SVP of Corporate Development Josh Richman joins Executive Advisory Council
CHICAGO, IL – Intersect Illinois today announced that PsiQuantum Co-founder and CEO Professor Jeremy O’Brien has been appointed to its board of directors. A leading quantum computing innovator, PsiQuantum recently announced plans to build the first U.S.-based utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer at the new Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP). PsiQuantum will be the anchor tenant at the park, located in the former U.S. Steel South Works property in Chicago.
“Quantum computing has the potential to tackle many of the biggest challenges we face today, and PsiQuantum is leading the way in developing this transformational technology,” said Intersect Illinois Chairman John Atkinson. “We’re thrilled to have PsiQuantum as our anchor tenant at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, and I couldn’t be prouder to welcome Jeremy O’Brien to our board of directors and Josh Richman to our Executive Advisory Council. Their expertise will be invaluable as we work together to further establish Illinois as the global hub for quantum.”
Professor Jeremy O’Brien
Prof. O’Brien is Co-founder and CEO of PsiQuantum, which is building the world’s first commercially useful quantum computers that will be used to tackle some of the greatest challenges and create profound new opportunities. PsiQuantum is partnering with customers and governments globally to bring about transformation across healthcare, climate, finance, transportation, security and beyond. Prof. O’Brien has dedicated 25 years to this mission, having identified quantum computing as the most profoundly world-changing technology, due to its potential to unlock critical solutions to otherwise impossible problems.
“I am excited and honored to join the Intersect Illinois board and contribute to the dynamic efforts that are positioning Illinois as a leader in quantum computing and other advanced technologies,” said O’Brien. “Quantum computing has the potential to unlock unprecedented opportunities for the state’s economy, and I’m committed to working alongside government and business leaders to ensure Illinois remains at the forefront of this revolution. Together, we can drive forward initiatives that not only advance technology but also create sustainable, high-quality jobs across all of our communities.”
Josh Richman
Josh Richman, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development for PsiQuantum, will join Intersect Illinois’ Executive Advisory Council. Richman headed the national search that led the company to choose Illinois. Before working in quantum computing, Richman was an early pioneer in clean energy and for the past six years he has taught “Energy: Innovation, Policy and Business Strategy” at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business.
Governor Pritzker and his administration have made investing in quantum a priority, and PsiQuantum’s decision to locate in Illinois was due in part to the State’s support for quantum, its talent and its unique ecosystem. This ecosystem includes the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), the University of Chicago, the Chicago Quantum Exchange, Argonne and Fermi national labs, DARPA (the U.S. Department of Defense’s Advanced Research Project Agency), and more. Intersect Illinois recently hired Preeti Chalsani, PhD as its inaugural Chief Quantum Officer to work closely with leaders within Illinois’ science, technology, innovation, government and economic development ecosystem to lead all business development efforts related to quantum.
A non-partisan group of civic and private-sector leaders, Intersect Illinois’ board is dedicated to bringing economic growth and jobs to Illinois, advising the organization on ways to make the state even more attractive for business attraction. Leaders are recommended for the board to represent a diversity of regions, industries, and backgrounds. All members are approved by a board vote.
Intersect Illinois has added more than 20 new members to its board since the end of last year. Board companies include: Ameren Illinois, ADM, Busey Bank, Cabrera Capital, Carle Health, the Chicago Bears, Chicago State University, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Comcast, ComEd, Constellation, Clayco, DLA Piper, 8 Hospitality Group, GCM Grosvenor, Illinois American Water, Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, Illinois REALTORS, Loop Capital, Marsh Chicago, Nicor Gas, OSF Healthcare, P33, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas, Related Midwest, Skyway Concession Company, SPAAN Tech, Inc., the University of Illinois System, and Wanxiang America Corporation.
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