MADISON—Department of Commerce (Commerce) Secretary Paul Jadin today announced the appointment of Aaron Hagar as Technology Development Manager.

“Aaron Hagar has the knowledge and experience to help technology-based companies at each stage of their development,” said Secretary Jadin.  “He will be a great asset to our economic development team as we encourage the overall growth of the technology sector.”

Hagar will serve at the primary statewide liaison for early stage technology businesses and work with key entrepreneurial assistance providers and angel and venture capital investors to facilitate strategic alliances, promote entrepreneurship, and encourage technology transfer.

For the past two years, Hagar ran an economic development consulting business in Minneapolis, providing assistance on a broad range of research, development, project management, and financing issues. Prior to his work in economic development, he worked at UW hospital studying the immune response to brain tumors.  He holds an Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota and a BS in Medical Microbiology and Immunology from UW-Madison.