NxLeveL Education Foundation (NEF) Board

Woody Maggard - Chair
Background has focused on blending serial entrepreneurism (13 companies ranging from technology to manufacturing, venture capital, intellectual capital, energy and environmental technologies, information technology, real estate development, gourmet baking, oil and gas, and international trade), helping others with development of technology-based companies, venture capital, angel investing, intellectual property, entrepreneurial education, journalism, teaching, and large-scale real estate development in most property types (portfolio exceeds $1 billion+), including technology-based world-class research parks (Central Florida Research Park, a world top 10 research park, and Delaware Technology Park, winner of the 2005 Research and Science Park of the Year Award), incubators, Native American projects, corporate research and development facilities and successful research institute management (advanced materials). Presently Associate Vice Provost for Science, Technology Transfer and Economic Outreach (STOR) for the University at Buffalo, SUNY and Adjunct Professor in the UB School of Management. Responsibilities include innovation (incubation) of technology and life science companies, research park development, seed and other funding, and intellectual property.

Venture capital work includes co-founding and serving as a director of the Delaware Innovation Fund, a model private seed/venture fund, president of Arizona Incubator Partners, general partner in the Arizona Technology Venture Fund, and consultant to a $125 million venture fund. Co-founder, board member and officer for the National Association of Seed and Venture Funds, and co-founder, director and President of the Capital Formation Institute (CFI). Member of the Board of Directors for the Western New York Venture Capital Association (WNYVA), member of the Upstate Venture Association of New York (UVANY), and part of the team for UNYTECH, a venture capital showcase for companies using technologies from upstate New York universities. Co-founder and President of First People Capital Inc.

Service includes chairman and board member of NxLeveL Education Foundation, the nation's largest entrepreneurial education program. Chairman and co-founder of the New York State Business Incubation Association (BIANYS), board member of the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation (BUDC), member of the Institute of Internal Auditors, Licensing Executives Society, Association of University Technology Managers, National Business Incubation Association, International Economic Development Association, Urban Land Institute, United Indian Planners, technical societies and the Association of University Research Parks (past board member and faculty member for 6 years on research park development). Additional board service in international societies, trade groups, hospitals, television and radio broadcasting, and service in scouting for 45 years. College teaching for 4 years. B.A., Brigham Young University, MPA-finance, Consortium of the California State University and Colleges, attended Ventura College of Law. Extensive additional management, financial, development, technical, engineering and management coursework. Numerous publications in various media including award-winning newspaper columns. Listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the World, and other biographical reference sources.

Dr. Bruce Davis - Secretary
Dr. Bruce Davis was born and reared in the Ogden area and is one of six children. After graduating from Roy High School in 1972, he served for several years as a Navy Corpsman with the U.S. Marines and Naval Amphibious Forces. After returning to Utah 1976, Bruce enrolled at Weber State, where he met and married his wife, Valerie, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1979. He went on to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Utah State University and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from the University of Utah.

After earning his MBA in 1980, Bruce worked as a human resources executive for 10 years, serving on the corporate staffs of Utah Power & Light Company, PacifiCorp, and Thiokol Corporation. He left corporate life in the fall of 1990 to accept a position as Director of the Center for Business and Economic Development at Weber State University. From 1999 to 2008, he served as Director of the Weber State University Davis Campus. Bruce currently serves as the University's Vice Provost and Dean of Continuing Education. His responsibilities include overseeing WSU Davis, WSU Online, Continuing Education programs, Career and Technical Education, International Programs, and relationships with area charter schools. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Bruce continues to teach courses in leadership and entrepreneurship.

Bruce is actively involved in the community, where he serves on the boards of the McKay-Dee Hospital, the Davis Chamber of Commerce, Utah Certified Development Company, the Davis Arts Council, the NxLevel Entrepreneurship Education Foundation, and the NUAMES school board.

Bruce and his wife Valerie are the parents of seven children and have 12 grandchildren. They have lived in Layton for over 25 years and have both been very involved in school, church and community service.

Michael C. Finnerty - President/CEO
Mr. Finnerty is currently the President and CEO of the NxLeveL Education Association (NEA) and a Board Member of the NxLeveL Education Foundation (NEF), positions he has held since July 2002. Prior to this Mr. Finnerty was the State Director for the Utah Small Business Development Center (USBDC) for nearly 8 years. He also served for 4 years as a Regional Director for the USBDC. During his tenure as the USBDC state director, Mr. Finnerty was instrumental in introducing the NxLeveL program to Utah and making it one of the most successful programs in the country. For this, the Utah SBDC was honored in 2001 with the NxLeveL Outstanding Performance Award. Mr. Finnerty is also the recipient of the SBA Office of Advocacy's "Vision 2000" Award. He continues to provide entrepreneurial leadership to organizations around the country.

Mr. Finnerty has also held management positions with two worldwide financial services companies, Fidelity Investments and American Express. He holds a bachelor's degree in finance, an MBA with an emphasis in strategic planning, and a MEd with an emphasis in adult education.