Keynote Speaker: Fireside Chat with Unicorn CEO David Blair
David Blair is a seasoned 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, as Founder, Chairman and CEO of Catalyst Health Solutions (now part of UnitedHealthcare) which gained recognition for its innovative drug pricing tools and healthcare solutions, Blair led the firm to become a Fortune 500 company before he sold it for $4.8 billion in 2012. His leadership helped Catalyst:
- double in size every two years establishing it as one of the fastest-growing healthcare companies in the U.S. and earning a position on Fortune’s 100 Fastest-Growing Companies 5 times, and
- secure multiple industry awards, including Fortune’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” and the Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute’s Rx Benefit Innovation Awards.
Mr. Blair’s management skills and accomplishments at Catalyst resulted in numerous awards and recognition including Forbes’ “America’s 15 Most Powerful CEOs under 40” (years of age). After leaving Catalyst, he also started Gateway Health Partners, a provider of rebates and formulary management services.
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. He lives in Potomac, Maryland, with his wife and children.
Keynote Speaker: Fireside Chat with Unicorn CEO David Blair
David Blair is a seasoned 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, as Founder, Chairman and CEO of Catalyst Health Solutions (now part of UnitedHealthcare) which gained recognition for its innovative drug pricing tools and healthcare solutions, Blair led the firm to become a Fortune 500 company before he sold it for $4.8 billion in 2012. His leadership helped Catalyst:
- double in size every two years establishing it as one of the fastest-growing healthcare companies in the U.S. and earning a position on Fortune’s 100 Fastest-Growing Companies 5 times, and
- secure multiple industry awards, including Fortune’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” and the Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute’s Rx Benefit Innovation Awards.
Mr. Blair’s management skills and accomplishments at Catalyst resulted in numerous awards and recognition including Forbes’ “America’s 15 Most Powerful CEOs under 40” (years of age). After leaving Catalyst, he also started Gateway Health Partners, a provider of rebates and formulary management services.
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. He lives in Potomac, Maryland, with his wife and children.
Session Panelist: Deploying Innovations to Create a Better Future for the World
Mark W. Grobmyer is an attorney with substantial investment
banking and international law experience. He is Chairman of the
Global Solutions Institute which matches global problems with
technology and other solutions and then seeks to accelerate the
deployment of the solutions at scale globally. He also serves on a
Blue Ribbon Climate Panel related to the UN Foundation and as
Managing Director of the P80 Group Foundation. He has also served as Chairman of the World Leaders Symposium Committee.
The Committee was developed as a part of the Center for the Study
of the Presidency and Congress Millennium Project, which he
chaired. He has also served as a lecturer and speaker for many
programs and seminars presented in the several countries. Mark
also serves as Chairman of the Global Technology Deployment
Initiative and as has been for many years a Senior Advisor to SEAF, the NASA Launch Initiative, the International Center for Sustainable Development, the American Society of Association Executives, the International Sister Cities Conference, the Congressional Award Foundation and Chief Executive Magazine, the "Club Journal" of Fortune 1000 CEOs.
Session Panelist: Deploying Innovations to Create a Better Future for the World
Mark W. Grobmyer is an attorney with substantial investment
banking and international law experience. He is Chairman of the
Global Solutions Institute which matches global problems with
technology and other solutions and then seeks to accelerate the
deployment of the solutions at scale globally. He also serves on a
Blue Ribbon Climate Panel related to the UN Foundation and as
Managing Director of the P80 Group Foundation. He has also served as Chairman of the World Leaders Symposium Committee.
The Committee was developed as a part of the Center for the Study
of the Presidency and Congress Millennium Project, which he
chaired. He has also served as a lecturer and speaker for many
programs and seminars presented in the several countries. Mark
also serves as Chairman of the Global Technology Deployment
Initiative and as has been for many years a Senior Advisor to SEAF, the NASA Launch Initiative, the International Center for Sustainable Development, the American Society of Association Executives, the International Sister Cities Conference, the Congressional Award Foundation and Chief Executive Magazine, the "Club Journal" of Fortune 1000 CEOs.
Session Panelist: Deploying Innovations to Create a Better Future for the World
Session Panelist: Deploying Innovations to Create a Better Future for the World
Tammy Hettinger is the Executive Director of the Fulbright Association, where she leads a national network of over 140,000 U.S. Fulbright alumni and 54 chapters committed to advancing global understanding and collaboration. A changemaker dedicated to building strategic partnerships and driving mission-driven impact, Tammy brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across the nonprofit sector.
Prior to joining the Fulbright Association, Tammy served as Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Development at NAFSA: Association of International Educators, where she launched new global engagement strategies, expanded corporate partnerships, and increased sponsorship revenue.]
Session Panelist: Deploying Innovations to Create a Better Future for the World
Session Panelist: Deploying Innovations to Create a Better Future for the World
Tammy Hettinger is the Executive Director of the Fulbright Association, where she leads a national network of over 140,000 U.S. Fulbright alumni and 54 chapters committed to advancing global understanding and collaboration. A changemaker dedicated to building strategic partnerships and driving mission-driven impact, Tammy brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across the nonprofit sector.
Prior to joining the Fulbright Association, Tammy served as Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Development at NAFSA: Association of International Educators, where she launched new global engagement strategies, expanded corporate partnerships, and increased sponsorship revenue.]
Keynote Speaker: No Fear, No Failure: Leading Boldly into the Future
Lorraine Marchand, author of The Innovation Mindset: Eight Essential Steps to Transform Any Industry , has three decades of experience in new product development and innovation commercialization. She is an Advisor to New York University Endless Frontier Labs, the START Program at Princeton University and international entrepreneurship programs. She teaches at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and advises Fortune 500 companies. Her new book, No Fear, No Failure: Five Principles for Sustaining Growth Through Innovation will be released by Columbia Business School press in February 2026.
Keynote Speaker: No Fear, No Failure: Leading Boldly into the Future
Lorraine Marchand, author of The Innovation Mindset: Eight Essential Steps to Transform Any Industry , has three decades of experience in new product development and innovation commercialization. She is an Advisor to New York University Endless Frontier Labs, the START Program at Princeton University and international entrepreneurship programs. She teaches at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and advises Fortune 500 companies. Her new book, No Fear, No Failure: Five Principles for Sustaining Growth Through Innovation will be released by Columbia Business School press in February 2026.
Session Moderator: Fireside Chat with Unicorn CEO David Blair
Session Moderator: Innovating to Scale a $1 Billion+ Business
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.
Session Moderator: Fireside Chat with Unicorn CEO David Blair
Session Moderator: Innovating to Scale a $1 Billion+ Business
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.
Session Moderator: AI and National Security: The Nexus with Energy
Based in Charlotte, Erin serves as the Sustainability Executive for Global Commercial Banking (GCB) covering more than 10k global clients that earn from $50mm-$2Bn in revenues. In her role, Erin works to align GCB Sustainability efforts to the broader Enterprise wide Sustainability goals. Erin focuses on banker preparedness, client
engagement, and sustainable finance to help GCB clients use Sustainability to manage their operations and grow responsibly. In her current capacity, she often participates in external Sustainability discussions including; The UN Habitat Roundtable: Decarbonizing the Built Environment and The 2023 5th Annual Space Sustainability
Summit for the Secure World Foundation. Erin joined the Bank in 2016 and most recently served as Sustainability Strategy Executive for GCB and Business Banking. Prior to that, she served as Senior Vice President and LIHTC Syndication Senior Relationship Manager for Community Development Banking.
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’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, specializing in real estate, corporate finance and strategy from New
York University, NYU 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 NYU Stern Business School. She is a recent graduate of the IESE International Business School and NYU Stern’s Inaugural Pathway to C-Suite Program. Additionally, Erin was elected President of the inaugural class and will represent her international cohort going forward. Erin continues to advance her knowledge and is currently taking courses at Harvard University in the field of Environmental Policy and
International Development.
Erin served as a 2019 participant in Charlotte’s Leading Under 40 Program. She is a member of the Bank of America Black Professional Group and Black Executive Leadership Council. She is an alumni of the 2024 Bank of America Global Leader Sponsorship Program. Erin is also a 2021 Columbia University Women in Leadership participant, and serves on the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business EmpowHER
Program as a Mentor and Advisory Committee 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 at her home in Charlotte.
Session Moderator: AI and National Security: The Nexus with Energy
Based in Charlotte, Erin serves as the Sustainability Executive for Global Commercial Banking (GCB) covering more than 10k global clients that earn from $50mm-$2Bn in revenues. In her role, Erin works to align GCB Sustainability efforts to the broader Enterprise wide Sustainability goals. Erin focuses on banker preparedness, client
engagement, and sustainable finance to help GCB clients use Sustainability to manage their operations and grow responsibly. In her current capacity, she often participates in external Sustainability discussions including; The UN Habitat Roundtable: Decarbonizing the Built Environment and The 2023 5th Annual Space Sustainability
Summit for the Secure World Foundation. Erin joined the Bank in 2016 and most recently served as Sustainability Strategy Executive for GCB and Business Banking. Prior to that, she served as Senior Vice President and LIHTC Syndication Senior Relationship Manager for Community Development Banking.
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’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, specializing in real estate, corporate finance and strategy from New
York University, NYU 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 NYU Stern Business School. She is a recent graduate of the IESE International Business School and NYU Stern’s Inaugural Pathway to C-Suite Program. Additionally, Erin was elected President of the inaugural class and will represent her international cohort going forward. Erin continues to advance her knowledge and is currently taking courses at Harvard University in the field of Environmental Policy and
International Development.
Erin served as a 2019 participant in Charlotte’s Leading Under 40 Program. She is a member of the Bank of America Black Professional Group and Black Executive Leadership Council. She is an alumni of the 2024 Bank of America Global Leader Sponsorship Program. Erin is also a 2021 Columbia University Women in Leadership participant, and serves on the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business EmpowHER
Program as a Mentor and Advisory Committee 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 at her home in Charlotte.
