Memorial service for First Flight center director John Draper set for July 13

Local Tech Wire

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – A memorial service for John Draper, longtime director of the in RTP, is set for July 13.

The service will begin at 3 p.m. at the First Flight center.

Draper died earlier this week. ()

Draper also was chief executive officer of the North Carolina Technological Development Authority.

The First Flight Venture Center is a new business incubator located in the heart of RTP.

Under Draper’s direction, the Center received several awards.

In 2001, Draper took over operation of the NCTDA and First Flight Center after a state audit criticized operations there. Draper, who had served as chief financial officer, cut staff and expenses, and rebuilt the Center virtually from scratch.

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