The University of Tennessee Research Foundation (UTRF) Board voted in May to promote James Parrett, J.D., M.S., PharmD, to vice president of UTRF’s Memphis Office, effective July 1, 2026. Parrett first joined UTRF in 2021 as a technology manager and was promoted to staff attorney in 2022.
As vice president, Parrett will oversee technology transfer and commercialization activities for UTRF’s Memphis Office, supporting innovators at the UT Health Sciences, UT Martin and UT Southern campuses. Additionally, Parrett will continue to serve a dual role, both as vice president and legal counsel in designated situations.
“I’m so pleased to have James as the vice president of UTRF’s Memphis Office,” said UTRF President and CEO Maha Krishnamurthy. “James brings more than 10 years of technology transfer experience, and is a highly service-oriented, respected and trusted colleague. Faculty and staff value working with him, and I have consistently received positive feedback about his performance and professionalism.”
In his previous role as staff attorney, Parrett managed and licensed university technologies while preparing and reviewing research-related agreements, including material transfer, research and confidentiality agreements. As a registered patent attorney, he also provides strategic guidance on patent prosecution for new inventions disclosed across the UT System.
Parrett brings a multidisciplinary background to the role, with experience as a pharmacist, intellectual property attorney, research scientist and technology transfer professional.
“I’ve always been drawn to technology transfer because it brings together science, law and business,” said Parrett. “My experience as a scientist, pharmacist and patent attorney allows me to approach commercialization from several perspectives. Every invention is different, and I enjoy working through unique challenges to help researchers move their discoveries toward real-world impact.”
Originally from Virginia, Parrett earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from James Madison University and a law degree from the College of William & Mary. He began his career in pharmaceutical patent litigation, representing several large pharmaceutical companies.
In 2012, he returned to school at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, earning a master’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences and administration and a Doctor of Pharmacy. Prior to joining UTRF, he served as the manager of pharmaceutical development and intellectual property at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
“As vice president, I’m excited to spend more time connecting with researchers across our campuses and learning about the discoveries happening in their labs,” said Parrett. “One of the most rewarding parts of technology transfer is helping faculty see a path from an idea or invention to something that can make a real difference in people’s lives. My priority is to build those relationships early and find new ways UTRF can support them throughout that process.”
Parrett is admitted to practice law in Delaware, Mississippi, Colorado and Tennessee, and is a registered patent attorney with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He is also a licensed pharmacist in Mississippi, Colorado and Tennessee.
Outside of work, Parrett enjoys cooking and is an avid science-fiction fantasy fan. He also enjoys attending movies and exploring his local food scene. His wife, Carrie, is a professor at the University of Mississippi.