Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Director named

The Rappahannock Region Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Council (RREEC) and the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance have announced Michael Purello as the new RREEC Executive Director.

The RREEC is a 501c3 entrepreneurial support organization serving the Fredericksburg, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula regions. Its vision is to enhance the vibrancy of the regions by bringing in new ventures and building funding connections.

Michael (Mike) Purello brings almost four decades of experience to the RREEC. His expertise includes networking, communications, problem solving, mentoring, collaboration and strategic planning.

Mike retired from government service in 2019 with 33 years of service; his last government job was leading the Corporate Operations Department at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) in King George County. He held leadership positions in the areas of chemical, biological, and radiological defense; ship production, repair, and overhaul; combat systems development, integration, training, and support; battlegroup interoperability; and electromagnetic environmental effects. In addition to working manufacturing in the private sector, he worked at two other NAVSEA commands — Surface Combat Systems Center in Wallops Island and Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth — as well as a one-year detail at NAVSEA headquarters in Washington. Upon retiring from the government, Mike worked for a government contractor, Applied Technology Inc., as Vice President of Operations and Innovation.

Mike is the author of several technical publications, and he has given numerous presentations at symposiums and conferences. His awards include the Superior and Meritorious Civilian Service Awards, the NSWC Human Awareness Award, the Commander’s Diversity and Inclusion Award, and numerous community service awards.

Mike is a licensed professional engineer (P.E.) in Virginia. He has attended numerous leadership development programs, including the Federal Executive Institute’s Leadership for a Democratic Society. He holds an engineering undergraduate degree and master’s degrees in business administration and systems engineering. He is on the board of the Dahlgren Heritage Foundation in King George. He supports St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in King George in many efforts, including leading the SPC2100 community outreach program and annual Oktoberfest event. Mike resides in King George County.