The University of Iowa Research Foundation has named a new executive director.

Zev Sunleaf will head the research foundation, effective Aug. 1. He has been the interim executive director since last year and has been with the foundation since 2001.

The research foundation is the UI’s primary conduit to license and commercialize promising university-based research and technologies. The 501c3 corporation is one of four branches in the Iowa Centers for Enterprise, charged with uniting and leading economic development units at the university

As executive director, Sunleaf will oversee the UI’s technology transfer office and work closely with university faculty and leaders to promote and market UI assets to state, regional, local, and business leaders to assure effective support for start-up and new company formation. He reports directly to the university’s vice president for research and economic development.

Before joining the research foundation, Sunleaf was vice president at Caviforce Technologies, Inc., and Solltech, Inc., both located in Coralville. He is a graduate of the UI.