The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania recently promoted Wayne K. Barz to Chief Investment Officer. Barz was the company’s manager of entrepreneurial services.
Barz will direct Ben Franklin’s Enterprise Development group. The group is comprised of four regional managers and an incubator manager and is responsible for managing relationships with clients and identifying early-stage and established manufacturer-client investment and support opportunities.
Additionally, Barz will lead the Solutions Network. The network is responsible for identifying, qualifying, and directing Ben Franklin’s business and technical advisors.
Barz has a certificate in entrepreneurship, a bachelor of science and an MBA from Lehigh University and a completed the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts mergers and acquisitions course.
Barz serves as member of the Bridgeworks Enterprise Center Advisory Committee, board member of the City of Allentown Enterprise Zone Committee, board member of the Rising Tide Community Loan Fund, chairman of the Science and Technology Committee of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, and board president and a finance committee member of the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley.
Before employment with Ben Franklin, Barz served as director of industrial development for the Allentown Economic Development Corp.
He is a frequent speaker at numerous business events.