The U.S. National Science Foundation has announced Tawny Olore, P.E., as the new CEO of the Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine. Led by BRIDG, a not-for-profit, public-private partnership specializing in advanced system integration and packaging, the Engine is dedicated to inclusive regional economic development. Ms. Olore, a seasoned expert in development and project launches in Central Florida, will spearhead this innovative, collaborative, and technology-driven initiative at Osceola County’s 500-acre technology campus, NeoCity.
In January, Central Florida was selected as one of ten NSF Regional Innovation Engines to catalyze groundbreaking technologies resulting in inclusive regional innovation ecosystems across the nation. The Engine brings together key partners to grow and diversify the local economy and drive investment into the region. As the Engine’s new Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Olore, who has nearly three decades of experience implementing projects such as SunRail and Osceola County’s historic road building program, among other accomplishments, will spearhead efforts to implement the Engine program in Central Florida. Together, the BRIDG team and its partners will drive all aspects of the Engine growth including construction, technical development, government affairs, and governance to enable the ecosystem to flourish.
“We are excited to welcome Tawny to her new role leading the NSF Engines: Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine,” said Jay Galbraith, president of BRIDG, the lead organization for the Engine award. “Tawny has led several of the most consequential transportation initiatives throughout the entire Central Florida region over the last 20 years, and we are grateful for the experience and expertise she brings to the team. We look forward to having her lead the Central Florida Engine, working alongside BRIDG and our partners in serving Osceola County as the semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packing hub for America.”=
Most recently, Ms. Olore served as Osceola County’s Deputy County Manager and was responsible for the oversight and management of the Transportation and Transit, Public Works, Real Estate, and Information Technology departments. Her role included the oversight and management of all transportation projects in Osceola County, from inception, through design and construction, to completion.
“Tawny is a well-respected leader who has played a significant role in growing the landscape for our region and state,” stated Osceola County Manager Don Fisher. “As Osceola County delivers on the bipartisan priorities outlined in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 with our coalition partners, we are excited to have her lead the Central Florida Semiconductors Innovation Engine at NeoCity. With her leadership, we amplify the significance of our region’s impact to a critical industry cluster for our nation.”
Prior to her role with Osceola County, Ms. Olore served as Program Manager for the Florida Department of Transportation’s Rail Transit program in District Five (serving the counties of Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia). She specifically managed all aspects of SunRail, which is Central Florida’s Commuter Rail system, shepherding the project through the complex state, local, and federal funding process, coordinating required local and state government approvals, and managing all aspects of the design, construction, and implementation of the project from inception to full operation.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Tawny to BRIDG and to her new role leading the NSF Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine,” said Dr. John Allgair, BRIDG CTO and NSF Engine CTO/Co-PI. “I look forward to working with Tawny in the years to come. Her skills, respect, and abilities with large programs and contract management will allow for effective execution of our commitment to NSF and provide essential bandwidth to grow our Engine.”
“I am honored to serve in the role of CEO to lead the collaborative efforts of many partners to drive our ecosystem and the communities we serve forward as a vital hub for semiconductor manufacturing research and technological innovation,” stated Ms. Olore. “I look forward to the transformational impacts the NSF Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engines program will make as we grow the semiconductor ecosystem in Florida and contribute to our nation’s security and high-tech economy.”
The Engine brings together major Central Florida research institutions, local government, nonprofits, and economic and workforce development partners to support the reshoring of the semiconductor advanced packaging industry. In addition to BRIDG, the Engine partners include CareerSource Central Florida, Florida High Tech Corridor, imec, the Orlando Economic Partnership, Osceola County, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, and Valencia College.
With a potential NSF investment of nearly $1.6 billion over the next decade, the NSF Engines represent one of the single largest investments in place-based research and economic development in the nation’s history — uniquely placing science and technology leadership as the central driver for regional economic competitiveness and job creation. NSF Engines: Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine will initially receive up to $15 million for the next two years. NSF’s initial $150 million investment into these 10 regions is being matched nearly two to one by commitments from state and local governments, other federal agencies, philanthropy, and private industry. See a map of the inaugural NSF Engines.
