As program manager for Fresno State's WET Center, Jeff Macon helps ventures fund their efforts to commercialize technologies and to develop their businesses.

"For example, I recently talked with a WET Center member who relocated to the Central Valley from South America to commercialize a technology that improves water chemistry for agriculture and he's increased sales quite a lot in a short period of time," Macon said. "It is wonderful to see hard work pay off for the ventures we work with."

Macon has been working at Fresno State since 2012, when he started at the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. In 2016, he transitioned to the WET (Water, Energy, and Technology) Center. Macon earned his undergraduate degree from the University of San Francisco and his MBA from Fresno State. He also studied a bit in Taiwan.

He finds his work at Fresno State very rewarding.

"Perhaps the best part of my job is getting to work with a lot of really interesting ventures that are trying to commercialize technological solutions in California that will help solve issues around water, energy and agriculture," he said.

Macon was attracted to his field because entrepreneurship has always been interesting to him.

"Quite a few of my family members have run their own businesses," he said. "I've been fortunate to work with a lot of inspiring entrepreneurs in the Silicon Valley, Asia, and the Central Valley. Also, I really appreciate working with water, energy, and agricultural technologies because they are important to the success of the Central Valley."

At the WET Center, Macon also works with the BlueTechValley innovation cluster, which is funded by the California Energy Commission. It is one of four that serves the state of California. Also, he works with the Valley Ventures accelerator, which is funded by the Economic Development Administration.

"Valley Ventures will have a fourth cohort this fall where selected ventures will work on improving sales and operations," he said. "In order to determine which ventures we work with, my team and I coordinate TIE (Technology Innovation Evaluation) meetings where ventures present their technological solutions and a group of committee members provides feedback on feasibility and next steps."

When not at work, Macon keeps active.

"Exercising and jogging are regular activities for me," he said. "I enjoy following news and sports, and podcasts have been a great way for me to keep up on the latest."

Family also keeps him busy.

Macon’s oldest daughter completed her freshman year at the University of California Berkeley, where she's majoring in anthropology. His son graduated from University High School in June. And his two younger daughters enjoy being kids.

"I love it when they laugh," he said

(Editor's note: Campus News accepts nominations for faculty and staff profiles. These stories allow the campus community to learn about the many colleagues who contribute to the success of Fresno State. If you know someone with an interesting story — a passion for helping the community or a cause, a remarkable life journey, or there is just something fascinating about them to share — please email campusnews@csufresno.edu.)