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Who should attend?

In brief, everyone whose career, business or life could benefit from an infusion of inspiration, innovation and connections, such as:

- Entrepreneurs in businesses from startups to emerging growth companies.
- Executives in larger businesses looking for new ideas and contacts.
- Everyone who feels their career needs to move forward.
- Leaders in the public and private sectors who want to enhance their organization and legacy.
- Each person, regardless of age, gender, or background, who wants to create a better future for themselves and others.
- You, if you can dedicate a day to learning from engaged thought leaders and achievers in vital aspects of the economy.

With the steadfast support of our Sponsors and Strategic Partners, the 2025 Wharton DC Innovation Summit promises to be a catalyst for transformation, delivering unparalleled opportunities for networking, learning, and growth.

Secure your place and be part of a movement that elevates every participant. We invite everyone
who is eager to learn, network, and help shape the future to attend the upcoming Summit. Together, we rise.

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Who should attend?

What is The Wharton Club of DC?

With a core base of Wharton School alumni as members, the Wharton Club of DC is a business-focused membership organization that provides opportunities for networking and lifelong learning to entrepreneurs and business leaders as well as professionals from elite/top universities and business schools.

Our Club is an active, engaged organization that values innovation, the sharing of ideas and entrepreneurship. Since 1968, we have focused on engaging with the region, the nation and the world to encourage our members and others in the DMV business, entrepreneurial and professional communities to continue learning and growing with our numerous programs and activities.

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What is The Wharton Club of DC?

2025 Keynote Speakers

Our keynote speakers are thought leaders who have achieved great success in their business and other activities and will share the innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership lessons they learned.

David BlairChief Executive Officer and Founder, LucyRx

David Blair is a healthcare entrepreneur with decades of experience building and leading companies that improve health outcomes and expand access to affordable, high-quality care.

As CEO and Founder of LucyRx, David is leading the company to reimagine pharmacy benefits management (PBM) with a more patient-focused, accountable, and cost-effective model. Under his leadership, LucyRx has established itself as a next-generation PBM which simplifies and improves access to prescription care. Built on a fiduciary-aligned approach, LucyRx leverages advanced analytics (LucyIQ) and proven clinical programs to deliver smarter, cost-saving solutions for employers, health plans, and members. Today, LucyRx serves more than 1,200 organizations nationwide, helping them lower costs and improve health outcomes.

Prior to LucyRx, Blair was Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Catalyst Health Solutions. Over 15 years, he grew the company to Fortune 500 status, doubling its size every two years and establishing it as one of the fastest-growing healthcare companies in the U.S. before its $4.8 billion acquisition.

Blair’s commitment to improving health outcomes extends beyond pharmacy benefits to broader efforts in health equity. He serves as Board Chairman of the Partnership for a Healthier America, an organization dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to good food to lead a healthy life. In addition, Blair and his wife created a family foundation, dedicated to purposeful giving and improving quality of life. From literacy and equity in education to at-risk youth programs and mental health access, the foundation believes in the power of opportunity to transform lives.

Blair holds a B.A. in Finance from Clemson University and has been recognized for his leadership, including being named one of Forbes America’s 15 Most Powerful CEOs Under 40. He lives in Potomac, Maryland, with his wife and children.

David BlairChief Executive Officer and Founder, LucyRx

David Blair is a healthcare entrepreneur with decades of experience building and leading companies that improve health outcomes and expand access to affordable, high-quality care.

As CEO and Founder of LucyRx, David is leading the company to reimagine pharmacy benefits management (PBM) with a more patient-focused, accountable, and cost-effective model. Under his leadership, LucyRx has established itself as a next-generation PBM which simplifies and improves access to prescription care. Built on a fiduciary-aligned approach, LucyRx leverages advanced analytics (LucyIQ) and proven clinical programs to deliver smarter, cost-saving solutions for employers, health plans, and members. Today, LucyRx serves more than 1,200 organizations nationwide, helping them lower costs and improve health outcomes.

Prior to LucyRx, Blair was Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Catalyst Health Solutions. Over 15 years, he grew the company to Fortune 500 status, doubling its size every two years and establishing it as one of the fastest-growing healthcare companies in the U.S. before its $4.8 billion acquisition.

Blair’s commitment to improving health outcomes extends beyond pharmacy benefits to broader efforts in health equity. He serves as Board Chairman of the Partnership for a Healthier America, an organization dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to good food to lead a healthy life. In addition, Blair and his wife created a family foundation, dedicated to purposeful giving and improving quality of life. From literacy and equity in education to at-risk youth programs and mental health access, the foundation believes in the power of opportunity to transform lives.

