Ted Ford

Ted Ford is the President & CEO of Ohio Advanced Energy Economy Ohio, a statewide trade association that advocates for advanced energy policies, the adoption of advanced energy technologies, and the growth of Ohio’s advanced energy sectors. Mr. Ford is also President & CEO of AEE Ohio Institute, a subsidiary 501(c)3 organization dedicated to educating policy makers and the public regarding the economic benefits of advanced energy.

Prior to joining AEE Ohio, Mr. Ford served as the founding President & CEO of TechColumbus, a comprehensive public private partnership that unified the Columbus region’s local governments, major institutions and companies, and investors and entrepreneurs to dramatically increase the number of technology companies formed in the region. In addition to raising over $43 million to support the effort, Mr. Ford also led a regional and national branding effort that redefined Columbus as the nation’s “#1 Up and Coming Tech City” (Forbes.com). Recognizing that celebrating success is critical to building momentum, Mr. Ford built the TechColumbus Innovation Awards into the largest event of its kind in the country.

Prior to TechColumbus, Mr. Ford served as President & CEO of EWI, the nation’s leading nonprofit engineering research and development center for materials joining technology. Under his leadership from 2000 to 2005, EWI transitioned from a university research model to an industry driven engineering research and consulting company, achieving 40% revenue growth and a quadrupling of annual operating income for reinvestment.

Over a 30 year career, Mr. Ford has gained a breadth of experience in public-private partnerships, nonprofit management, government, and higher education. In addition to his leadership roles at EWI and TechColumbus, he has served as a chief university fundraiser, overseeing the launch of a successful $100 million capital campaign; development director and lobbyist for nonprofits; business development and marketing leader; executive assistant to the Governor of Ohio; and nonpartisan professional legislative staffer.