Central Florida leader Jay Galbraith Appointed as President to Steer BRIDG Into New Era of Innovation

Jay Galbraith has been appointed as the new president of BRIDG, a not-for-profit, public-private partnership that excels in advanced system integration and packaging. BRIDG is centered around the 500-acre NeoCity technology campus in Osceola County and is dedicated to fostering inclusive regional economic growth. Today’s announcement heralds a pivotal advancement, charting a course for sustained excellence as BRIDG spearheads pivotal programs and federal contract awards. These are indispensable for bolstering national security and fostering domestic autonomy in the sophisticated domain of semiconductor advanced packaging and microelectronics systems. With Galbraith at the helm, his extensive tenure exceeding three decades in strategic leadership and government affairs significantly benefits not only Central Florida but the entire state, driving transformative endeavors forward. “The BRIDG board of directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Jay Galbraith as president of BRIDG,” stated Clarence Thacker, chairman of BRIDG board. “Jay brings a wealth of experience and connections in Central Florida and beyond. His strength in business administration and partnership relations strengthen the sustainability of the organization well into the future.” Galbraith has been instrumental in leading Florida’s economic landscape since the 1990s. Prior to joining BRIDG, Galbraith served as vice president for public affairs at Valencia College. His background also includes corporate leadership roles at SeaWorld Entertainment, Lees-McRae College, and the Pinellas Education Foundation, in addition to serving in key staff roles for past U.S. elected officials. Galbraith’s familiarity with BRIDG’s mission aligns with a vision for the future that moves the organization forward. “I am honored to serve in this capacity to help Osceola County realize the dream to be the semiconductor manufacturing, advanced packaging, and workforce hub for America,” stated Jay Galbraith, BRIDG President. “The recent successes in key partnership grants will serve as the catalyst to see the vision realized in the near future.” Galbraith succeeds Interim President, Dr. John Allgair, who has been with BRIDG since 2016. Dr. Allgair will transition back into his role as BRIDG Chief Technology Officer to strengthen leading-edge technology and credibility in the semiconductor industry. “I am excited to welcome Jay to BRIDG,” stated Dr. John Allgair, BRIDG CTO. “Having Jay’s expertise to lead the team comes at an important time as I provide my full attention to newly announced awards and U.S. government contracts, including the U.S. National Science Foundation Engines award and the Department of Defense’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Cornerstone/RESHAPE award, along with future opportunities such as the CHIPS Act. I look forward to working with Jay as I return focus to our technology roadmap in areas ensuring future viability for NeoCity.”