Louise Epstein, Managing Director of the UT Innovation Center, photo courtesy of UT

Louise Epstein, Managing Director of the UT Innovation Center, photo courtesy of UT

The University of Texas at Austin’s Cockrell School of Engineering has named Louise Epstein as the managing director of its Innovation Center.

In the newly created job, Epstein will focus on entrepreneurial endeavors including managing the Longhorn Startup Program, which helps student and faculty led startups. She will also work closely with Bob Metcalfe, faculty director of the center and program manager of Longhorn Startup and Ben Dyer, entrepreneur in residence at UT.

“From entrepreneur to elected official, Louise brings a broad range of experience to the Innovation Center. Her commitment to the university and her initiative, focus and determination make her an excellent addition to the Cockrell School,” Metcalfe said in a statement. “She will surely inspire students and faculty, and I know she will provide strong leadership in taking the center to the next level.”

Epstein’s background is in investment banking and she founded Charge-Off Clearinghouse, a distressed debt company. Epstein also served on the Austin City Council. She also graduated from UT Austin and has served as an entrepreneur-in-residence at the McCombs School of Business and as a fellow at the IC2 Institute.

For more on Epstein and her new job, please read this UT report.