Chris Laing has announced his departure as the executive director of Capital City Innovation, the nonprofit group formed to guide the development of the city’s health care Innovation District focused around the creation of the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas. Laing, who joined the organization as its inaugural top executive, has accepted a position as senior dean of innovation and entrepreneurship for Duke National University Singapore Medical School. The Dell Seton Medical Center opened under Laing’s tenure, allowing the city to move forward with the demolition of the Brackenridge campus for its redevelopment. A new 17-story tower at the corner of 15th and Red River streets is the next major new building for the district, with plans calling for half of the space to be used for the medical school while the rest will be available to health-related businesses and nonprofits. Capital City Innovation has not announced its plans or timeline for selecting Laing’s replacement.
Chad Swiatecki is a 20-year journalist who relocated to Austin from his home state of Michigan in 2008. He most enjoys covering the intersection of arts, business and local/state politics. He has written... More by Chad Swiatecki