Blair holds a B.A. in Finance from Clemson University and has been recognized for his leadership, including being named one of Forbes America’s 15 Most Powerful CEOs Under 40. He lives in Potomac, Maryland, with his wife and children.

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Robert Edwards Jr.Managing Director, Hamilton Clark Sustainable Capital, Inc.

Mr. Edwards focuses on working with companies who are driving the energy transition. Rob is an energy industry executive and strategic advisor on global Next-Gen energy solutions and investments. Rob brings more than 20 years of diverse leadership and advisory experience supporting senior decision makers in the private sector (JPMorgan Chase, Tesla, Edison Mission Energy, DTE Energy), and in government (Department of Energy Loan Programs Office). As a recognized thought leader in Next-Generation Energy Solutions, he brings together public and private stakeholders to develop, structure, and implement multibillion-dollar energy projects in the United States and around the globe, furthering society's transformation to a decentralized, decarbonized, durable, digital grid.

Rob has spent 25 years in a series of roles in banking, project development and finance, government service and law focused on companies and projects in the climatetech, renewable energy, electric vehicles and related sectors. Rob has led more than $15 billion in energy and automotive project finance and energy M&A transactions.

Rob served the first Director of Outreach and Business Development at the Department of Energy Loan Programs Office (2021-2022) and as a Senior Presidential Appointee (non-career SES) the Deputy General Counsel for Energy Policy at the Department of Energy during the Obama Administration (2009-2011).

Rob excels in working cross-functionally with legal, finance, sales, and operations to develop innovative solutions that help clients and customers achieve sustainability strategies worldwide. In 2010, Rob was selected by Vantage Point Partners to participate in its 100 Clean Tech Leaders held at the Sundance Mountain Resort in Sundance, Utah and in 2015 Rob was selected as one of 21 nationwide leaders to participate in the National Renewable Energy Lab's Executive Energy Leadership Program.

Robert Edwards Jr.Managing Director, Hamilton Clark Sustainable Capital, Inc.

Mr. Edwards focuses on working with companies who are driving the energy transition. Rob is an energy industry executive and strategic advisor on global Next-Gen energy solutions and investments. Rob brings more than 20 years of diverse leadership and advisory experience supporting senior decision makers in the private sector (JPMorgan Chase, Tesla, Edison Mission Energy, DTE Energy), and in government (Department of Energy Loan Programs Office). As a recognized thought leader in Next-Generation Energy Solutions, he brings together public and private stakeholders to develop, structure, and implement multibillion-dollar energy projects in the United States and around the globe, furthering society's transformation to a decentralized, decarbonized, durable, digital grid.

Rob has spent 25 years in a series of roles in banking, project development and finance, government service and law focused on companies and projects in the climatetech, renewable energy, electric vehicles and related sectors. Rob has led more than $15 billion in energy and automotive project finance and energy M&A transactions.

Rob served the first Director of Outreach and Business Development at the Department of Energy Loan Programs Office (2021-2022) and as a Senior Presidential Appointee (non-career SES) the Deputy General Counsel for Energy Policy at the Department of Energy during the Obama Administration (2009-2011).

Rob excels in working cross-functionally with legal, finance, sales, and operations to develop innovative solutions that help clients and customers achieve sustainability strategies worldwide. In 2010, Rob was selected by Vantage Point Partners to participate in its 100 Clean Tech Leaders held at the Sundance Mountain Resort in Sundance, Utah and in 2015 Rob was selected as one of 21 nationwide leaders to participate in the National Renewable Energy Lab's Executive Energy Leadership Program.

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Brian ParkManaging Partner, SparkLabs Cyber+Blockchain

Brian is a startup evangelist, advisor, and angel investor. He is also the Managing Partner at the SparkLabs Cyber+Blockchain (Formerly AOL Fishbowl Labs), which is the premiere startup accelerator in the Washington DC area and he has helped raised more than $150M in funding for their portfolio companies (MHelpDesk, ThreatQuotient, Xmode, Urgent.ly, Curator, Airside Mobile).
He is the DC Chapter Director of Startup Grind, which is one of the largest hi-tech startup communities in the world with over 2,000,000 startup entrepreneurs in 600 cities.
Prior to Startup Grind, he has over 20 years professional experience in web/online/mobile product development from AOL, Merrill Lynch and has started three previous startups. He is on the board of Monte Jade DC and is the chapter director for Startup Grind DC.
He has been featured in Forbes as “17 Top Business Gurus to Follow” and other publications such as Washington Post, Huffington Post, Politico, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, Washington Business Journal, and DCInno “50 on Fire” 2017 and 2018.
He has a BS in Information Systems/Policy & Management from Carnegie Mellon University.

