EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been changed to correct the business affiliation of council member Howard Marks.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Wednesday announced the formation of a task force of local technology company executives, entrepreneurs and academic leaders to boost the region’s growth industries.
The 26-member Council on Innovation and Industry, which Villaraigosa announced Wednesday morning at the Variety Venture Capital and New Media Summit, includes representatives from a cross section of technology-oriented businesses and finance firms.
Among the members: video game executive Howard Marks, co-founder of Activision; Randy Churchill, director of emerging company services for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and board member of the Los Angeles Venture Association; Scott Painter, chief executive of TrueCar.com; and Zack Zalon, chief executive of Wilshire Media Group.
The council will report back to Villaraigosa later this year on ways to promote local technology, new media and other entrepreneurial companies, and to boost venture capital investment in the region.
“By engaging the leaders of our emerging growth community, we are leveraging their energy and experience to promote our region, attract investment and drive further growth,” Villaraigosa said. “(This is) all with a goal of securing the future of Los Angeles as a dynamic innovation hub in America.”