In October 2023, the Economic Development Administration designated the Alliance as a Tech Hub – one of a select 31 regions across the United States driving the innovations critical to the future of the country’s global competitiveness. In her current role, Dr. Polefrone is working closely with the Alliance-member lead entity for the Tech Hub, the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing, and the Alliance Leadership Board to develop a strategy to realize its sustainable governance and long-term growth for the region and the nation.

A native of Virginia, Polefrone draws on a diverse, global career that covers scientific academic research in healthcare, non-profit startup and leadership, designing and growing a venture in a prominent health tech company, and leading people strategy for one of its largest business units. Prior to her work with the Alliance, Polefrone worked in health innovation and entrepreneurship at VCU and VCUH, including as Director of Health Innovations at VCU’s da Vinci Center in Richmond, VA.

Polefrone earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Chemistry. She earned her PhD from the University of Virginia in 2007, with research focusing on cancer immunotherapy applications of proteomics. Additionally, and maybe most importantly, Polefrone has been a meditation and yoga teacher for more than two decades. Blending the personal and professional continues to be her lifelong intention – bringing her work on the cushion and the mat to bear in every other area of her life.