Session Panelist: Deploying Innovations to Create a Better Future for the World
Mark Walsh is an angel and venture investor in technology, software,
content and services through his fund, Ruxton Ventures LLC. He served as Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Investment and Innovation (OII).
He was CEO of a high growth public company, (VerticalNet NASDAQ: VERT) was a senior executive at GE, AOL, and HBO, and has invested/served on the board of several high-profile public and private companies. He was a
venture partner for Revolution Inc. (the investment vehicle founded by
Steve Case) and was on two of their boards.
He was Board Chair (and a Life Trustee) of Union College (NY), Board Chair of the Entrepreneurial Center at the University of Maryland, Board Chair of the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington D.C. - where he remains a director- and board chair of the New Leaders Council. Walsh earned a BA from Union College, and an MBA from Harvard. He has served or serves on many not-for profit boards including The Institute for Citizens and Scholars among others. He is married with two grown children.
He was named a “Tech-Titan” by Washingtonian Magazine for five
consecutive cycles.
Session Panelist: Deploying Innovations to Create a Better Future for the World
Mark Walsh is an angel and venture investor in technology, software,
content and services through his fund, Ruxton Ventures LLC. He served as Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Investment and Innovation (OII).
He was CEO of a high growth public company, (VerticalNet NASDAQ: VERT) was a senior executive at GE, AOL, and HBO, and has invested/served on the board of several high-profile public and private companies. He was a
venture partner for Revolution Inc. (the investment vehicle founded by
Steve Case) and was on two of their boards.
He was Board Chair (and a Life Trustee) of Union College (NY), Board Chair of the Entrepreneurial Center at the University of Maryland, Board Chair of the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington D.C. - where he remains a director- and board chair of the New Leaders Council. Walsh earned a BA from Union College, and an MBA from Harvard. He has served or serves on many not-for profit boards including The Institute for Citizens and Scholars among others. He is married with two grown children.
He was named a “Tech-Titan” by Washingtonian Magazine for five
consecutive cycles.
Session Panelist: The State of Funding
Moderator and Advisor: Startup Showcase
Mr. Tien Wong is a tech investor, entrepreneur, and CEO. He is Chairman & CEO of Opus8, Inc., a private investment and advisory firm investing in exceptional life science and tech enabled services companies, as well as specializing in raising capital for promising tech companies and alternative investment fund managers.
He is Founder of CONNECTpreneur, a global community of 25,000+ founders, investors, CEOs, and business leaders. CONNECTpreneur organizes the world’s largest monthly virtual investor pitch events as well as in-person Forums.
Mr. Wong is also a Venture Partner in IronGate Capital Advisors, a VC and Fund of Funds manager investing in dual use technologies; Investment Advisory Board member of Virginia Venture Partners; and Chairman of Lumious, an ed tech company which provides learning & development services to Fortune 500 customers.
Mr. Wong was appointed by Governor Martin O'Malley to the 9-person Maryland Venture Fund Authority which oversees $84 million in VC allocations; he serves on the Boards of Directors of the Austin Venture Association, Association for Enterprise Growth (Chair), Frederick Innovative Technology Corp., Inc. (FITCI), and Junior Achievement, as well as on the Council of Advisors for the Washington Institute for Business, Government, & Society and the Entrepreneurship Advisory Council of The Universities at Shady Grove. He is a Mentor at the Mach37 Cybersecurity Accelerator and Conscious Venture Labs.
Mr. Wong has been named by Washingtonian magazine as a “Tech Titan” for the last 7 years (’17 – ‘23). He is a frequent guest lecturer on entrepreneurship, leadership, venture capital, and private equity at the University of Maryland and Georgetown University where he is an Entrepreneur in Residence. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College.
A recognized international expert in CRM, direct marketing, and BPO, Mr. Wong has presented at dozens of conferences around the world. He has also provided industry commentary on the ABC, Fox, NBC, CNBC, Maryland Public Television, and China’s CCTV networks, as well as for Time Magazine, The Washington Post, Inc. Magazine, and Success Magazine.
Session Panelist: The State of Funding
Moderator and Advisor: Startup Showcase
Mr. Tien Wong is a tech investor, entrepreneur, and CEO. He is Chairman & CEO of Opus8, Inc., a private investment and advisory firm investing in exceptional life science and tech enabled services companies, as well as specializing in raising capital for promising tech companies and alternative investment fund managers.
He is Founder of CONNECTpreneur, a global community of 25,000+ founders, investors, CEOs, and business leaders. CONNECTpreneur organizes the world’s largest monthly virtual investor pitch events as well as in-person Forums.
Mr. Wong is also a Venture Partner in IronGate Capital Advisors, a VC and Fund of Funds manager investing in dual use technologies; Investment Advisory Board member of Virginia Venture Partners; and Chairman of Lumious, an ed tech company which provides learning & development services to Fortune 500 customers.
Mr. Wong was appointed by Governor Martin O'Malley to the 9-person Maryland Venture Fund Authority which oversees $84 million in VC allocations; he serves on the Boards of Directors of the Austin Venture Association, Association for Enterprise Growth (Chair), Frederick Innovative Technology Corp., Inc. (FITCI), and Junior Achievement, as well as on the Council of Advisors for the Washington Institute for Business, Government, & Society and the Entrepreneurship Advisory Council of The Universities at Shady Grove. He is a Mentor at the Mach37 Cybersecurity Accelerator and Conscious Venture Labs.
Mr. Wong has been named by Washingtonian magazine as a “Tech Titan” for the last 7 years (’17 – ‘23). He is a frequent guest lecturer on entrepreneurship, leadership, venture capital, and private equity at the University of Maryland and Georgetown University where he is an Entrepreneur in Residence. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College.
A recognized international expert in CRM, direct marketing, and BPO, Mr. Wong has presented at dozens of conferences around the world. He has also provided industry commentary on the ABC, Fox, NBC, CNBC, Maryland Public Television, and China’s CCTV networks, as well as for Time Magazine, The Washington Post, Inc. Magazine, and Success Magazine.
Session Panelist: Demystifying Quantum Computing
Dr. Timothy A. Akers, M.S., Ph.D., is a distinguished researcher and executive leader at the nexus of public health, epidemiological criminology, and quantum literacy. He serves as Chief Research Officer and Associate Provost for Academic Research at California State University, San Bernardino, and as Chief Executive Officer of the National Quantum Literacy Network (NQLN), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Across a career spanning academia, government, and the military, Dr. Akers has demystified quantum technologies by developing, along with his team, the first e-learning platform and micro-credential certification in quantum literacy education.
At the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), he served as a senior scientist and developed a cutting-edge HIV/AIDS biomedical and behavioral classification taxonomy. He is the originator of the emerging theory and discipline of Epidemiological Criminology and has authored two seminal books in the field. A former U.S. Air Force Security Police officer specializing in nuclear weapons security, Dr. Akers has conducted groundbreaking interdisciplinary research supported by the NSF, NIH, DHS, and other sponsors.
In 2020, he was appointed by the White House and the U.S. Department of Energy to a three-year term on the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee (NQIAC); he has also served as vice chair at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, focusing on the responsible conduct of research. Recognized internationally, he has published more than 268 scholarly works and received prestigious awards across the military, CDC, academia, and industry. An autodidactic innovator, Dr. Akers is the inventor on two patents in biomedical technologies for rapid clinical assessments using AI, as well as a cystic fibrosis vest that applies therapeutic wave frequencies to address respiratory congestion.
Session Panelist: Demystifying Quantum Computing
Dr. Timothy A. Akers, M.S., Ph.D., is a distinguished researcher and executive leader at the nexus of public health, epidemiological criminology, and quantum literacy. He serves as Chief Research Officer and Associate Provost for Academic Research at California State University, San Bernardino, and as Chief Executive Officer of the National Quantum Literacy Network (NQLN), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Across a career spanning academia, government, and the military, Dr. Akers has demystified quantum technologies by developing, along with his team, the first e-learning platform and micro-credential certification in quantum literacy education.
At the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), he served as a senior scientist and developed a cutting-edge HIV/AIDS biomedical and behavioral classification taxonomy. He is the originator of the emerging theory and discipline of Epidemiological Criminology and has authored two seminal books in the field. A former U.S. Air Force Security Police officer specializing in nuclear weapons security, Dr. Akers has conducted groundbreaking interdisciplinary research supported by the NSF, NIH, DHS, and other sponsors.
In 2020, he was appointed by the White House and the U.S. Department of Energy to a three-year term on the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee (NQIAC); he has also served as vice chair at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, focusing on the responsible conduct of research. Recognized internationally, he has published more than 268 scholarly works and received prestigious awards across the military, CDC, academia, and industry. An autodidactic innovator, Dr. Akers is the inventor on two patents in biomedical technologies for rapid clinical assessments using AI, as well as a cystic fibrosis vest that applies therapeutic wave frequencies to address respiratory congestion.
Session Panelist: Deploying Innovations to Create a Better Future for the World
Chris Alsip is Sr. Director of Enterprise Strategy at Tyson Foods, one of the world’s largest food manufacturers. In this role, Chris leads the company’s annual strategic planning process and heads Tyson Ventures, the organization’s investment arm focused on driving innovation in the food industry. With over 30 years of experience spanning corporate finance, treasury management, investor relations, R&D, and corporate strategy, Chris brings a wealth of expertise to the stage. He has played a key role in numerous M&A transactions, leading teams through due diligence and acquisition integration. Chris is passionate about advancing strategic growth and fostering innovation across the food sector. He has a B.S.B.A in Financial Management from the University of Arkansas.
Session Panelist: Deploying Innovations to Create a Better Future for the World
Chris Alsip is Sr. Director of Enterprise Strategy at Tyson Foods, one of the world’s largest food manufacturers. In this role, Chris leads the company’s annual strategic planning process and heads Tyson Ventures, the organization’s investment arm focused on driving innovation in the food industry. With over 30 years of experience spanning corporate finance, treasury management, investor relations, R&D, and corporate strategy, Chris brings a wealth of expertise to the stage. He has played a key role in numerous M&A transactions, leading teams through due diligence and acquisition integration. Chris is passionate about advancing strategic growth and fostering innovation across the food sector. He has a B.S.B.A in Financial Management from the University of Arkansas.
