Photo by Ed Waters, Jr. George Cox is the new chairman of the Frederick Innovative Technology Center Inc.

But starting up can be tough. There are many factors to consider, from business operation to law, and the new chairman of FITCI can provide expertise in both of those.

George W. Cox has been on the board of the Frederick Innovative Technology Center Inc. for about 1 1/2 years.

He holds a doctorate in pharmacology and a law degree, perhaps the perfect match to oversee the booming biotech and information technology fields.

Cox spent 20 years in the biomedical research field including pharmacology, immunology, cell biology and molecular biology. He was a postdoctoral fellow in the Biological Response Modifiers Program for the National Cancer Institute and a senior staff fellow at NCI.

Cox was an assistant professor of pharmacology, molecular biology and cell biology at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences.

"I am a scientist turned lawyer," Cox said in his office at the technology center site on Metropolitan Court.

The incubator's other site is at Hood College.

"I have an interest in fostering, helping technological innovation and entrepreneurship," said Cox, who is with the law office of Miles & Stockbridge.

"It is consistent with my law practice to work with life sciences and high tech companies," Cox said. "My main goal here is to foster those technological innovations and develop business in Frederick County. That includes job growth."

The technology center has 28 clients, broken into three categories -- biotechnology, information technology and, more recently, green technology.

"My interest is in merging science, business and law, bringing them all together," Cox said.

The center, he said, provides not only a physical place for the fledgling businesses to grow, but access to mentors and other professionals in the area.

Cox initially came to the center as a member of its biotech client committee.

That panel reviews potential clients. Cox had been serving as chairman of that committee when he was asked to become chairman of the board.

"I've been active in nonprofits and other organizations, but have never served on the board of directors before," he said.

The board sets strategy, direction and policy, carrying out the organization's mission.

"I see FITCI as a major contributor to Frederick County, creating jobs and keeping the economy healthy," Cox said.

One goal is to find a larger location, combining the two existing operations and expanding to more clients, Cox said.

"We've had over 180 new jobs created since inception, generating $1.3 million in benefits," said Mike Dailey, the center's executive director.