David Washburn

David Washburn serves as Chief Executive Officer of the MSU Research Foundation, overseeing a $500M+ endowment and directing over $10 million in annual research grants, with a strong focus on technology commercialization and economic development. Holding multiple leadership positions, Washburn is President and Board Director of both Michigan Rise and Red Cedar Ventures, promoting early-stage venture funding and technology commercialization in Michigan. Additionally, Washburn leads Spartan Innovations, a venture development organization aimed at fostering new ventures from Michigan State University. Prior experience includes roles as President & CEO of the University of Tennessee Research Foundation and tenure in technology management and business development at the University of Illinois and tech enterprises. Washburn holds an MBA in Finance and a BA in Speech Communication from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.