Brian ParkManaging Partner, SparkLabs Cyber+Blockchain

Brian is a startup evangelist, advisor, and angel investor. He is also the Managing Partner at the SparkLabs Cyber+Blockchain (Formerly AOL Fishbowl Labs), which is the premiere startup accelerator in the Washington DC area and he has helped raised more than $150M in funding for their portfolio companies (MHelpDesk, ThreatQuotient, Xmode, Urgent.ly, Curator, Airside Mobile).
He is the DC Chapter Director of Startup Grind, which is one of the largest hi-tech startup communities in the world with over 2,000,000 startup entrepreneurs in 600 cities.
Prior to Startup Grind, he has over 20 years professional experience in web/online/mobile product development from AOL, Merrill Lynch and has started three previous startups. He is on the board of Monte Jade DC and is the chapter director for Startup Grind DC.
He has been featured in Forbes as “17 Top Business Gurus to Follow” and other publications such as Washington Post, Huffington Post, Politico, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, Washington Business Journal, and DCInno “50 on Fire” 2017 and 2018.
He has a BS in Information Systems/Policy & Management from Carnegie Mellon University.

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Erin L. Smith, MBASustainability Executive, Global Commercial Banking, Bank of America

Based in Charlotte, as Sustainability Strategy Executive for Business Banking (BB) and Global Commercial Banking (GCB), Erin works to align BB and GCB Sustainability efforts to the broader Enterprise wide Bank of America Sustainability goals. In her current role, Erin focuses on banker preparedness and client engagement as it pertains to social impact, climate action and overall Sustainability strategy. Erin joined the Bank in 2016 and most recently served as Senior Vice President and LIHTC Syndication Senior Relationship Manager for the Community Development Banking group and Sustainability Co-Chair of the GCB Sustainability Taskforce.

Before joining the Bank, Erin worked in NYC, starting her career in the KPMG Audit Real Estate Financial Services Practice where she served as Lead Senior for the Northeast. Erin then spent three years in JPMorgan Chase’s Global Real Assets group as a Financial Manager of ~$6 billion in real estate assets.

Erin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Accounting, from Fordham University; a Master of Business Administration in real estate, corporate finance and strategy from New York University, Stern Executive MBA Program where she served as Class Representative and Co-Chair of the class council. She also holds several Certificates of Achievement and Executive Education in Sustainable Finance, ESG investing, and Leadership from New York University, Stern Business School. She is a recent graduate of the IESE International Business School and NYU Stern’s Inaugural Pathway to C-Suite Program. Additional, Erin was elected President of the inaugural class and will represent her international cohort going forward.

Erin served as a Class 9, 2019 participant in Charlotte’s Leading Under 40 Program, an initiative run by Charlotte’s Community Building Initiative organization. She is a Bank of America Better Money Habits Lead Champion and is a member of the Bank of America Black Professional Group. Erin is also a 2021 Columbia University Women in Leadership participant, and serves on the NYU Stern EmpowHER Program as a Mentor and Advisory Committee Board Member. Erin actively serves as a mentor in various other capacities to younger professionals both inside and outside of Bank of America.

Erin was a Women’s Basketball D-1 scholarship point guard, Student Athlete representative and team captain for the Fordham University Lady Rams. She enjoys international travel, sports and fitness, hiking, volunteering and spending time with family.

Erin L. Smith, MBASustainability Executive, Global Commercial Banking, Bank of America

Based in Charlotte, as Sustainability Strategy Executive for Business Banking (BB) and Global Commercial Banking (GCB), Erin works to align BB and GCB Sustainability efforts to the broader Enterprise wide Bank of America Sustainability goals. In her current role, Erin focuses on banker preparedness and client engagement as it pertains to social impact, climate action and overall Sustainability strategy. Erin joined the Bank in 2016 and most recently served as Senior Vice President and LIHTC Syndication Senior Relationship Manager for the Community Development Banking group and Sustainability Co-Chair of the GCB Sustainability Taskforce.

