Administrative Team

Dr. Celia Merzbacher is Executive Director of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), a consortium that aims to enable and grow the U.S. quantum industry. QED-C is supported by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and nearly 250 industry, academic and other members and is managed by SRI International. Dr. Merzbacher is U.S. Co-Chair of the Quad Investors Network’s Quantum Center of Excellence and serves on as an advisor to several quantum research organizations. Previously, Dr. Merzbacher was Vice President for Innovative Partnerships at the Semiconductor Research Corporation. In 2003-2008, she was Assistant Director for Technology R&D in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Executive Director of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Dr. Merzbacher is a Fellow of the AAAS and served as Chair of the National Materials and Manufacturing Board of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine and on the Board of Directors of ANSI. Dr. Celia Merzbacher is Executive Director of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), a consortium that aims to enable and grow the U.S. quantum industry. QED-C is supported by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and nearly 250 industry, academic and other members and is managed by SRI International. Dr. Merzbacher is U.S. Co-Chair of the Quad Investors Network’s Quantum Center of Excellence and serves on as an advisor to several quantum research organizations. Dr. Merzbacher is a Fellow of the AAAS and served as Chair of the National Materials and Manufacturing Board of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine.

Dr. Jonathan Felbinger is the deputy director of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C). In his career spanning academia, industry, and government, he has developed research and development (R&D) strategies, exercised oversight of portfolios, and implemented advanced R&D programs. Prior to joining QED-C, Jonathan was with the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), where he led studies and managed technological aspects of reports to Congress. Previously, he was awarded a AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship to explore frontiers in fundamental research while serving the Department of Defense's grants office. IEEE elevated Jonathan to Senior Member in recognition of sustained, significant scientific and engineering performance. He is dedicated to furthering the development and adoption of quantum and related emerging technologies for national and societal benefits. Outside of the quantum realm, Jonathan is an active volunteer and nonprofit board member and enjoys the outdoors.

Erin Weeks comes to QED-C from the professional and trade association space with 7 years of experience strengthening components, managing volunteers, and creating process efficiencies for a professional association. She achieved the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential in 2020. Erin stumbled into the space after graduating with her MA in International Relations and International Economics from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. She worked abroad as an Assistant Language Teacher with the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program from 2008 - 2011, interned at the Institute of Energy Economics Japan, and conducted open-source research on Japanese Nuclear Policy. Erin lives in the DMV with her watch-dinosaur Vivi and her plants where she takes classes on any subject that catches her interest.

Jamine Cho is a dynamic program manager at QED-C, with a diverse background spanning business, marketing, and technology. She began her career as a buyer in the tech industry, gaining expertise in procurement and strategic sourcing. Her entrepreneurial acumen led her to establish a marketing consulting firm, where she advised clients on brand development and market positioning. Transitioning into business analysis, she refined her ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.

Beyond her professional work, she is deeply committed to mentorship and community engagement. She volunteers as a mentor for high school business chapters, helping to cultivate future leaders. A dedicated supporter of the performing arts, she actively contributes to initiatives that promote dancers and creative expression. An avid traveler and golfer, she values new experiences, cultural exploration, and staying active.

Now at QED-C, she leverages her extensive expertise to lead programs that drive innovation, collaboration, and growth in the quantum ecosystem.