Natcast names Deirdre Hanford as CEO
Natcast, the expected operator of the CHIPS for America National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) once established, has announced that industry veteran Deirdre Hanford will serve as the organization’s first chief executive officer.
Hanford has spent her career advancing the semiconductor ecosystem. She has served as a leader at the electronic design automation firm Synopsys; as an inaugural member of the Industrial Advisory Committee created by the CHIPS Act to advise the federal government on microelectronics; and as the former chair of the American Electronics Association, a board member of the University of California Berkeley’s College of Engineering and co-chair of Purdue University’s Semiconductor Degrees Leadership Board.
The NSTC is a key component of the CHIPS for America Research and Development (R&D) Program established by the CHIPS and Science Act, which President Biden signed into law in August 2022. The center will be a public-private consortium where government, industry, customers, suppliers, educational institutions, and other partners will come together to innovate, connect, solve technical problems and help build the workforce of the future.
“The NSTC is the centerpiece of our efforts to build a strong semiconductor research and development ecosystem, which will enable the United States to be the world’s technological superpower and advance our economic security,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “Natcast is off to a strong start with their selection of Deirdre Hanford as CEO given her exceptional knowledge of the industry, her strength in implementing complex programs, and her strong commitment to serving the nation.”
“The NSTC is the cornerstone of the CHIPS R&D program and will be a hub for innovation that welcomes people from the entire semiconductor industry and associated supply chain. It will attract the best minds from organizations large and small, from companies just starting out to well-known industry leaders. Because of her broad experience, deep knowledge, and outstanding leadership, Deirdre Hanford is an excellent choice to help us launch this critical national asset,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Director Laurie E. Locascio.
“I am thrilled about Natcast's announcement of Deirdre Hanford as the inaugural CEO for Natcast. Her experience, including her ability to build teams and assemble resources, will greatly benefit the NSTC Consortium, which will require working with a wide range of stakeholders and developing the right strategy to make it the premier semiconductor research organization in the world. We are excited about the caliber of leadership Natcast is bringing onboard as they build and grow the NSTC, and I look forward to working with her,” said Jay Lewis, Director of the CHIPS for America NSTC Program at the Department of Commerce.
Today’s announcement is another milestone in the implementation of the CHIPS for America vision: A strong U.S. semiconductor manufacturing sector supported by a vibrant research and development ecosystem that ensures our technology leadership and ability to compete in global markets.
