Elizabeth Kocs
Director, Business Development
Dr. Elizabeth A. Kocs is a visionary leader and multi-disciplinary innovator with over 30 years of experience driving advancements in energy, sustainability, and scientific research initiatives. As Director of Business Development at the Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA), she spearheads strategic growth, cultivates cross-institutional collaboration, and secures both public and private investment to support groundbreaking science and technology initiatives across diverse research communities.
With extensive experience in both public and private sectors, Dr. Kocs possesses a wealth of expertise in research and development leadership, resilience planning, federally funded research, and stakeholder collaboration across academia, government, and industry. Before her tenure at SURA, she held prominent leadership positions at GTI Energy and the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2), where she managed over $300 million in hydrogen and low-carbon energy programs focused on infrastructure planning, economic and workforce development, and environmental impact. Dr. Kocs also brings more than 20 years of experience from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), where she excelled in strategic planning, program development, and consortium building to enhance research and learning across multiple disciplines. She adeptly leveraged public and private partnerships to expand new research and development areas and funding opportunities across the university, collaborating with local, regional, and national entities.
Dr. Kocs’ interdisciplinary background—encompassing research and development strategy, federal compliance, and academic-industry collaboration—has established her as a trusted leader for navigating complex, multi-stakeholder programs. She is a sought-after speaker and contributor on topics such as resilience planning and the pivotal role of energy policies and research and development in advancing economic opportunities.
A recognized champion for impactful innovation and systems-based thinking, Dr. Kocs serves on several national advisory boards and committees, where she continues to shape strategies that align science with meaningful impact. Her involvement includes the Materials Research Society (MRS) Focus on Sustainability (FoS) Subcommittee, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Climate Committee, the Women’s Energy Network Chicago EmPOWERment Forum Committee, and Women in Hydrogen. Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Chicago Area Clean Cities 2022 Community Leadership Award, the COP26 Climate Challenge Cup Award, the Women in Cleantech Sustainability Award, and recognition as a finalist in the 2019 U.S. C3E Award. Dr. Kocs holds a PhD in Environmental Psychology from the City University of New York, an Executive MBA from the University of Illinois, and a Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt Institute.
Passionate about empowering the next generation of researchers and innovators, Dr. Kocs actively mentors students and early-career professionals, fostering a culture of curiosity and collaboration. Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom, as she frequently engages in community outreach programs aimed at increasing awareness and participation in STEM fields. Through her work, Dr. Kocs aspires to inspire others to pursue careers in science and technology, ensuring a sustainable and innovative future for all.