State losing key economic-development ambassador

ECD technology and innovation director had been seen as likely head for state's new tech-innovation initiative

Email | Print By Milt Capps

Eric Cromwell

NashvillePost.com has learned that that Eric Cromwell, Tennessee's technology ambassador in the Department of Economic and Community Development, is leaving the agency to pursue a business venture.

Cromwell, 32, is transitioning out after more than two years in the post. His new venture is not known at this time.

ECD spokesman and Deputy Commissioner Mark Drury confirmed this development late this afternoon.

Cromwell had for months been considered by many close to the process as the most likely candidate to head "Innovation Tennessee," a program announced by Gov. Phil Bredesen in September that is meant to promote tech ventures and help commercialize technology spawned by the state's universities and other research institutions, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Cromwell would appear to be out of the running for that position now.

Prior to taking the state job in January 2004, Cromwell was part of the Memphis-based FedEx Institute management team.