Ohio State, Battelle jointly hire national security expert

In the 87 years Battelle’s headquarters has been located across King Avenue from The Ohio State University, collaboration has been a common theme between the two non-profit organizations.  

From the 1930s, when Battelle scientists and Ohio State researchers worked together on metals research using the university’s cyclotron to today’s NeuroLife clinical study, the two organizations have shared far more than proximity. Battelle’s current President and CEO, Jeff Wadsworth, is a former president and current member of Ohio State Board of Trustees.

Now, the two have teamed to hire Zachary Mears, who will be on staff as an Ohio State assistant vice president for national security and research programs as well as holding an advisory office at Battelle. Mears, who began on Aug 1, 2016, has expertise in U.S. national security and defense strategy, planning and resourcing.

The shared leadership position with Battelle and Ohio State’s Office of Research and College of Engineering allows Mears to help the university and Battelle develop and implement a strategic relationship management plan related to national security research conducted at Ohio State and Battelle.

“Meeting rapid changes in technology capabilities and operational needs requires a creative, informed community of solvers,” said Steve Kelly, Battelle’s senior vice president for contract research. “Zach’s expertise will enhance Battelle’s ability to anticipate and quickly align with America’s national security priorities.”

Ohio State Senior Vice President for Research Caroline Whitacre said Mears is a significant hire. “Zach’s expertise and leadership in national security and defense strategy will be invaluable to the university as we move to expand our partnerships across Ohio and with federal national security programs,” she said. “This is another excellent example of Ohio State and Battelle joining forces to align existing capabilities and explore new models for collaboration to strengthen the nation’s research enterprise.” 

Prior to joining Ohio State, Mears served as the deputy chief of staff to the secretary of defense and chief of staff to the deputy secretary of defense in Washington, DC. He advised the secretary and deputy secretary of defense on national priorities and managed their implementation. He also served as the director of the Advanced Capability and Deterrence Panel and led the development of the Third Offset Strategy, which aims to identify new organizational and operational concepts and new capabilities to improve the United States’ military advantage. He also advised the Defense Innovation Unit – Experimental, which is building bridges between the Pentagon and the United States’ technology communities in Silicon Valley and Boston. Prior to these appointments, he served as the director for strategic planning for the National Security Council, where he co-authored the 2015 National Security Strategy. He also worked as a senior defense analyst for Scitor Corporation and as senior consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton.

Mears received his BA in political science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and his MA and PhD in political science from Ohio State.