Paige George: FLC's New Executive Director on Federal Labs, Partnerships, and Tech Transfer

Release date: Aug. 6, 2026

A career in federal technology transfer can take unexpected turns, but for Paige George, stepping into the role of executive director of the Federal Laboratory Consortium felt like the natural next step. After beginning her Navy career as a high school intern, Paige went on to become a mechanical engineer, technology transfer manager and longtime FLC leader.

Paige shares how the relationships she built throughout the federal laboratory community prepared her for this new chapter. She also discusses the leadership lessons she learned from Paul Zielinski, the opportunities ahead for the FLC and why connecting people, laboratories and resources remains essential to moving federally funded innovation into the world.

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In This Episode:

[02:00] Paige George explains how a high school internship at the Navy base introduced her to engineering, military technology and the career possibilities available within the federal laboratory system.
[05:00] Attending her first FLC national meeting revealed the remarkable range of backgrounds within technology transfer and helped Paige recognize that she had found the professional community where she belonged.
[08:25] Stepping into the executive director role felt like a natural progression after years of serving as a regional coordinator, committee chair, board member and technology transfer leader.
[11:32] A closer look at the organization's daily operations has deepened Paige's appreciation for the staff members who work behind the scenes to deliver programs, resources and major events for federal laboratories.
[12:55] New strategic priorities create opportunities for the FLC to expand access to federal laboratory expertise, strengthen partnerships and help federally funded research produce practical benefits for the nation.
[15:33] Looking ahead, Paige wants the FLC to remain the leading resource for federal technology transfer while connecting more laboratories, new professionals and national partners to its network.
[17:28] Federal laboratory professionals are encouraged to get involved with the FLC because strong relationships can provide career support, institutional knowledge and valuable connections across agencies and regions.
[18:51] The conversation closes with a reminder that successful technology transfer depends on connecting people, laboratories, resources, partners and ideas to move innovation into real-world use.