Johnny Park, one of the nation’s premier agriculture technology entrepreneurs, will lead the Wabash Heartland Innovation Network (WHIN) as CEO starting today, working to develop the Wabash Heartland region into a global epicenter of digital agriculture and next-generation manufacturing empowered by smart Internet of Things (IoT) platforms.
According to WHIN Board of Directors Chair Gary Henriott, Park’s success as an ag-tech entrepreneur combined with his experience with sensory data analytics and IoT is a perfect match as the WHIN team works with Purdue University, Ivy Tech Community College and the region’s 10 counties to enhance the overall quality of place and quality of life in North Central Indiana.
“Johnny is a true entrepreneur, creative thinker and risk taker. His proven skill at creating a compelling vision along with concrete and innovative strategies and his broad and deep understanding and experience in the development of intelligent, connected sensors in the application of agriculture and manufacturing will allow WHIN to leap ahead regarding research, talent and IoT for the benefit of the region. Johnny’s strong background and expertise means he can hit the ground running as an outstanding and engaged CEO.
“WHIN’s focus on digital agriculture, next-generation manufacturing and investing in projects that increase the education, vitality and connectivity of the Wabash Heartland combined with Johnny’s leadership is a win-win for our region’s 350,000 residents and businesses,” Henriott said.
Purdue University Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs & Diversity Jay Akridge applauded WHIN officials’ choice of Park.
“As an early member of WHIN, we are excited about Johnny’s leadership and look forward to collaborating on the organization’s many initiatives to strengthen and improve the Wabash Heartland region, which Purdue University and many innovative, dynamic businesses and entrepreneurs call home,” Akridge said.
The founder and former CEO of Spensa Technologies, Inc., Park raised $8 million in investments and grants, achieving 98% average annual revenue growth in the last five years. A precision agriculture company focused on smart IoT devices and data analytics to help growers better manage agronomic pests such as insects, weed, nutrient deficiencies and disease, Spensa Technologies was named one of the Top 25 Most Innovative Ag-Tech Startups by Forbes last year. The company was successfully acquired by Minnesota-based DTN, a global analysis company in March of this year.
With years of research experience in robotics, computer vision, machine learning and distributed sensor networks as a principal research scientist and research assistant professor at Purdue University and having been awarded four patents in related areas, Park is enthused to bring his vision and experience to help achieve WHIN’s goals.
“I’m looking forward to the many and diverse opportunities and challenges ahead for all of us in WHIN’s 10-county region. We have the ability to leverage our midwestern values, creativity and strengths to attract innovative thinkers and doers who can help lift up our quality of place and quality of life.
“Together with the many collaborative groups and dedicated individuals we work with who are committed to improving and innovating agriculture and manufacturing, we can – and will – change the world,” Park said.
A 1998 Purdue University graduate, Park also received his master’s degree and Ph.D. from Purdue. He, his wife and their four children reside in West Lafayette, Indiana.
About the Wabash Heartland Innovation Network
Funded by a $38.9 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., WHIN serves 10 counties in North Central Indiana to develop the Wabash Heartland region into the global epicenter for digital agriculture and next-generation manufacturing empowered by smart Internet of Things (IoT) platforms. WHIN’s three-pronged approach involves digital agriculture (engaging agriculture producers and businesses in the development of agriculture IoT testbeds, career-ready certificates and digital-readiness training), next-generation manufacturing (real-time analytics of manufacturing systems, workforce education and manufacturing IoT testbeds) and regional cultivation to increase the education, vitality and connectivity of the region.
Nearly 350,000 individuals call the region home that includes Benton, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Fountain, Montgomery, Pulaski, Tippecanoe, Warren and White Counties. In addition, the region boasts 28 school corporations, an Ivy Tech Community College system, a private college (Wabash College) and an internationally-renowned, Tier I public research university (Purdue University) which serves as the center of innovation in engineering, agriculture, technology and entrepreneurship. WHIN’s guiding values are to be industry-led and regionally-focused to empower globally competitive businesses to plant and grow in the Wabash Heartland for the benefit of the region, Indiana and the Midwest. For more information: www.whinsmartregion.org