Board Taps UTC’s Dr. Rick Mukherjee and Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative’s Charlie Brock
Chattanooga, TN – March 27, 2025 – The Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative (CQC) has announced the appointment of Charlie Brock, CEO of CQC, and Dr. Rick Mukherjee, Director of the Quantum Center at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), to its Board of Directors. Their appointments were confirmed in a recent board meeting.
Brock and Mukherjee join an esteemed group of founding board members, who continue their service in shaping the future of quantum technology in the region. The board includes David Wade, CEO of EPB, who serves as board chair; former U.S. Senator Bob Corker; and Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly.
“We are delighted to welcome Charlie and Rick to the board,” said David Wade, Board Chair of CQC. “Charlie has been instrumental in advancing CQC’s mission, and Dr. Mukherjee brings critical expertise in quantum research and education. Their leadership will help position Chattanooga as a key player in the emerging quantum economy.”
Brock, a longtime champion of entrepreneurship and innovation in Tennessee, has led CQC’s efforts to build a quantum ecosystem in the region. Dr. Mukherjee, a recognized expert in quantum physics, leads UTC’s Quantum Center, which is working to expand quantum research, workforce development, and industry collaboration in Chattanooga.
“I’m honored to take on this role and continue working to bridge the gap between research, industry, and community engagement in quantum technology,” said Brock. “CQC is at the forefront of this emerging field, and I look forward to helping drive its growth.”
Mukherjee echoed this sentiment, stating, “Quantum technology has the potential to transform industries and open new opportunities for Chattanooga. I’m excited to contribute to CQC’s mission and strengthen the connection between UTC’s quantum research and the broader ecosystem.”
The Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative, established to prepare the region for the commercialization and use of quantum technology, continues to foster partnerships among academia, industry, and government. With these new board additions, CQC is poised to expand its impact in advancing education, workforce development, and technological innovation in the quantum space.
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About the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative (CQC)
The Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative (CQC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to establishing a robust quantum ecosystem in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee, and beyond. By leveraging quantum resources and mobilizing diverse partnerships for the benefit of the region's people, businesses, and communities, the CQC aims to drive workforce development, economic growth, and technology advancement in the quantum sector. For more information about the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative, visit www.ChattanoogaQuantum.com.
About University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga serves a student body of approximately 11,800 undergraduate and graduate students and in collaboration with many regional partners, UTC features an exceptional experiential learning environment. Through its four academic colleges and graduate school, UTC offers 48 bachelor’s degrees with 118 program concentrations, 25 graduate certificate programs, 23 master’s degree programs with 49 program concentrations, an education specialist program with three program concentrations and six doctoral degrees with 11 program concentrations. For more information, visit utc.edu.
