The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has appointed Nancy Kamei as its chief public engagement officer and director of the Office of Public Engagement. Kamei brings to the post three decades of innovation ecosystem experience.
In her new role, Kamei will implement outreach, education, customer experience and engagement activities, the USPTO said Monday, adding that the effort will bolster the U.S. innovation ecosystem through increased participation and problem-solving.
The new appointee most recently served as a program development specialist for the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. She was also a national instructor for the National Science Foundation, where she trained National Institutes of Health and NSF grantees on commercializing their technologies.
In addition, Kamei worked with four Silicon Valley biotechnology startup companies and managed investment portfolios of public equities and venture capital investments.
In a statement, Kamei said, “The United States innovation ecosystem is already the envy of the world and the USPTO’s OPE will play a role in helping our country to sustain and bolster our position. It is an honor to join the USPTO to inspire and educate the next generation of inventors, innovators and entrepreneurs.”