CribCritic: “Confidence, Not Gambling: How AI Is Leveling the Playing Field for Homebuyers”
Michael Bann is co-founder and CEO of CribCritic LLC, pioneering the home buyer intelligence category through AI-powered property analysis technology. CribCritic is the first platform designed to support homebuyers during property walkthroughs, transforming how buyers evaluate and make decisions about their potential homes.
He brings over 20 years of experience in national security and information technology from government and federally funded research environments. His expertise spans software development, systems engineering, and AI research, with a focus on market capture in emerging technology categories.
Mr. Bann is an active contributor to the open source community and has dedicated significant time to teaching and outreach, helping students navigate careers in information technology and software development. His work bridges the gap between cutting-edge AI research and PropTech applications.
He earned his M.S. in Security Informatics from Johns Hopkins University and his B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics from the University of Minnesota.
CribCritic: “Confidence, Not Gambling: How AI Is Leveling the Playing Field for Homebuyers”
Michael Bann is co-founder and CEO of CribCritic LLC, pioneering the home buyer intelligence category through AI-powered property analysis technology. CribCritic is the first platform designed to support homebuyers during property walkthroughs, transforming how buyers evaluate and make decisions about their potential homes.
He brings over 20 years of experience in national security and information technology from government and federally funded research environments. His expertise spans software development, systems engineering, and AI research, with a focus on market capture in emerging technology categories.
Mr. Bann is an active contributor to the open source community and has dedicated significant time to teaching and outreach, helping students navigate careers in information technology and software development. His work bridges the gap between cutting-edge AI research and PropTech applications.
He earned his M.S. in Security Informatics from Johns Hopkins University and his B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics from the University of Minnesota.
Session Moderator: How Non-Dilutive Funding Accelerates Your Growth
Brian Barnett is President of The Barnett Company, Inc., an advisory firm that equips leadership teams to sharpen vision and strategy, improve operations, launch new products and ventures and accelerate sales and profit growth. Over 30+ years in 42 countries Brian and his colleagues have led and advised organizations in agriculture, food, adjacent science-driven sectors, venture capital, IT and oil and gas services. Known for a collaborative, execution-focused approach that delivers measurable outcomes —The Barnett Company, Inc. brings C-suite rigor with extensive operational and cross-cultural experience. Brian received his MBA from Harvard Business School and his Bachelor of Science from Cornell University - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Session Moderator: How Non-Dilutive Funding Accelerates Your Growth
Brian Barnett is President of The Barnett Company, Inc., an advisory firm that equips leadership teams to sharpen vision and strategy, improve operations, launch new products and ventures and accelerate sales and profit growth. Over 30+ years in 42 countries Brian and his colleagues have led and advised organizations in agriculture, food, adjacent science-driven sectors, venture capital, IT and oil and gas services. Known for a collaborative, execution-focused approach that delivers measurable outcomes —The Barnett Company, Inc. brings C-suite rigor with extensive operational and cross-cultural experience. Brian received his MBA from Harvard Business School and his Bachelor of Science from Cornell University - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Session Panelist: Harnessing the power of AI/ML in Healthcare and Life Sciences
Dr. David A. Bray is a Distinguished Fellow and Chair of the Accelerator with the Alfred Lee Loomis Innovation Council at the non-partisan Henry L. Stimson Center. He is Principal and CEO at LeadDoAdapt Ventures and has served in a variety of leadership roles in turbulent environments, including bioterrorism preparedness and response from 2000-2005. Dr. Bray previously was the Executive Director for a bipartisan National Commission on R&D, provided non-partisan leadership as a federal agency Senior Executive, worked with the U.S. Navy and Marines on improving organizational adaptability, and aided U.S. Special Operation Command’s J5 Directorate on the challenges of countering disinformation online. In 2019, he was invited to give the AI World Society Distinguished Lecture to the United Nations on UN Charter Day. In 2025, he was invited to be an expert witness before a public Congressional hearing on AI, specifically to provide both verbal and written testimony as well as answers to questions from members of the U.S. Congress to help inform AI policies.
David has received both the Joint Civilian Service Commendation Award and the National Intelligence Exceptional Achievement Medal. David accepted a leadership role in December 2019 to direct the successful bipartisan Commission on the Geopolitical Impacts of New Technologies and Data. Business Insider named him one of the top “24 Americans Who Are Changing the World” under 40 and he was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.
Session Panelist: Harnessing the power of AI/ML in Healthcare and Life Sciences
Dr. David A. Bray is a Distinguished Fellow and Chair of the Accelerator with the Alfred Lee Loomis Innovation Council at the non-partisan Henry L. Stimson Center. He is Principal and CEO at LeadDoAdapt Ventures and has served in a variety of leadership roles in turbulent environments, including bioterrorism preparedness and response from 2000-2005. Dr. Bray previously was the Executive Director for a bipartisan National Commission on R&D, provided non-partisan leadership as a federal agency Senior Executive, worked with the U.S. Navy and Marines on improving organizational adaptability, and aided U.S. Special Operation Command’s J5 Directorate on the challenges of countering disinformation online. In 2019, he was invited to give the AI World Society Distinguished Lecture to the United Nations on UN Charter Day. In 2025, he was invited to be an expert witness before a public Congressional hearing on AI, specifically to provide both verbal and written testimony as well as answers to questions from members of the U.S. Congress to help inform AI policies.
David has received both the Joint Civilian Service Commendation Award and the National Intelligence Exceptional Achievement Medal. David accepted a leadership role in December 2019 to direct the successful bipartisan Commission on the Geopolitical Impacts of New Technologies and Data. Business Insider named him one of the top “24 Americans Who Are Changing the World” under 40 and he was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.
Session Panelist: Innovating to Scale a $1 Billion+ Business
Tim is a seasoned board director and corporate executive. As a 2x founder with successful public and private equity exits, he has over 25 years of experience in building, leading, and managing teams specializing in online marketplaces and digital platforms.
Tim is an EY Entrepreneur of the Year in the Mid-Atlantic Region and a Washingtonian "Tech Titan”. His work has been featured on CNN, CNBC, AP, Bloomberg, Fox Business,
Inc., Yahoo Finance, and Fortune.
Session Panelist: Innovating to Scale a $1 Billion+ Business
Tim is a seasoned board director and corporate executive. As a 2x founder with successful public and private equity exits, he has over 25 years of experience in building, leading, and managing teams specializing in online marketplaces and digital platforms.
Tim is an EY Entrepreneur of the Year in the Mid-Atlantic Region and a Washingtonian "Tech Titan”. His work has been featured on CNN, CNBC, AP, Bloomberg, Fox Business,
Inc., Yahoo Finance, and Fortune.
Elizabeth Cho-Fertikh, PhD is Co-founder and Managing Director at the healthcare investor group, MEDA Angels and as Managing Partner at MEDA Ventures. The MEDA Angels Fund has fully deployed its Fund 1 and collectively with its SPVs, has a portfolio of 23 companies, 2 exits
and 0 shutdowns. Fund 2 will continue under MEDA Ventures, investing in early stage MedTech
and Life Science companies and is utilizing a novel funding vehicle employing a 3rd party validated AI-predictive platform and an insurance element to protect against downside risk to life science investing while increasing the upside.
She has nearly 30 years of experience in drug development & clinical trials at biotechs & startups (oncology, infectious diseases, neurodegenerative diseases), regulatory affairs, grants administration & private markets. She is also the host of the healthcare segment of the Resilient Alpha podcast, interviewing headliners, financial and investment leaders. Launched in mid-2025, the podcast has received 100K+ views, annualizing at 2 million views across multiple social media channels. The podcast is an extension of one of the largest family office networks
in the US, Ivyfon. Dr. Cho-Fertikh serves on Boards/Advisory Boards of startups and can frequently be found on the speaking, judging and mentoring circuits of the startup ecosystem.
She received her BA from Johns Hopkins, her MS from Georgetown University, her PhD from Thomas Jefferson School of Medicine and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School & NIH.
Elizabeth Cho-Fertikh, PhD is Co-founder and Managing Director at the healthcare investor group, MEDA Angels and as Managing Partner at MEDA Ventures. The MEDA Angels Fund has fully deployed its Fund 1 and collectively with its SPVs, has a portfolio of 23 companies, 2 exits
and 0 shutdowns. Fund 2 will continue under MEDA Ventures, investing in early stage MedTech
and Life Science companies and is utilizing a novel funding vehicle employing a 3rd party validated AI-predictive platform and an insurance element to protect against downside risk to life science investing while increasing the upside.
She has nearly 30 years of experience in drug development & clinical trials at biotechs & startups (oncology, infectious diseases, neurodegenerative diseases), regulatory affairs, grants administration & private markets. She is also the host of the healthcare segment of the Resilient Alpha podcast, interviewing headliners, financial and investment leaders. Launched in mid-2025, the podcast has received 100K+ views, annualizing at 2 million views across multiple social media channels. The podcast is an extension of one of the largest family office networks
in the US, Ivyfon. Dr. Cho-Fertikh serves on Boards/Advisory Boards of startups and can frequently be found on the speaking, judging and mentoring circuits of the startup ecosystem.
She received her BA from Johns Hopkins, her MS from Georgetown University, her PhD from Thomas Jefferson School of Medicine and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School & NIH.
Session Panelist: Startup Showcase
Murat Croci is co-founder and co-CEO of Ibex Biosciences (founded 2015), a biotechnology company developing breakthrough discoveries. With 20+ years in early-stage biotech, he is an inventor on five patents and previously served as financial controller at Seneca Biotech, following earlier work in tax and business consulting. A University of Maryland Global Campus graduate and decorated U.S. Army veteran (1990–96), Murat brings a mission-driven, hands-on leadership style to driving new therapies forward.
