Branford Lawyer, Educator, Entrepreneur Tapped As University VP

Jan 6, 2022

" Cahill was quoted as saying. "I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue to develop innovative programming and opportunities for our students while deepening the relationships between the University, business and community leaders and other key stakeholders."

BRANFORD, CT —University of Bridgeport appointed of Elena Cahill, J.D., as the Vice President of Innovation, Strategy and Advancement.

Cahill lives in Branford. She serves on the town's Clean Energy Ad Hoc Committee. University of Bridgeport appointed of Elena Cahill, J.D., as the Vice President of Innovation, Strategy and Advancement. (University of Bridgeport/Tyler Cooper)

She'll be responsible for development of the University's strategic plan, as well as management of advancement operations, including fundraising to support program expansion, capital projects and other initiatives, a news release from the university reads. She'll also lead the University's government and external affairs programs, serving as the contact for city, state and federal officials. Cahill will be a member of UB's Senior Cabinet, reporting directly to President Danielle Wilken, Ed.D.


"As an alumna and long-time faculty member, Elena is an outstanding addition to the senior leadership team and a wonderful representative of the talented leaders that UB produces," Wilken was quoted as saying. "Her love of UB and passion for teaching and entrepreneurship inspire our students through her work at the Bauer Hall Innovation Center, and I can't wait to see how our relationships with alumni, donors, government officials and other organizations grow under her management."

She serves as Director of the Ernest C. Trefz School of Business College of Engineering, Business, and Education at the University of Bridgeport, a post she has held since 2018, according to her website. Previously, she was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Bridgeport, specializing in law and entrepreneurship. She holds a B. S. and Juris Doctor in Finance and Law. She founded UB's Student Entrepreneur Center.

Cahill has served as director of UB's Bauer Hall Innovation Center since its founding in 2018. The mission of the Innovation Center is to provide a collaborative environment and resources to foster innovation and assist in the creation and growth of businesses founded by students and others in the community. She has been instrumental in developing partnerships with industry leaders, workforce development, and community organizations, including the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, the City of Bridgeport and CTNext. Under her leadership, the Innovation Center has helped hundreds of students build business plans that led to the founding of companies in industries including technology, retail, food and beverage, health services and travel.

Cahill earned her bachelor's and law degrees from UB.

Prior to joining the UB as a member of the full-time faculty, she was an adjunct business professor and partner in a commercial law practice. A serial entrepreneur, Cahill has founded several companies in the energy sector and beyond.

"This new role provides an opportunity for me to expand the way UB approaches partnerships with our alumni, businesses, government, the community and other organizations," Cahill was quoted as saying. "I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue to develop innovative programming and opportunities for our students while deepening the relationships between the University, business and community leaders and other key stakeholders."