Michael Roark has been named the vice president of Alliances for Purdue Research Foundation (PRF), effective January 27th. He succeeds Greg Deason, who was promoted to PRF’s newly created COO position.
Roark’s tenure as senior director of Alliances as well as his long career managing and developing the growth and success of business partners makes him the ideal person to fulfill this role. Prior to assuming the position of vice president, Roark was responsible for empowering key partners within the Purdue Research Park and Discovery Park District at Purdue to impact the world.
Prior to joining PRF in 2022, Roark worked in the power sports industry, taking on key leadership and business development positions at Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Royal Enfield. He was an instrumental member of the executive leadership team that launched the first wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Enfield in North America.
As a proud Purdue University alumnus, Mike holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology, as well as a master’s in business administration from the Krannert School of Business.
