Harold Strong came to Texas State from the Medical Innovation Collaborative in Dallas, where he served as president and CEO since 2017. In that position, he was responsible for creating strategic and commercialization partnerships to facilitate life sciences ecosystem development. In 2015 he co-founded CodeStream Studios, an education technology company offering an accessible computer coding platform with lesson plans and curricula for K-12 students. He also boasts an extensive background in the operation of university-affiliated research parks. Strong served from 2008-2015 as director of the University of North Texas’ Discovery Park and from 2004-2008 as executive director of Texas A&M University’s TAMU Research Park, where he was deeply involved in the commercialization process and creating industry partnerships. Strong earned his master’s in land economics and real estate, and his bachelor’s in agriculture economics, both from Texas A&M.

As a 30+ year veteran in economic development, Charisse has worked in every aspect of the industry. As the SVP of Economic Development with Opportunity Austin, she leads the team dedicated to the recruitment of new corporate citizens and the expansion of the local industry base for the five-county Greater Austin, Texas Region. Opportunity Austin was ranked as one of the Top U.S. Economic Development Groups, receiving the Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development by Site Selection magazine in 2019 and 2020. Since Opportunity Austin’s formation in 2004, the organization has contributed to the overall prosperity of the Austin Region that has benefited from over 820 corporate relocations, about 1,500 expansion announcements, and over 440,000 new direct/indirect jobs created. Prior to coming to the Opportunity Austin in 2006, she served as CEO/Executive Director of the Allen, TX Economic Development Corporation (AEDC). Under her leadership, the AEDC owned and developed industrial and office land and facilitated new development projects including industrial, office (Class A and value), urban retail mixed-use and specialty facilities. Her office was responsible for the recruitment, retention, and expansion of a number of companies. While in Allen, Charisse was presented with the Spirit of Allen Award, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual. She was also recognized as one of Collin County’s 21 for the 21st Century. She has also held positions in McKinney, TX and Kilgore, TX. Charisse holds the designation of Certified Economic Developer, the highest trade designation for economic developers. She was named as one of 2016’s North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers by Consultant Connect. She serves on the Capital Area Economic Development District Board; as Secretary on the Central Texas Foreign Trade Zone Board; and as a member of TEDC (Texas Economic Development Council), IEDC (International Economic Development Council) and IAMC (International Asset Management Council). Charisse and her husband Robert are active in a variety of other organizations and enjoy traveling in their spare time. Charisse treasures time spent with her nine grandchildren and is very proud of the accomplishments of her four stepsons.

Bart Olds is Managing Director for Karlin’s Parmer Innovation Centers responsible for the execution, design and performance of properties in the Karlin portfolio. Since joining the firm in 2011, Bart has played an integral role in the firm’s business plan execution on a geographically diverse portfolio with an aggregate value in excess of $2 billion. While at Karlin, Bart has led dispositions totaling over $1 billion. Prior, Bart was a Senior Analyst within the asset management group of JPI, a national developer of multi-family, with a portfolio in excess of $1 billion. Bart also worked as an Asset Manager for Bonaventure Realty Group, a private equity real estate company that specializes in multi-family acquisitions and redevelopment. Bart is an honors graduate from the University of South Carolina with a double major in finance and management and the University of Southern California’s Masters of Real Estate Program (MRED).

Stephen Coulston is a Principal in the Austin, Texas office of Perkins&Will, a global design firm and long-time supporter of ULI and the ULI Austin District Council. With a passion for engaging in the innovation economy, Coulston has spent his 25+ year career working at the intersection of the higher education, research, healthcare, government, and private sectors. An architect and urban designer with a focus on strategizing, planning, and designing the built and natural form, he has led projects ranging from long-range strategic development plans to complex, multi-million dollar building projects from coast to coast. With a personal mantra of “process matters,” Coulston cross leverages skillsets of institutions, organizations, communities, and businesses in a way that fosters creativity, dialogue, and newfound opportunity for success. His dedication to transformative design and placemaking focuses on creating actionable outcomes that result in more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive communities. Coulston holds a professional degree in architecture from Texas Tech University. He has written and contributed to numerous articles and publications and been a guest speaker and panelist at conferences and symposia internationally. He has served as a member in varying capacities on committees, boards and/or executive councils with the Urban Land Institute, American Institute of Architects, American Planning Association, Society for College & University Planning, International Town & Gown Association, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, and the Association of University Research Parks. Prior to Perkins&Will, Coulston spent almost two decades in planning, design, and management for firms in Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Baltimore and Washington, DC.