Paul Lavoie

Paul Lavoie Headshot
Vice President of Innovation and Applied Technology
About Paul

Paul Lavoie was announced as the University of New HavenӰԭs first vice president of innovation and applied technology on June 20, 2025. He will begin his tenure at the University in July.

Lavoie, the state of ConnecticutӰԭs chief manufacturing officer, will oversee the formation of the UniversityӰԭs pioneering Research and Development (R&D) Park. The R&D Park will be located in a reimagined 130,000-square-foot commercial space located directly adjacent to the UniversityӰԭs West Haven campus.

In 2024, Lavoie was named one of the , joining leaders from Michelin, General Motors, Ferrari, and Johnson Controls.

The UniversityӰԭs new R&D Park will be focused extensively on the areas of advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, robotics, automation, machine learning, and biotech, as well as industry 4.0 and 5.0. The University envisions a broad collaborative supporting the R&D Park, with partners including private companies, government entities, K-12 schools, the cities of West Haven and New Haven, and a variety of organizations such as AdvanceCT and CT Center for Advanced Technology.

ӰԭI have long admired the University of New Haven and its commitment to preparing its graduates to excel in the careers of the future,Ӱԭ said Lavoie. ӰԭPresident FrederiksenӰԭs vision for the University is as captivating as it is inspiring. I am excited to advance that vision through the formation of this unique R&D Park. I am confident this project will provide tremendous opportunities for students and companies to excel in the economies of the future.Ӱԭ

ӰԭPaul is a visionary and forward-looking leader who has an exceptional background in driving innovation and ingenuity,Ӱԭ said President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D. ӰԭHe is the ideal individual to execute the vision for our R&D Park Ӱԭ a vision that provides the next generation of an elite workforce for Connecticut with transformational hands-on learning experiences. This is an unprecedented economic development opportunity, with the promise of catalytic impact across the key industry sectors that have traditionally defined ConnecticutӰԭs core economic and comparative advantages.Ӱԭ

A Connecticut native, in February 2022. The chief manufacturing officer position was created to coordinate efforts from the state and private sector to expand manufacturing in Connecticut. In November 2022, Lavoie assumed responsibility for the stateӰԭs economic development efforts for its clean economy, including offshore wind.

Lavoie has extensive industry experience, including as general manager at in Cromwell, Connecticut. Prior to Carey, Lavoie owned two businesses and served in senior-level positions at publicly traded and privately owned businesses. He serves as the board chair of the ; co-chair of the ; an advisory board member of the ; and an advisory board member of the .

In the Media

In the Media

Paul Lavoie, ConnecticutӰԭs chief manufacturing officer, will join the University of New Haven in July as vice president of innovation and applied technology.

In the Media

Paul Lavoie, ConnecticutӰԭs chief manufacturing officer, will join the University of New Haven in July as vice president of innovation and applied technology.

In the Media

Paul Lavoie, ConnecticutӰԭs chief manufacturing officer, will join the University of New Haven in July as vice president of innovation and applied technology.

Paul Lavoie, Connecticut's chief manufacturing officer, is leaving Gov. Ned Lamont's administration to take a job at the University of New Haven, where he will oversee the creation of an advanced manufacturing campus.

University of New Haven Names Manufacturing and Economic Development Expert as Inaugural Vice President of Innovation and Applied Technology

Paul Lavoie, ConnecticutӰԭs current chief manufacturing officer, will begin his tenure at the University in July. In this capacity, he will oversee the creation of the UniversityӰԭs new Research and Development (R&D) Park. The R&D Park will provide companies with direct access to student talent, cutting-edge research, and pioneering innovation opportunities.