Session Panelist: Startup Showcase
Murat Croci is co-founder and co-CEO of Ibex Biosciences (founded 2015), a biotechnology company developing breakthrough discoveries. With 20+ years in early-stage biotech, he is an inventor on five patents and previously served as financial controller at Seneca Biotech, following earlier work in tax and business consulting. A University of Maryland Global Campus graduate and decorated U.S. Army veteran (1990–96), Murat brings a mission-driven, hands-on leadership style to driving new therapies forward.
Session Panelist: How Non-Dilutive Funding Accelerates Your Growth
John Davis serves as CEO of JADE Research Corporation * and General Manager for the SBIR Resource Center (R) , the nation’s leading provider of grant acquisition/business development resources to the SBIR/STTR community. Since its formation, the Center has directly aided more than 3000 entrepreneurial firms in the pursuit of non-dilutive SBIR/STTR awards as well as helping many to properly plan and cost-estimate their proposed projects (necessary for winning Phase I; even more so for Phase II; and an absolutely critical skill for Phase III, commercialization). Davis brings more than thirty- years of progressive experience as a researcher, proposal manager, R&D project manager, marketing director and C-level executive in leading technical organizations ranging from absolute start-ups and small, early-stage companies up to Fortune 200 multinational firms. He has directed the new business development, program acquisition, technical operations and the hands-on program management of numerous technical projects ranging from small R&D efforts to major system developments under Federal funding. He has earned advanced degrees in both Engineering and Business
Administration.
Session Panelist: How Non-Dilutive Funding Accelerates Your Growth
John Davis serves as CEO of JADE Research Corporation * and General Manager for the SBIR Resource Center (R) , the nation’s leading provider of grant acquisition/business development resources to the SBIR/STTR community. Since its formation, the Center has directly aided more than 3000 entrepreneurial firms in the pursuit of non-dilutive SBIR/STTR awards as well as helping many to properly plan and cost-estimate their proposed projects (necessary for winning Phase I; even more so for Phase II; and an absolutely critical skill for Phase III, commercialization). Davis brings more than thirty- years of progressive experience as a researcher, proposal manager, R&D project manager, marketing director and C-level executive in leading technical organizations ranging from absolute start-ups and small, early-stage companies up to Fortune 200 multinational firms. He has directed the new business development, program acquisition, technical operations and the hands-on program management of numerous technical projects ranging from small R&D efforts to major system developments under Federal funding. He has earned advanced degrees in both Engineering and Business
Administration.
Session Panelist: Startup Showcase
Over 35 years of senior executive experience in government contracts and commercial markets. Group President, NANA/Akima (rapidly grew startup company from $0 to $300+ Million in annual revenues in seven years). CEO, ICOM Simulations (sold to Viacom) and TerraGlyph Interactive. Senior VP SAIC/CloudShield, Viacom New Media and DLT Solutions. Vice President, PESA, Falcon Microsystems and GTSI. Sold a cybersecurity services company to Camber.
B.S. in Biology, Beloit College.
J.D. from the Catholic University of America – Columbus School of Law.
Session Panelist: Startup Showcase
Over 35 years of senior executive experience in government contracts and commercial markets. Group President, NANA/Akima (rapidly grew startup company from $0 to $300+ Million in annual revenues in seven years). CEO, ICOM Simulations (sold to Viacom) and TerraGlyph Interactive. Senior VP SAIC/CloudShield, Viacom New Media and DLT Solutions. Vice President, PESA, Falcon Microsystems and GTSI. Sold a cybersecurity services company to Camber.
B.S. in Biology, Beloit College.
J.D. from the Catholic University of America – Columbus School of Law.
Session Panelist: How Non-Dilutive Funding Accelerates Your Growth
Hector Del Castillo is a growth expert and advisor specializing in mid-market software and technology companies. With over 17 years of experience, he helps businesses achieve sustaining or accelerated growth by building high-performing teams, optimizing processes, and implementing innovative strategies. His expertise drives significant improvements in profitability, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction, positioning companies to outperform their competition and scale effectively.
Session Panelist: How Non-Dilutive Funding Accelerates Your Growth
Hector Del Castillo is a growth expert and advisor specializing in mid-market software and technology companies. With over 17 years of experience, he helps businesses achieve sustaining or accelerated growth by building high-performing teams, optimizing processes, and implementing innovative strategies. His expertise drives significant improvements in profitability, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction, positioning companies to outperform their competition and scale effectively.
Session Panelist: Startup Showcase
Builder of modern, innovative software products. Challenges the status quo, Over 20 years experience leading software development in a wide range of areas, from artificial intelligence to cloud architectures, advanced web architectures to industry-leading and award-winning point-of-sale for the hospitality industry. Designed and led the development of several of the largest restaurant POS systems worldwide.
Founded DevTeams, a US-based developer of custom, professional software products (along with a couple of SkunkWorks products).
Founded Gusto POS (Qu), architect of innovative enterprise POS product for large chains, raised seed and VC funding.
Software architect, designer and development manager for MICROS Simphony. Simphony is used globally by companies such as:
* Starbucks
* Marriott
* Thousands of hotels, restaurants, theme parks and sports venues worldwide
Specialties: Cloud architectures, hybrid architectures, creating innovative vision, building talented teams, designing from first principles.
Session Panelist: Startup Showcase
Builder of modern, innovative software products. Challenges the status quo, Over 20 years experience leading software development in a wide range of areas, from artificial intelligence to cloud architectures, advanced web architectures to industry-leading and award-winning point-of-sale for the hospitality industry. Designed and led the development of several of the largest restaurant POS systems worldwide.
Founded DevTeams, a US-based developer of custom, professional software products (along with a couple of SkunkWorks products).
Founded Gusto POS (Qu), architect of innovative enterprise POS product for large chains, raised seed and VC funding.
Software architect, designer and development manager for MICROS Simphony. Simphony is used globally by companies such as:
* Starbucks
* Marriott
* Thousands of hotels, restaurants, theme parks and sports venues worldwide
Specialties: Cloud architectures, hybrid architectures, creating innovative vision, building talented teams, designing from first principles.
Session Panelist: AI and National Security: The Nexus with Energy
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.
Session Panelist: AI and National Security: The Nexus with Energy
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.
Session Panelist: Harnessing the power of AI/ML in Healthcare and Life Sciences
Guodong (Gordon) Gao, Ph.D., M.B.A., is a professor at the Carey Business School of Johns Hopkins University and co-director of the Center for Digital Health and AI (CDHAI). Before joining Carey, he was the Dean’s Professor of AI in Healthcare, co-director of the Center for Health Information and Decision Systems (CHIDS), and the director of the Health Insights AI Lab, at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Dr. Gao’s research interests include AI in healthcare, mHealth, and quality transparency. His research has been funded by NSF, NIH and AHRQ. His work has been published at leading journals like Management Science, Information Systems Research, MIS Quarterly, Manufacturing and Service Operations Management (M&SOM), and Production and Operations Management. His work is also published or presented in the healthcare outlets, such as PNAS, JAMA Internal Medicine, PLOS One, Journal of Medical Internet Research, and AcademyHealth Annual Research meeting. He has been invited to keynote by medical professional societies such as the American Neurotology Society.
Dr. Gao played a prominent role in advancing AI for Health Equity education, especially for the under-resourced population and regions. He led several initiatives in the NIH-funded AIM-AHEAD program, such as the Professional Development Program, the Program for AI Readiness (PAIR), and the Program for American Indian Higher Education Consortium.
Dr. Gao has been profiled or featured in popular media such as the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, NPR news, US News and World Report, and Reuters. He has served on the editorial board of Management Science and served as Associate Editor for MIS Quarterly. Dr. Gao is a recipient of the NSF CAREER Award.
Session Panelist: Harnessing the power of AI/ML in Healthcare and Life Sciences
Guodong (Gordon) Gao, Ph.D., M.B.A., is a professor at the Carey Business School of Johns Hopkins University and co-director of the Center for Digital Health and AI (CDHAI). Before joining Carey, he was the Dean’s Professor of AI in Healthcare, co-director of the Center for Health Information and Decision Systems (CHIDS), and the director of the Health Insights AI Lab, at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Dr. Gao’s research interests include AI in healthcare, mHealth, and quality transparency. His research has been funded by NSF, NIH and AHRQ. His work has been published at leading journals like Management Science, Information Systems Research, MIS Quarterly, Manufacturing and Service Operations Management (M&SOM), and Production and Operations Management. His work is also published or presented in the healthcare outlets, such as PNAS, JAMA Internal Medicine, PLOS One, Journal of Medical Internet Research, and AcademyHealth Annual Research meeting. He has been invited to keynote by medical professional societies such as the American Neurotology Society.
Dr. Gao played a prominent role in advancing AI for Health Equity education, especially for the under-resourced population and regions. He led several initiatives in the NIH-funded AIM-AHEAD program, such as the Professional Development Program, the Program for AI Readiness (PAIR), and the Program for American Indian Higher Education Consortium.
Dr. Gao has been profiled or featured in popular media such as the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, NPR news, US News and World Report, and Reuters. He has served on the editorial board of Management Science and served as Associate Editor for MIS Quarterly. Dr. Gao is a recipient of the NSF CAREER Award.
As Senior Director, Seed Funds, Teddy is responsible for helping to define strategy and leading seed team members with the dual objectives of investor returns and economic development for the state of Maryland. He provides thought leadership, develops investment themes, structures and executes investments, and proactively manages portfolio companies.
Teddy has evaluated hundreds of early-stage technology companies and led millions in direct investments across verticals ranging from AI, HealthTech, Cybersecurity, Life Sciences, SaaS, FinTech, Robotics, Drones, and more.
Prior to joining TEDCO, Teddy worked with the inaugural Techstars Equitech accelerator cohort in Baltimore, providing operational and consultative support at scale to 12 high-growth technology startups with a focus on underrepresented founders. Teddy is also co-founder of an angel investing syndicate focused on Climate Tech and he is adjunct faculty at the Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business.
Teddy earned his MBA, with a Graduate Certificate in Investments and Portfolio Management, at The George Washington University and his BA at the University of Maryland, College Park.