Before joining the Bank, Erin worked in NYC, starting her career in the KPMG Audit Real Estate Financial Services Practice where she served as Lead Senior for the Northeast. Erin then spent three years in JPMorgan Chase’s Global Real Assets group as a Financial Manager of ~$6 billion in real estate assets.

Erin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Accounting, from Fordham University; a Master of Business Administration in real estate, corporate finance and strategy from New York University, Stern Executive MBA Program where she served as Class Representative and Co-Chair of the class council. She also holds several Certificates of Achievement and Executive Education in Sustainable Finance, ESG investing, and Leadership from New York University, Stern Business School. She is a recent graduate of the IESE International Business School and NYU Stern’s Inaugural Pathway to C-Suite Program. Additional, Erin was elected President of the inaugural class and will represent her international cohort going forward.

Erin served as a Class 9, 2019 participant in Charlotte’s Leading Under 40 Program, an initiative run by Charlotte’s Community Building Initiative organization. She is a Bank of America Better Money Habits Lead Champion and is a member of the Bank of America Black Professional Group. Erin is also a 2021 Columbia University Women in Leadership participant, and serves on the NYU Stern EmpowHER Program as a Mentor and Advisory Committee Board Member. Erin actively serves as a mentor in various other capacities to younger professionals both inside and outside of Bank of America.

Erin was a Women’s Basketball D-1 scholarship point guard, Student Athlete representative and team captain for the Fordham University Lady Rams. She enjoys international travel, sports and fitness, hiking, volunteering and spending time with family.

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Keynotes & Tracks of Summit

Innovative and responsive leaders are striving to deal with current challenges and attempting to stimulate opportunities in many areas, such as those of the 2025 Summit’s General Sessions / Keynotes will cover these vital topics:

–  Coming Soon – 

Tracks & Workshops include:

Healthcare,
Disruptive Technologies (such as AI),
Funding

This cross-disciplinary approach has provided a synergistic impact to successful innovators from Leonardo da Vinci and Benjamin Franklin to Steve Jobs and Elon Musk. The Summit provides opportunities to learn about and discuss some of the newest concepts and technologies in the heart of Northern Virginia’s Technology Corridor.

Save Your Spot Now!

Early bird special until June 25, 2025

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Schedule

Thursday, November 6, 2025
8:00am - 8:00pm (Including Reception)

Pre-Program Networking & Breakfast: 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Program, including Sessions, Meals, Networking Breaks: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Reception & Networking 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Conference to be held at:
Valo Park Conference Center, Tysons Corner
7950 Jones Branch Drive
1st Floor
McLean, VA 22102
(Near Tysons Corner Metro Station, Silver Line)

Reception following:
Refraction Valo Park, 8th Floor

General Sessions / Keynotes will include:
COMING SOON

Our four tracks will further explore issues and opportunities:
COMING SOON

EMBASSY RECEPTION TBD
You are cordially invited to our Embassy Reception to celebrate another great program learning together (Separate Registration).

November 7, 2025
18:30pm - 20:30pm

Register Today!

Early bird special until June 25, 2025

U.S. Veterans, Active Service, Startups, Nonprofits, Academia, Students & Government Employees

$195/ person
  • Get Access to all sessions in-person
  • Includes meals, beverages and reception
MEMBERS

Wharton Club Members + Guests & Other Strategic Partner Members + Guests

$195/ person
  • Get Access to all sessions in-person
  • Includes meals, beverages and reception
  • Must name your affiliation when you register (under "Special Instructions")

Public – All Welcome

$395/ person
  • Get Access to all sessions in-person
  • Includes meals, beverages and reception

Testimonials

See what other people are saying about us.

Joe Paul
Joe PaulCEO, Byte Back

“What an incredible experience! This was my first time attending the Wharton DC Innovation Summit, and I was not disappointed. The speakers were very engaging, th seminar topics were meticulously relevant, and the opportunity to meet game-changers in the industry was boundless. I am very much looking forward to next year’s summit and will bring my entire executive team with me.”

Joyal Mulheron
Joyal MulheronFounder & CEO, Evermore

“The Wharton DC Innovation Summit is a brilliant mix of bold entrepreneurs, seasoned investors, and skilled business leaders, who collectively make for one of the most thought-provoking one-day meetings I’ve ever attended. The innovation and disruptive ideas are excellent and the ability to collaborate is outstanding. I left the meeting knowing new people, and new strategies. It was inspiring and I’m looking forward to next year’s Summit."

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