Bugher chosen to head University Research Park

Mark D. Bugher, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration, has been appointed the new director of the University Research Park (URP), Chancellor David Ward announced today.

Mark D. Bugher

“Mark brings to the university an outstanding record of statewide leadership and service,” said Ward. “In addition to his financial and administrative talents, Mark has the vision needed to capitalize on the park’s tremendous growth potential.”

Bugher will begin the job on or before Oct. 1 and will replace the park’s inaugural director, Wayne McGown, who will retire after Bugher joins the university. Bugher will be responsible for the overall management of the 300-acre west Madison development, which is home to 76 diverse companies employing more than 2,200 people.

“I’m looking forward to continuing the success of the research park, which is a great asset to the university, the community and the state,” Bugher said. “High-technology business growth is essential to Wisconsin’s future economic health and competitiveness, and URP is a model for how to make it happen.”

Recognized as one of the nation’s best university-affiliated research parks, URP has steadily grown since its formation in 1985. A significant percentage of park tenants are new ventures stemming from research innovations at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

The park is in the second year of expansion into property west of Whitney Way, which doubled the available land for development. Ward said developing and attracting new ventures in the park will be a top priority.

Bugher will have an opportunity to nurture other real estate developments on the horizon, Ward said. Possible projects include the expansion of the research park to other sites within Dane County once the existing property has been fully developed.

Bugher has served since December 1996 as Gov. Tommy Thompson’s secretary of administration, a post traditionally considered the second in command in the governor’s office. He is responsible for helping steer the state’s $41 billion biennial budget, and he oversees programs in information technology, managing the state building program, energy, telecommunications, housing and coastal management.

Prior to that post, Bugher served as state secretary of revenue from 1988 to 1996; deputy secretary of revenue from July to October 1988; and executive assistant in the revenue department from February 1987 to July 1988. He was also a district director for U.S. Rep. Steve Gunderson, R-Black River Falls, from 1983 to 1987. Bugher’s professional background is in real estate brokerage and development, and from 1972 to 1983 he managed the Bugher and Associates Real Estate firm in Eau Claire.

The research park, located at Mineral Point Road and Whitney Way, received in 1996 the first “Research Park of the Year” award given by the 170-member American Association of University Affiliated Research Parks. One of its most successful features has been the MGE Innovation Center, which aids in the startup of small technology-based firms. Of the 27 companies originated there since 1989, 90 percent are still in business.

Bugher will report directly to Ward, who is chair of the research park’s Board of Trustees, and will receive an annual salary of $135,000 derived from park revenues. His appointment is contingent upon approval by the UW Board of Regents.