As Senior Director, Seed Funds, Teddy is responsible for helping to define strategy and leading seed team members with the dual objectives of investor returns and economic development for the state of Maryland. He provides thought leadership, develops investment themes, structures and executes investments, and proactively manages portfolio companies.
Teddy has evaluated hundreds of early-stage technology companies and led millions in direct investments across verticals ranging from AI, HealthTech, Cybersecurity, Life Sciences, SaaS, FinTech, Robotics, Drones, and more.
Prior to joining TEDCO, Teddy worked with the inaugural Techstars Equitech accelerator cohort in Baltimore, providing operational and consultative support at scale to 12 high-growth technology startups with a focus on underrepresented founders. Teddy is also co-founder of an angel investing syndicate focused on Climate Tech and he is adjunct faculty at the Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business.
Teddy earned his MBA, with a Graduate Certificate in Investments and Portfolio Management, at The George Washington University and his BA at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Session Moderator: Harnessing the power of AI/ML in Healthcare and Life Sciences
Session Moderator: Next-Generation Biotech & Healthcare
Jeffrey Hausfeld, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S., has served on the national board and committees of specialty medical societies since he began his practice in Otolaryngology/Facial Plastic Surgery in 1982. He is an Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at George Washington University School of Health Sciences and an alumnus of the Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Hausfeld is widely published in the medical literature, is the pioneer of innovative laser surgery techniques, is the author of a lay oriented medical book on snoring and sleep apnea, and has appeared on numerous local and national television and radio shows as a medical expert.
He has also served as a health care consultant, spokesperson, and executive coach for multi-national pharmaceutical companies, health care firms, as well as the U.S. military. Dr. Hausfeld stepped down from his clinical duties after receiving a Masters in Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Hausfeld is presently developing assisted living facilities specializing in Alzheimer's and dementia care.
He serves as a consultant to several healthcare/life science startups in diagnostics, devices, biotech and Health IT. He also serves on the Investment Advisory Board of the Center for Innovation Technology's Life Science Gap Fund. The fund supports promising healthcare and life sciences ventures in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Dr. Hausfeld is the Chairman and Founder of the Society of Physician Entrepreneurs (www.sopenet.org ), a global network focused on educating healthcare and life science professionals in Bioentrepreneurship and Innovation.
Dr. Hausfeld is orchestrating the Series B Financing of BioFactura (www.biofactura.com) and acted as the lead investor in this round. He will serve as Chairman of the Board of BioFactura as well as their Chief Medical Officer as the company develops its Biosimilar platform as well as its novel Bio-defense therapeutics.
Session Moderator: Harnessing the power of AI/ML in Healthcare and Life Sciences
Session Moderator: Next-Generation Biotech & Healthcare
Jeffrey Hausfeld, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S., has served on the national board and committees of specialty medical societies since he began his practice in Otolaryngology/Facial Plastic Surgery in 1982. He is an Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at George Washington University School of Health Sciences and an alumnus of the Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Hausfeld is widely published in the medical literature, is the pioneer of innovative laser surgery techniques, is the author of a lay oriented medical book on snoring and sleep apnea, and has appeared on numerous local and national television and radio shows as a medical expert.
He has also served as a health care consultant, spokesperson, and executive coach for multi-national pharmaceutical companies, health care firms, as well as the U.S. military. Dr. Hausfeld stepped down from his clinical duties after receiving a Masters in Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Hausfeld is presently developing assisted living facilities specializing in Alzheimer's and dementia care.
He serves as a consultant to several healthcare/life science startups in diagnostics, devices, biotech and Health IT. He also serves on the Investment Advisory Board of the Center for Innovation Technology's Life Science Gap Fund. The fund supports promising healthcare and life sciences ventures in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Dr. Hausfeld is the Chairman and Founder of the Society of Physician Entrepreneurs (www.sopenet.org ), a global network focused on educating healthcare and life science professionals in Bioentrepreneurship and Innovation.
Dr. Hausfeld is orchestrating the Series B Financing of BioFactura (www.biofactura.com) and acted as the lead investor in this round. He will serve as Chairman of the Board of BioFactura as well as their Chief Medical Officer as the company develops its Biosimilar platform as well as its novel Bio-defense therapeutics.
Session Panelist: The State of Funding
Dr. Deborah Hemingway is the Founder and Managing Partner of Ecphora Capital, Maryland’s premiere medtech venture capital firm based in Baltimore, Maryland. Under her leadership, Ecphora Capital has deployed $18 million across 12 startups in the past two years, establishing itself as a key force in early-stage healthcare innovation. The firm holds strategic partnerships and first-look access to local premier medical research and advanced manufacturing institutions and is the first and only firm to attain the top tier of Maryland’s biotechnology investment incentive tax credit program.
Over the past 20 years, Dr. Hemingway has founded, funded, and served on the boards of 53 startups, bringing a wealth of expertise in medical device commercialization, strategic growth, and venture investment. Her career reflects a consistent focus on building and scaling transformative technologies at the intersection of science, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Hemingway earned her Ph.D. in Biophysics from the University of Maryland, College Park and is widely recognized for her sharp investment instincts, operational rigor, and commitment to cultivating lasting impact in the medtech space throughout the mid-Atlantic region.
Session Panelist: The State of Funding
Dr. Deborah Hemingway is the Founder and Managing Partner of Ecphora Capital, Maryland’s premiere medtech venture capital firm based in Baltimore, Maryland. Under her leadership, Ecphora Capital has deployed $18 million across 12 startups in the past two years, establishing itself as a key force in early-stage healthcare innovation. The firm holds strategic partnerships and first-look access to local premier medical research and advanced manufacturing institutions and is the first and only firm to attain the top tier of Maryland’s biotechnology investment incentive tax credit program.
Over the past 20 years, Dr. Hemingway has founded, funded, and served on the boards of 53 startups, bringing a wealth of expertise in medical device commercialization, strategic growth, and venture investment. Her career reflects a consistent focus on building and scaling transformative technologies at the intersection of science, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Hemingway earned her Ph.D. in Biophysics from the University of Maryland, College Park and is widely recognized for her sharp investment instincts, operational rigor, and commitment to cultivating lasting impact in the medtech space throughout the mid-Atlantic region.
Session Panelist: AI and National Security: The Nexus with Energy
Obinna Isiandinso is a global leader in data centers and digital infrastructure, with extensive experience in cross-border financings, strategic partnerships, and real asset investments across private equity, credit, and infrastructure.
He currently serves as Global Sector Lead for Data Center Investments at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), where he manages senior relationships with hyperscalers, sovereign wealth funds, operators, and institutional investors. In this role, he oversees investments in data center companies and projects worldwide, spanning debt, equity, and hybrid financings for greenfield, brownfield, and M&A transactions across the Americas, EMEA, APAC, Latin America, and Africa.
At IFC, Obinna has helped shape the institution’s approach to data center and cloud services, positioning IFC as a trusted partner to global and regional operators, investors, and developers. His work integrates sector strategy, client coverage, and transaction execution to deliver scalable and sustainable digital infrastructure solutions.
A recognized thought leader, Obinna is a frequent speaker at industry forums including PTC, ITW, DCD Connect, TowerXchange, AfricaCom, and CALA. He also shares market insights, investment frameworks, and perspectives on cross-border financings through Global Data Center Hub.
Obinna holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. Drawing on the World Bank Group platform—including IFC, IBRD, and MIGA—he combines sector expertise, financing experience, and senior client relationships to advance the growth of the global data center ecosystem.
Session Panelist: AI and National Security: The Nexus with Energy
Obinna Isiandinso is a global leader in data centers and digital infrastructure, with extensive experience in cross-border financings, strategic partnerships, and real asset investments across private equity, credit, and infrastructure.
He currently serves as Global Sector Lead for Data Center Investments at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), where he manages senior relationships with hyperscalers, sovereign wealth funds, operators, and institutional investors. In this role, he oversees investments in data center companies and projects worldwide, spanning debt, equity, and hybrid financings for greenfield, brownfield, and M&A transactions across the Americas, EMEA, APAC, Latin America, and Africa.
At IFC, Obinna has helped shape the institution’s approach to data center and cloud services, positioning IFC as a trusted partner to global and regional operators, investors, and developers. His work integrates sector strategy, client coverage, and transaction execution to deliver scalable and sustainable digital infrastructure solutions.
A recognized thought leader, Obinna is a frequent speaker at industry forums including PTC, ITW, DCD Connect, TowerXchange, AfricaCom, and CALA. He also shares market insights, investment frameworks, and perspectives on cross-border financings through Global Data Center Hub.
Obinna holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. Drawing on the World Bank Group platform—including IFC, IBRD, and MIGA—he combines sector expertise, financing experience, and senior client relationships to advance the growth of the global data center ecosystem.
Session Panelist: Harnessing the power of AI/ML in Healthcare and Life Sciences
Anand is a respected global digital health innovator and leader—most known for his insights on and experience with technology, strategy and regulatory policy. Anand has been instrumental in Welldoc’s success and the development of BlueStar®, the first FDA-cleared digital therapeutic for adults with type 2 diabetes. Since joining Welldoc in 2008, he has held core leadership positions that included President and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer. In 2013, Anand was named “Maryland Healthcare Innovator of the Year” in the field of mobile health. Anand was also recognized as a top AI thought leader globally, when he was named to Constellation Research’s prestigious AI 150 list in 2024.
Prior to joining Welldoc, Anand was already an established, global thought leader in the wireless technology field. He had served as the Director of PRTM’s wireless consulting practice for 14 years, where helped companies take advantage of disruptive technologies, business models and process models enabled by advanced wireless technologies.
Anand was one of the co-founding Board members of the Digital Therapeutics Alliance and remains on the Board. He was also founder of the In-Building Wireless Alliance, and teaches advanced wireless technology courses to senior officers in the US Department of Defense at the Institute for Defense and Business. Prior to joining PRTM, Anand was a member of the scientific staff at Bell Northern Research and Nortel Networks. He holds an MS and a PhD in electrical and computer engineering with a focus on optical and digital pattern recognition, and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University. He also holds a BS in electrical and computer engineering from Carleton University.
