Chad Pittman, longtime economic development leader, named president and CEO of Purdue Research Foundation

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Chad Pittman has been named president and CEO of the Purdue Research Foundation (PRF), effective Feb. 1, 2025.

Pittman succeeds Brian Edelman, who served as president since spring of 2017. Edelman announced his retirement in August 2024. Pittman was selected following a national search that included the assistance of an executive search firm.

Pittman will report to PRF’s Board of Directors, chaired by Purdue President Emeritus Mitch Daniels. He will guide PRF in its mission of supporting Purdue University’s land-grant mission by managing and protecting intellectual property developed at Purdue, promoting entrepreneurial activities, and managing the university’s endowment.

“Chad understands the need for clear strategic purpose,” Daniels said. “His proven record of securing economic investments and research partnerships will continue to bolster economic development and innovation throughout the state of Indiana. I’m confident he will fulfill the foundation’s aim to advance Purdue in the quest for discovery, learning and engagement.”

“In his long career of outstanding service to the state of Indiana and the United States, Col. Pittman has demonstrated over and over again his ability to deliver results for Purdue and for our business and government partners,” Purdue University President Mung Chiang said. “He will provide a continuity in excellence at scale for cogenerating jobs, workforce and innovation.”

Pittman joined PRF in 2014 as vice president for the Office of Technology Commercialization, where he managed the development and implementation of strategies to commercialize Purdue technologies.

In 2020 Pittman became PRF’s chief executive of economic development. His team drives placemaking opportunities for industry partners, retains and grows existing businesses within the Purdue ecosystem, and attracts new companies to the community.

“Chad is the ideal choice to lead PRF into the future,” Edelman said. “I am grateful that Chad has chosen to bring his expert knowledge and connections to the role of president, and I look forward to seeing what he and the incredible PRF team can achieve during his tenure.”

Pittman has been instrumental in fostering PRF and Purdue’s engagement at NSWC Crane to support the research and development of innovations through commercialization and collaboration. In 2016 PRF received the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer’s Midwest Regional Partnership Award. This award reflects Purdue’s larger commitment to the region, NSWC Crane and the state and to the growth of the semiconductor and microelectronics workforce, which is mission critical to national security.

He was promoted to vice president of national security and defense development in 2018. In that position, he was instrumental in bringing valued partners like Saab, TSMC and SK hynix into the Purdue ecosystem.

“I am honored to take on the next chapter of my time with Purdue Research Foundation,” Pittman said. “Over the past decade, I have been privileged to serve with a talented team of individuals to attract and support world-class partners. Together we will build on our success and increase our contributions to Purdue University, the state of Indiana and the wider world by fulfilling Purdue’s land-grant mission.”

Prior to joining PRF, Pittman was the chief of staff and executive vice president for the Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC). In his five years with the IEDC, Pittman recruited nearly 1,000 companies to Indiana that resulted in a projected 101,000 new jobs and brought $16 billion in capital investment to the state.

He brings more than 20 years’ experience in technology commercialization, real estate development and economic development and as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army to help drive technology commercialization for the betterment of humankind.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Kelley School of Business, a JD from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, and a master’s in national security and strategy with distinction from the Naval War College. He is also a member of the Indiana National Guard. Pittman lives in Zionsville with his wife and four children.

About Purdue Research Foundation 

Purdue Research Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University. Established in 1930, the foundation accepts gifts; administers trusts; funds scholarships and grants; acquires and sells property; protects and licenses Purdue’s intellectual property; and supports creating Purdue-connected startups on behalf of Purdue. The foundation operates Purdue Innovates, which includes the Office of Technology Commercialization and Incubator. The foundation manages Purdue Strategic Ventures, Purdue Research Park, Discovery Park District, Purdue Technology Centers and Purdue for Life Foundation. 

For more information on licensing a Purdue innovation, contact the Office of Technology Commercialization at otcip@prf.org. For more information about involvement and investment opportunities in startups based on a Purdue innovation, contact Purdue Innovates at purdueinnovates@prf.org.