trustees will consider the name change at its annual retreat on Oct. 22. 

“As one of the country’s leading and fastest-growing public research institutions, it’s our responsibility to drive innovation, build the workforce pipeline and attract investment to the region,” said Rowan University President Ali A. Houshmand. “RISE reflects that commitment and our expanding role as a catalyst for economic growth. By strengthening partnerships and creating new opportunities for collaboration, it will help advance Rowan's impact across South Jersey and beyond.”

Sweeney elected board chair

During its annual reorganization, the RISE Board of Directors elected Steve Sweeney, Gloucester County administrator and former New Jersey Senate president, to serve as chair. 

Throughout his career, Sweeney has championed education, infrastructure and economic development in South Jersey. He has long-standing ties to Rowan University, where he helped create the Steve Sweeney Center for Public Policy and serves on the University’s Board of Trustees.

“I’m honored to serve as chair and to help guide the next chapter of RISE,” Sweeney said. “As Rowan continues to expand its West Campus, RISE will play an even greater role in attracting businesses, supporting research and driving long‑term growth for our region.”

Healthcare innovation to drive economy 

With three medical schools, Rowan is uniquely positioned to serve as a driver for innovation in healthcare. It partners with three of the region’s largest healthcare systems: Virtua Health, Cooper Norcross Health and Inspira Health. Their leaders were also appointed to the RISE board at this meeting, bringing leadership experience in health care, government and business to help guide the organization’s continued growth.

Amy Mansue, Chief Executive Officer, Inspira Health

With more than four decades of experience in healthcare and public service, Mansue has held executive leadership positions at RWJBarnabas Health and Children’s Specialized Hospital. She is widely recognized for advancing community health initiatives and strengthening partnerships throughout New Jersey. She will retire as Inspira Health’s CEO at the end of the year.

Kevin O’Dowd, Co-President and Chief Executive Officer, Cooper Norcross Health 

Before joining Cooper Norcross Health, O’Dowd served as chief of staff and counsel to the governor of New Jersey and as a federal prosecutor specializing in healthcare fraud. O’Dowd plays a key leadership role in Cooper Norcross Health’s long-established partnership with Rowan University through Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.

Dennis Pullin, President and CEO, Virtua Health

A nationally recognized healthcare leader, Pullin has earned recognition for his work in innovation, health equity and community health. In 2021, Virtua Health partnered with Rowan to expand health sciences education, research and healthcare innovation throughout the region. Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University is the cornerstone of the partnership. 

Also new to the RISE board is Rowan civil and environmental engineering Ph.D. candidate Swathi Malluru, who is conducting research at Rowan’s Center for Research & Education in Advanced Transportation Engineering Systems as part of her doctoral studies in highway engineering. Malluru was appointed to the board’s open student position.