Currently, Anand serves as Welldoc’s Chief AI Officer, focused on the essential advancement of Welldoc’s AI, data strategy and analytics framework.
Session Panelist: Harnessing the power of AI/ML in Healthcare and Life Sciences
Anand is a respected global digital health innovator and leader—most known for his insights on and experience with technology, strategy and regulatory policy. Anand has been instrumental in Welldoc’s success and the development of BlueStar®, the first FDA-cleared digital therapeutic for adults with type 2 diabetes. Since joining Welldoc in 2008, he has held core leadership positions that included President and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer. In 2013, Anand was named “Maryland Healthcare Innovator of the Year” in the field of mobile health. Anand was also recognized as a top AI thought leader globally, when he was named to Constellation Research’s prestigious AI 150 list in 2024.
Prior to joining Welldoc, Anand was already an established, global thought leader in the wireless technology field. He had served as the Director of PRTM’s wireless consulting practice for 14 years, where helped companies take advantage of disruptive technologies, business models and process models enabled by advanced wireless technologies.
Anand was one of the co-founding Board members of the Digital Therapeutics Alliance and remains on the Board. He was also founder of the In-Building Wireless Alliance, and teaches advanced wireless technology courses to senior officers in the US Department of Defense at the Institute for Defense and Business. Prior to joining PRTM, Anand was a member of the scientific staff at Bell Northern Research and Nortel Networks. He holds an MS and a PhD in electrical and computer engineering with a focus on optical and digital pattern recognition, and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University. He also holds a BS in electrical and computer engineering from Carleton University.
Currently, Anand serves as Welldoc’s Chief AI Officer, focused on the essential advancement of Welldoc’s AI, data strategy and analytics framework.
CribCritic: “Confidence, Not Gambling: How AI Is Leveling the Playing Field for Homebuyers”
Paul Johanning is the COO and Co-Founder of CribCritic, an AI-driven PropTech platform redefining how homes are analyzed and valued through its unique insights and proprietary CribScore. As a cyber-operations leader, Paul with a Masters in Computer Security brings two decades of national-security and advanced-technology experience to real estate innovation. His mission: to deliver transparent, data-driven intelligence that empowers homebuyers, agents, and lenders to make smarter property decisions.
CribCritic: “Confidence, Not Gambling: How AI Is Leveling the Playing Field for Homebuyers”
Paul Johanning is the COO and Co-Founder of CribCritic, an AI-driven PropTech platform redefining how homes are analyzed and valued through its unique insights and proprietary CribScore. As a cyber-operations leader, Paul with a Masters in Computer Security brings two decades of national-security and advanced-technology experience to real estate innovation. His mission: to deliver transparent, data-driven intelligence that empowers homebuyers, agents, and lenders to make smarter property decisions.
Session Panelist: Agentic AI-Driven Cybersecurity: Proactive Defense in an Evolving Threat Landscape
Jerome Johnson II is Director of Solutions Architecture for National Security and Defense at Amazon Web Services, where he leads teams implementing cutting-edge AI and autonomous systems for the U.S. Intelligence Community and Department of Defense. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence Management at
Georgetown University, Jerome bridges the critical gap between emerging AI capabilities and real-world cybersecurity applications in high-stakes environments.
As an AFROTECH 2025 Future 50 Corporate Catalyst and recent graduate of Wharton’s Chief Technology Officer Program, Jerome brings over 20 years of experience architecting secure, mission-critical technology solutions. His unique expertise spans the convergence of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity—including hands-on implementation of agentic AI systems for satellite command and control and autonomous threat detection.
Jerome’s thought leadership in AI-powered cybersecurity has been featured in prominent industry discussions, including a FedScoop interview on “The Future of Cyber Defense” where he explored the paradigm shift from reactive to proactive security postures using autonomous AI workflows. His work with Senate Intelligence and White House committees on AI policy development provides him with deep insights into the governance frameworks essential for deploying trustworthy autonomous systems.
With MIT quantum computing certifications and experience leading $1.5B portfolios of emerging technology solutions, Jerome understands both the transformative potential and critical risks of agentic AI in cybersecurity. His perspective combines practical implementation experience with strategic policy insight—essential for organizations navigating the complex landscape of autonomous defense systems while maintaining ethical standards and operational trust.
Session Panelist: Agentic AI-Driven Cybersecurity: Proactive Defense in an Evolving Threat Landscape
Jerome Johnson II is Director of Solutions Architecture for National Security and Defense at Amazon Web Services, where he leads teams implementing cutting-edge AI and autonomous systems for the U.S. Intelligence Community and Department of Defense. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence Management at
Georgetown University, Jerome bridges the critical gap between emerging AI capabilities and real-world cybersecurity applications in high-stakes environments.
As an AFROTECH 2025 Future 50 Corporate Catalyst and recent graduate of Wharton’s Chief Technology Officer Program, Jerome brings over 20 years of experience architecting secure, mission-critical technology solutions. His unique expertise spans the convergence of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity—including hands-on implementation of agentic AI systems for satellite command and control and autonomous threat detection.
Jerome’s thought leadership in AI-powered cybersecurity has been featured in prominent industry discussions, including a FedScoop interview on “The Future of Cyber Defense” where he explored the paradigm shift from reactive to proactive security postures using autonomous AI workflows. His work with Senate Intelligence and White House committees on AI policy development provides him with deep insights into the governance frameworks essential for deploying trustworthy autonomous systems.
With MIT quantum computing certifications and experience leading $1.5B portfolios of emerging technology solutions, Jerome understands both the transformative potential and critical risks of agentic AI in cybersecurity. His perspective combines practical implementation experience with strategic policy insight—essential for organizations navigating the complex landscape of autonomous defense systems while maintaining ethical standards and operational trust.
Session Panelist: Startup Showcase
I’m passionate about using technology to drive meaningful change. With a career spanning public and private sectors, I specialize in modernizing IT systems, driving digital transformation, and building cross-sector partnerships that create lasting impact. My leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, innovation, and empowering diverse teams to solve complex challenges. From implementing city-wide Smart City strategies to scaling emerging technologies, I’ve dedicated my career to advancing digital literacy, cybersecurity, and workforce readiness.
Whether I’m leading a ransomware recovery effort, fostering innovation in federal agencies, or mentoring future technology leaders, my focus on delivering measurable outcomes that improve lives, strengthen communities, and prepare organizations for the future.
Specialties:
► Strategic Planning & Execution
► Cybersecurity Policy & Risk Management
► AI Policy & Technology Governance
► Business Development & Partnerships
► Executive Coaching & Workforce Development
Session Panelist: Startup Showcase
I’m passionate about using technology to drive meaningful change. With a career spanning public and private sectors, I specialize in modernizing IT systems, driving digital transformation, and building cross-sector partnerships that create lasting impact. My leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, innovation, and empowering diverse teams to solve complex challenges. From implementing city-wide Smart City strategies to scaling emerging technologies, I’ve dedicated my career to advancing digital literacy, cybersecurity, and workforce readiness.
Whether I’m leading a ransomware recovery effort, fostering innovation in federal agencies, or mentoring future technology leaders, my focus on delivering measurable outcomes that improve lives, strengthen communities, and prepare organizations for the future.
Specialties:
► Strategic Planning & Execution
► Cybersecurity Policy & Risk Management
► AI Policy & Technology Governance
► Business Development & Partnerships
► Executive Coaching & Workforce Development
Session Panelist: Meet Your AI Co-Worker: Leveraging Agentic AI for Business Success
Mia Jordan is an Industry Advisor and Digital Transformation Executive with Salesforce, where she advises public sector leaders worldwide on AI adoption, data strategy, and digital transformation. Since 2021, she has helped governments across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific rethink service delivery and scale impact through technology. A USAF veteran and former two-time Federal CIO, she led modernization at Federal Student Aid (U.S. Department of Education) and USDA Rural Development, bringing more than a decade of executive leadership in government. Her career began with 13 years supporting Civilian, Intelligence, and Department of Defense agencies on complex transformation programs.
Session Panelist: Meet Your AI Co-Worker: Leveraging Agentic AI for Business Success
Mia Jordan is an Industry Advisor and Digital Transformation Executive with Salesforce, where she advises public sector leaders worldwide on AI adoption, data strategy, and digital transformation. Since 2021, she has helped governments across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific rethink service delivery and scale impact through technology. A USAF veteran and former two-time Federal CIO, she led modernization at Federal Student Aid (U.S. Department of Education) and USDA Rural Development, bringing more than a decade of executive leadership in government. Her career began with 13 years supporting Civilian, Intelligence, and Department of Defense agencies on complex transformation programs.
Session Panelist: Next-Generation Biotech & Healthcare
Dr. Kalayoglu is co-founder and managing partner at SOAR Bio, a therapeutics-focused venture studio in Greater Washington. Prior to SOAR Bio, he was co-founder and CEO of Cartesian Therapeutics (NASDAQ: RNAC), which he led from concept to proof-of-concept clinical trials, followed by a public listing in 2023. Prior to Cartesian, Dr. Kalayoglu was co-founder and CEO of Topokine, which he led from concept to late-stage clinical trials, followed by a successful sale to Abbvie (NYSE:ABBV) in 2016. Prior to Topokine, he was co-founder and COO of HealthHonors Corporation, which he led from concept to commercialization, followed by a successful sale to Tivity Health in 2009. Dr. Kalayoglu is a board-certified ophthalmologist who completed his residency and research fellowship at Harvard, MD/PhD in immunology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Session Panelist: Next-Generation Biotech & Healthcare
Dr. Kalayoglu is co-founder and managing partner at SOAR Bio, a therapeutics-focused venture studio in Greater Washington. Prior to SOAR Bio, he was co-founder and CEO of Cartesian Therapeutics (NASDAQ: RNAC), which he led from concept to proof-of-concept clinical trials, followed by a public listing in 2023. Prior to Cartesian, Dr. Kalayoglu was co-founder and CEO of Topokine, which he led from concept to late-stage clinical trials, followed by a successful sale to Abbvie (NYSE:ABBV) in 2016. Prior to Topokine, he was co-founder and COO of HealthHonors Corporation, which he led from concept to commercialization, followed by a successful sale to Tivity Health in 2009. Dr. Kalayoglu is a board-certified ophthalmologist who completed his residency and research fellowship at Harvard, MD/PhD in immunology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Session Panelist: Deploying Innovations to Create a Better Future for the World
Leo LaBranche is CEO of Unified Digital Group, where he leads digital transformation initiatives for the world's most influential multi-generational families and enterprises. With over 25 years of technology leadership experience, including roles as Managing Director of AWS Growth Initiatives at Amazon Web Services and SVP Client Executive at Avanade (JV between Microsoft & Accenture), Leo specializes in leveraging cutting-edge technologies to create transformative outcomes at massive scale. He brings deep expertise in multi-billion dollar deal negotiation, enterprise architecture, global strategic partnerships, and AI implementation to help visionary organizations turn bold visions into reality.
