Ken Vaughn is the Director of Impact Investments for VertueLab, Oregon’s cleantech Signature Research Center that catalyzes the development of new technologies to reverse climate change and build a new green economy. He manages the program that provides grants to university researchers and makes investments in cleantech startup companies. The program is designed to accelerate research and technology development, remove barriers to customer adoption, and catalyze follow-on investments by private investors. He collaborates with innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, support organizations, and senior management talent to help assemble the elements necessary for launching successful businesses in the cleantech sector. He is not compensated by VPV as an advisor.

Mr. Vaughn is an accomplished professional with broad experience spanning executive management, engineering, marketing, strategic planning, product development, operations, economic development, and early-stage Investing. He has experience in nonprofits, entrepreneurial companies, and multi-national corporations in leadership, staff roles, and line roles.

Before joining VertueLab, Mr. Vaughn held senior management positions in a wide range of industries. He served as VP Marketing & Product Management for Jadoo Power (acquired by SigNA Chemicals), and as Executive Director of Advanced Technology and as VP Regional Engineering and Operations for AirTouch Cellular (acquired by Vodafone). Prior to those roles, he served in entrepreneurial management positions in multiple startups including two that he started. Mr. Vaughn holds a BS Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Texas at Arlington.