After nearly three years as the interm executive director of North Dakota State University’s Research and Tech Park, Chuck Hoge has now signed a contract to move out of the interim title. He’s now, officially, the executive director.

“To me, there is no change,” Hoge said. “I love what I’m doing and through this position I’m able to connect with a lot of fabulous organizations, people and companies.”

Hoge has been on the board of directors for the Research and Tech Park for most of its existence, according to NDSU. He brings in a long line of expertise from his former jobs: president and CEO of Bobcat Company and former CEO of Otter Tail Corporation’s manufacturing platform.

At the Research and Tech Park, he’s overseen the growth of programs such as the annual Innovation Challenge, and worked with Dr. Wells to build the Innovation Alliance program on NDSU’s campus.

With the recent addition of Scott Beaulier as NDSU College of Business dean, Hoge is also working closely with him to bring more entrepreneurial education to NDSU.

“We’re working to better define NDSU’s role in educating innovation and entrepreneurship,” he said.

On site at the Research and Tech Park Incubator, Hoge said three more tenants were added in the last month for a total of eight active startups currently building their companies at the facility. They are also building an office for the Bank of North Dakota, to further engage the funds from the bank with local entrepreneurs, Hoge said.

Needless to say, the job keeps him busy.

“There’s a lot of energy,” he said. “There’s always a lot to do.”