Session Panelist: Deploying Innovations to Create a Better Future for the World
Leo LaBranche is CEO of Unified Digital Group, where he leads digital transformation initiatives for the world's most influential multi-generational families and enterprises. With over 25 years of technology leadership experience, including roles as Managing Director of AWS Growth Initiatives at Amazon Web Services and SVP Client Executive at Avanade (JV between Microsoft & Accenture), Leo specializes in leveraging cutting-edge technologies to create transformative outcomes at massive scale. He brings deep expertise in multi-billion dollar deal negotiation, enterprise architecture, global strategic partnerships, and AI implementation to help visionary organizations turn bold visions into reality.
David Lacki is Principal of Lacki & Company, LLC, a boutique law firm advising emerging and
middle-market companies on corporate growth, investment strategies, and mergers and
acquisitions. With more than 30 years of experience, he has worked with Fortune 100 companies,
as well as innovative start-up and emerging enterprises in the manufacturing, telecom, software,
and high-tech sectors across the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
Earlier in his career, David served as in-house counsel with Nextel Communications and Wireless Facilities, Inc., where he advised senior management with oversight of global operations. His transactional successes include negotiating a multi-million, multi-year network
development project, creating an innovative software licensing model, brokering national spectrum agreements, and closing acquisitions and capital investments.
David holds a J.D. from the. University of Houston and graduated magna cum laude in Political Science from The George Washington University. Drawing on training as a Six Sigma Black Belt, he brings a strong focus on operational excellence and process improvement. He also serves on the Committee of the Eagle Bank Foundation, helping to raise millions of dollars in the fight against cancer.
David Lacki is Principal of Lacki & Company, LLC, a boutique law firm advising emerging and
middle-market companies on corporate growth, investment strategies, and mergers and
acquisitions. With more than 30 years of experience, he has worked with Fortune 100 companies,
as well as innovative start-up and emerging enterprises in the manufacturing, telecom, software,
and high-tech sectors across the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
Earlier in his career, David served as in-house counsel with Nextel Communications and Wireless Facilities, Inc., where he advised senior management with oversight of global operations. His transactional successes include negotiating a multi-million, multi-year network
development project, creating an innovative software licensing model, brokering national spectrum agreements, and closing acquisitions and capital investments.
David holds a J.D. from the. University of Houston and graduated magna cum laude in Political Science from The George Washington University. Drawing on training as a Six Sigma Black Belt, he brings a strong focus on operational excellence and process improvement. He also serves on the Committee of the Eagle Bank Foundation, helping to raise millions of dollars in the fight against cancer.
IdeaFire™ Workshop: Building and Scaling a Startup In the Age of AI
IdeaFire™ Workshop: Accelerating Intelligence: How to Future-Proof Your Business for Success
Sean Makulowich is the Founder and CEO of IdeaFireTM, an award-winning digital marketing and AI consulting and training firm based in downtown Bethesda that is celebrating a decade of innovation this year with its 10th Anniversary. For over 15 years, Sean has been consulting, training, and advising sales, marketing, and HR executives – providing and guiding them with deep insights and expertise on how to develop creative and effective marketing campaigns that drive their customers to take action. Sean is a compassionate leader who encourages his team and his business partners to foster creativity and further company growth through client success.
His consulting client base is extremely diverse and that’s exactly the way he likes it. Sean has worked with all types of businesses across many different industries – from local startups to global membership organizations like American Chemical Society and Fortune 500 brands such as Volvo. A digital native, Sean studies the ever-changing digital landscape on a daily basis – from new and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to the latest marketing, advertising, and ecommerce tools, tactics, and growth hacking strategies.
Thanks to his father, Sean's interest and background in computers and digital technology dates back to the creation of the World Wide Web in 1993, when he also started building his own computers and websites. Since they were launched, Sean has also been a software and hardware Beta Tester for META and Snapchat – two of the earliest adopters of AR, VR, and AI. The arrival of Generative AI and incredibly powerful tools like ChatGPT only added fuel to his burning obsession with technology and innovation. Immediately, Sean started exploring how he could leverage AI for his clients to accelerate customer acquisition, innovation, and growth. And he hasn't stopped yet.
Beyond IdeaFireTM, Sean loves working with other entrepreneurs and thoroughly enjoys the work he does as a Mentor, Advisor, and Investor with Founder Institute – a world-renowned startup accelerator that has helped launch over 7,000 companies across 200+ cities and six continents.
Born and raised in Montgomery County, Maryland, Sean is passionate about supporting his local community and the businesses that fuel it. He has worked closely with The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce since 2018, where he sits on the Board of Directors, Co-Chairs the Communications Committee, and sponsors the NextExecs Young Professionals Committee through his company, IdeaFireTM.
IdeaFire™ Workshop: Building and Scaling a Startup In the Age of AI
IdeaFire™ Workshop: Accelerating Intelligence: How to Future-Proof Your Business for Success
Sean Makulowich is the Founder and CEO of IdeaFireTM, an award-winning digital marketing and AI consulting and training firm based in downtown Bethesda that is celebrating a decade of innovation this year with its 10th Anniversary. For over 15 years, Sean has been consulting, training, and advising sales, marketing, and HR executives – providing and guiding them with deep insights and expertise on how to develop creative and effective marketing campaigns that drive their customers to take action. Sean is a compassionate leader who encourages his team and his business partners to foster creativity and further company growth through client success.
His consulting client base is extremely diverse and that’s exactly the way he likes it. Sean has worked with all types of businesses across many different industries – from local startups to global membership organizations like American Chemical Society and Fortune 500 brands such as Volvo. A digital native, Sean studies the ever-changing digital landscape on a daily basis – from new and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to the latest marketing, advertising, and ecommerce tools, tactics, and growth hacking strategies.
Thanks to his father, Sean's interest and background in computers and digital technology dates back to the creation of the World Wide Web in 1993, when he also started building his own computers and websites. Since they were launched, Sean has also been a software and hardware Beta Tester for META and Snapchat – two of the earliest adopters of AR, VR, and AI. The arrival of Generative AI and incredibly powerful tools like ChatGPT only added fuel to his burning obsession with technology and innovation. Immediately, Sean started exploring how he could leverage AI for his clients to accelerate customer acquisition, innovation, and growth. And he hasn't stopped yet.
Beyond IdeaFireTM, Sean loves working with other entrepreneurs and thoroughly enjoys the work he does as a Mentor, Advisor, and Investor with Founder Institute – a world-renowned startup accelerator that has helped launch over 7,000 companies across 200+ cities and six continents.
Born and raised in Montgomery County, Maryland, Sean is passionate about supporting his local community and the businesses that fuel it. He has worked closely with The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce since 2018, where he sits on the Board of Directors, Co-Chairs the Communications Committee, and sponsors the NextExecs Young Professionals Committee through his company, IdeaFireTM.
Session Moderator: Meet Your AI Co-Worker: Leveraging Agentic AI for Business Success
Belinda J. Matingou is a global partner sales and alliance leader with extensive experience driving business growth through strategic partnerships and technology innovation for customers in the public and private sectors. Belinda has led multimillion-dollar initiatives across Amazon Web Services, Dell, AT&T, Swissôtel, and American Express, accelerating revenue and market expansion in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. She excels at meeting customer and partner needs with cloud and AI solutions that deliver transformative results. Recognized for her inclusive leadership, Belinda has been honored as a U.S. Black Chamber "Women of Power" awardee and served as President of the National Black MBA Association in Austin. She holds an MBA from The Wharton School and a Bachelors degree from Florida A&M University. Belinda and her husband Christian are the proud parents of Wesley, Cyrena, and Troy.
Session Moderator: Meet Your AI Co-Worker: Leveraging Agentic AI for Business Success
Belinda J. Matingou is a global partner sales and alliance leader with extensive experience driving business growth through strategic partnerships and technology innovation for customers in the public and private sectors. Belinda has led multimillion-dollar initiatives across Amazon Web Services, Dell, AT&T, Swissôtel, and American Express, accelerating revenue and market expansion in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. She excels at meeting customer and partner needs with cloud and AI solutions that deliver transformative results. Recognized for her inclusive leadership, Belinda has been honored as a U.S. Black Chamber "Women of Power" awardee and served as President of the National Black MBA Association in Austin. She holds an MBA from The Wharton School and a Bachelors degree from Florida A&M University. Belinda and her husband Christian are the proud parents of Wesley, Cyrena, and Troy.
Session Panelist: Demystifying Quantum Computing
Dr. Mumm has spent thirty-one years in government and contractor service, building teams to address complex problems in national security, homeland security, and advanced technologies. He was the Division Chief for Cybersecurity at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), programming and executing a budget of over $ 140 million. He developed a unique set of continuous monitoring capabilities and the rogue wireless detection capability that supported the ICD-503 Risk Management Framework..
