UNM Rainforest Innovations (UNMRI) bids a fond farewell to Charles (Chuck) Wellborn, who is stepping down from the UNMRI Board of Directors after three decades of service. As the organizations first President and CEO (1995-2000), Chuck took on the challenge of building The University of New Mexico’s technology transfer program from the ground up, establishing a foundation that has grown into a nationally recognized model for university innovation and entrepreneurship.
Starting with only two staff members, (himself and his assistant, Gerri Marousek), within five years, Chuck had laid the groundwork for generating start-ups, licensing income, patent protection, and serving our university inventors that is the foundation of UNM Rainforest Innovations’ success today. Chuck continued to serve on the UNMRI board of the directors for the past 30 years, one of the longest tenures of any member, and was a member on many board committees including the Executive, Finance & Compensation, Endowment Fund, Cecchi VentureLab, and Real Estate committees.
Raised in Albuquerque, Chuck earned a B.A. in Economic and a J.D. from The University of New Mexico, followed by a LL.M. in Corporate Law from New York University. He practiced corporate law for nearly 30 years as a partner at Modrall Sperling, advising startups and handling corporate transactions. His leadership extended to the legal community, where he served as President of the Albuquerque Bar Association (1978), the State Bar of New Mexico (1982), and was a member of the American Bar Association’s House of Delegates for many years. His expertise in corporate finance and securities law naturally led to a passion for venture capital and technology startups.
In 2002, Chuck led the creation of the New Mexico Tax Research Institute, a public policy organization dedicated to studying and sharing insights on state tax policy. The following year, he joined the board of the New Mexico Small Business Investment Company, created by the state to provide capital to emerging businesses. As Chair beginning in 2004, Chuck oversaw a major reorganization that enabled the company to channel more than $30 million in loans and investments to intermediary organizations such as ACCION, The Verge Fund and Flywheel Investments that serve all kinds of small businesses, from micro-enterprises to technology startups.
UNM Rainforest Innovations held a farewell reception for Chuck on November 6 including Board members and staff. Reflecting this tenure, Chuck shared his gratitude with the Rainforest community: “I cannot overstate how much my tenure at the Rainforest has meant to me. My best regards to [Larissa], Lisa and Sandra and the terrific Rainforest staff. I know you will continue to do great things.”
Chuck’s leadership and unwavering dedication have left a lasting legacy on UNM and on New Mexico’s innovation landscape. The UNM Rainforest Innovations community extends its deepest gratitude for his extraordinary service.
