Bob develops innovation districts, university campuses, and research parks through strategic placemaking that advances institutional missions while delivering economic growth and community impact.
As Managing Partner in HR&A’s Raleigh office, Bob brings over 20 years of experience working with academic institutions, government, and private industry to advance research and technology campus missions for greater public impact. His portfolio includes strategic planning for innovation districts, economic development strategies for university partnerships, and comprehensive placemaking initiatives that enhance both institutional assets and surrounding communities.Â
Bob’s expertise in innovation ecosystem development was demonstrated during his tenure as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Research Triangle Foundation, where he transformed one of the nation’s most prominent research parks. He led the comprehensive master planning effort to reshape Research Triangle Park, positioning it at the forefront of technology and applied science while preserving its historic mission to support universities and create opportunities for all North Carolinians. His leadership integrated community development principles with cutting-edge research infrastructure, ensuring the park’s evolution served both institutional partners and regional economic growth.Â
Prior to his role at Research Triangle Park, Bob pioneered public-private collaboration in automotive research as Executive Director of the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research, where he helped create one of the country’s most successful integrated research and development campuses. His work demonstrated innovative approaches to university-industry partnership, combining academic excellence with practical application and regional economic impact.Â
Bob’s methodology centers on placemaking as a public service, integrating institutional missions with community benefit while fostering collaborative partnerships that deliver sustainable economic growth. He combines deep understanding of research ecosystems with strategic real estate expertise to ensure projects advance both academic excellence and regional development goals. His nationally-recognized leadership has earned multiple awards, including the Vision Award from the International Association of University Research Parks, Alumni of the Year Award from North Carolina State University, and Triangle Top 20 CEO of the Year Award from the Triangle Business
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Research Triangle Foundation
Projects
HR&A guided the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in developing and implementing a comprehensive innovation district strategy that bridges research capabilities with industry collaboration. We delivered a strategic roadmap with clear governance structures, partnership frameworks, and phased real estate development priorities that position MUSC to accelerate healthcare innovation while generating significant economic impact for the Charleston region.
HR&A guided the Moffitt Cancer Center in master planning and implementing SPEROS FL, Moffitt’s transformative 775-acre innovation campus outside of Tampa, Florida. This strategic advisory work supported Moffitt, Florida’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, in expanding its clinical, research, educational, and treatment activities, directly advancing its mission of preventing and curing cancer through a cohesive, purpose-built campus environment.
HR&A developed a comprehensive strategic plan for BioDistrict New Orleans, leading a team of specialized local firms to create a framework for inclusive innovation district growth. Through systematic stakeholder engagement and market analysis, HR&A delivered prioritized investment strategies and a governance structure that leverages the district's institutional strengths while ensuring equitable community development and economic opportunity.
HR&A worked with Lehigh University's real estate team to develop a comprehensive redevelopment strategy for the university's first innovation campus and two additional non-core campuses in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Through market analysis, industry stakeholder engagement, and collaboration with top academic researchers, we created a holistic development approach that aligns campuses around business development stages from basic research to startup maturation, leading to the university's initiation of a solicitation process for private sector collaboration by August 2018.
