- Chief Innovation Officer and Executive Director of Innovate Carolina
Michelle Bolas works with faculty, students and staff across campus to implement Carolina’s innovation strategy. She leads communications and outreach and connects Carolina with external partners. Michelle is the associate vice chancellor for innovation strategy and programs, bringing to that role 20 years of experience working with education, business and government leaders to create and implement successful programs.
Michelle has a diverse background, from leading museum board development, fundraising and publications departments at the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell University and the Ackland Art Museum at UNC-Chapel Hill, to working with public policy and statewide leadership on the a nonpartisan think-tank as assistant director for the Institute for Emerging Issues at NC State University. Michelle has successfully collaborated on the creation of entrepreneurial programs that build organizations and advance their mission, while raising millions in foundation grants to support their growth.