Dr. Mumm is a proven leader in diverse fields, including autonomous systems, post-quantum cybersecurity, AI and machine learning, advanced fuel systems, cognitive scientific research, and all aspects of the military intelligence community. He has thirteen published books, dozens of white papers, and five published co-authored quantum computing research papers.
He has notable experience in research and systems engineering, including winning awards and contracts for UAV (autonomous systems) research and creating an advanced, multiple-fuel system (AI-based), where he operated the world’s first and only helicopter that flies on five separate fuels without engine modifications. His research extends into emerging and disruptive technologies for both offensive and defensive missions, supporting US and coalition operations. His UAV and robotics expertise has focused on determining the specific uses, exceptions, and allowances for robotics operations, including studying the unintended consequences, future use, and misuse of such technologies.
Session Panelist: Demystifying Quantum Computing
Dr. Mumm has spent thirty-one years in government and contractor service, building teams to address complex problems in national security, homeland security, and advanced technologies. He was the Division Chief for Cybersecurity at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), programming and executing a budget of over $ 140 million. He developed a unique set of continuous monitoring capabilities and the rogue wireless detection capability that supported the ICD-503 Risk Management Framework..
Dr. Mumm is a proven leader in diverse fields, including autonomous systems, post-quantum cybersecurity, AI and machine learning, advanced fuel systems, cognitive scientific research, and all aspects of the military intelligence community. He has thirteen published books, dozens of white papers, and five published co-authored quantum computing research papers.
He has notable experience in research and systems engineering, including winning awards and contracts for UAV (autonomous systems) research and creating an advanced, multiple-fuel system (AI-based), where he operated the world’s first and only helicopter that flies on five separate fuels without engine modifications. His research extends into emerging and disruptive technologies for both offensive and defensive missions, supporting US and coalition operations. His UAV and robotics expertise has focused on determining the specific uses, exceptions, and allowances for robotics operations, including studying the unintended consequences, future use, and misuse of such technologies.
Session Panelist: Meet Your AI Co-Worker: Leveraging Agentic AI for Business Success
As Founder & CEO of OptimaNova AI, Joe empowers organizations to master artificial intelligence, optimize operations, unlock critical data insights, and equip their teams for the evolving workplace. His human-centered approach ensures technological adoption is not only successful but deeply meaningful.
Nationally recognized for his innovative voter engagement strategies, Joe previously served as Executive Director of Black Men Vote. Under his leadership, the organization registered over 100,000 Black men, significantly boosting voter participation in key battleground states such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. His groundbreaking outreach methods, engaging men in spaces like barbershops, churches,
and digital communities, earned coverage from ABC News, Politico, and the Associated Press.
As former CEO of Byte Back, Joe secured the largest funding infusion in the nonprofit’s history—$5
million—to expand critical AI and digital literacy training. His leadership increased certification pass rates dramatically, from 10% to over 75%, positioning thousands for thriving tech careers.
During his tenure as Executive Director & COO of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Joe spearheaded a
significant financial and membership turnaround during the COVID-19 pandemic, generating $1 million in
new revenue within 90 days and achieving a 94% increase in membership revenue. His strategic clarity and decisive execution garnered broad respect across both nonprofit and corporate sectors.
At The Stafford Foundation, Joe served as COO, crafting an ambitious five-year strategic plan that drove an 83% revenue increase through innovative e-commerce solutions, significantly amplifying the foundation’s philanthropic reach.
A respected thought leader, keynote speaker, and author, Joe’s published works include Morning Cup of
Joe, AI for Good, Beyond Human, and The Doing Good Book. He regularly shares his expertise at national conferences, investor summits, and policy forums, influencing critical conversations on AI, leadership, and social equity.
Joe earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Social Science, and Spanish and Russian from Florida State University
and holds a Digital Leadership Certificate from The Wharton School. Fluent in English, Spanish, French, Russian, and Haitian Creole, Joe leverages his multicultural proficiency to bridge global discussions on artificial intelligence, technology and public policy.
His numerous accolades include SHRM’s “HR Hero” Award, Alpha Phi Alpha National Brother of the Year,
FSU Alumni of the Year, and the SXSW Innovation Award for Community Service in Tech. Whether advising Fortune 500 executives, mobilizing communities, or championing equity through technology, Joe Paul consistently redefines what visionary leadership means in the digital age.
Session Panelist: Meet Your AI Co-Worker: Leveraging Agentic AI for Business Success
As Founder & CEO of OptimaNova AI, Joe empowers organizations to master artificial intelligence, optimize operations, unlock critical data insights, and equip their teams for the evolving workplace. His human-centered approach ensures technological adoption is not only successful but deeply meaningful.
Nationally recognized for his innovative voter engagement strategies, Joe previously served as Executive Director of Black Men Vote. Under his leadership, the organization registered over 100,000 Black men, significantly boosting voter participation in key battleground states such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. His groundbreaking outreach methods, engaging men in spaces like barbershops, churches,
and digital communities, earned coverage from ABC News, Politico, and the Associated Press.
As former CEO of Byte Back, Joe secured the largest funding infusion in the nonprofit’s history—$5
million—to expand critical AI and digital literacy training. His leadership increased certification pass rates dramatically, from 10% to over 75%, positioning thousands for thriving tech careers.
During his tenure as Executive Director & COO of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Joe spearheaded a
significant financial and membership turnaround during the COVID-19 pandemic, generating $1 million in
new revenue within 90 days and achieving a 94% increase in membership revenue. His strategic clarity and decisive execution garnered broad respect across both nonprofit and corporate sectors.
At The Stafford Foundation, Joe served as COO, crafting an ambitious five-year strategic plan that drove an 83% revenue increase through innovative e-commerce solutions, significantly amplifying the foundation’s philanthropic reach.
A respected thought leader, keynote speaker, and author, Joe’s published works include Morning Cup of
Joe, AI for Good, Beyond Human, and The Doing Good Book. He regularly shares his expertise at national conferences, investor summits, and policy forums, influencing critical conversations on AI, leadership, and social equity.
Joe earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Social Science, and Spanish and Russian from Florida State University
and holds a Digital Leadership Certificate from The Wharton School. Fluent in English, Spanish, French, Russian, and Haitian Creole, Joe leverages his multicultural proficiency to bridge global discussions on artificial intelligence, technology and public policy.
His numerous accolades include SHRM’s “HR Hero” Award, Alpha Phi Alpha National Brother of the Year,
FSU Alumni of the Year, and the SXSW Innovation Award for Community Service in Tech. Whether advising Fortune 500 executives, mobilizing communities, or championing equity through technology, Joe Paul consistently redefines what visionary leadership means in the digital age.
Session Panelist: Next-Generation Biotech & Healthcare
Deanne Randolph is the Founder and CEO of Lumigen Biotechnology, pioneering antibody-nanoparticle conjugates to precisely treat glioblastoma and brain metastases - areas of dire unmet medical need where traditional therapies struggle to reach their targets.
She brings more than 20 years of experience building and leading organizations that translate innovation into patient impact. Deanne began her career at Johnson & Johnson, Bayer, and Pfizer, where she led U.S., European, and global brand teams across multiple therapeutic areas. She later founded Sante Group, a boutique consultancy that guided pharmaceutical and biotech companies through successful product launches worldwide.
At Lumigen, Deanne combines her expertise in global commercialization with a passion for advancing groundbreaking science against some of the toughest cancers. She is known for bridging the gap between discovery and delivery, ensuring promising therapies can reach patients who need them most.
Deanne holds both a BA and an MBA from Wake Forest University.
Session Panelist: Next-Generation Biotech & Healthcare
Deanne Randolph is the Founder and CEO of Lumigen Biotechnology, pioneering antibody-nanoparticle conjugates to precisely treat glioblastoma and brain metastases - areas of dire unmet medical need where traditional therapies struggle to reach their targets.
She brings more than 20 years of experience building and leading organizations that translate innovation into patient impact. Deanne began her career at Johnson & Johnson, Bayer, and Pfizer, where she led U.S., European, and global brand teams across multiple therapeutic areas. She later founded Sante Group, a boutique consultancy that guided pharmaceutical and biotech companies through successful product launches worldwide.
At Lumigen, Deanne combines her expertise in global commercialization with a passion for advancing groundbreaking science against some of the toughest cancers. She is known for bridging the gap between discovery and delivery, ensuring promising therapies can reach patients who need them most.
Deanne holds both a BA and an MBA from Wake Forest University.
Ruwan Salgado is Principal of Strat8gy International, LLC, an international management consultancy, and was a Partner at Sino America Investment Partners, a venture seeking to assist Chinese companies with investing in the United States. He has expertise in business development, project management, operations, financial management and analysis, and strategic planning. As a management consultant in and outside of the U.S., Ruwan has worked with senior government officials and corporate executives in a wide range of industries including oil, mining, healthcare, finance/capital markets, education and agribusiness. He has served in general management, strategic planning, business development, operations and finance roles with both for-profit and non-profit organizations. Early in his career, he gained experience in venture capital at Calvert Ventures, which established the first socially responsible venture capital fund, helping to manage its portfolio companies and identify and assess new investment opportunities. More recently, Ruwan served as the Executive Director of World Links, an internationally award winning (e.g., from the World Economic Forum etc.) and innovative spin-off from The World Bank that focused on leveraging information and communications technology to improve global education. While at World Links, he spoke on educational technology at international conferences in Africa, Asia and the U.S.A. Ruwan served for over a decade as the President of the University of Chicago Booth School’s alumni club in the Washington, D.C. area and was co-founder and co-Chair of its Entrepreneurs’ Advisory Group, which provided monthly pro bono advise to Washington, DC area entrepreneurs. He serves on the White Flint Implementation Advisory Committee tasked to advise Montgomery County, Maryland’s Planning Board on the implementation of the County’s multi-billion dollar White Flint Sector Plan. Ruwan has an M.B.A. in Finance and Marketing from the University of Chicago and an M.Phil. in Economics from Oxford University. He received both a B.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Engineering from Swarthmore College.
Ruwan Salgado is Principal of Strat8gy International, LLC, an international management consultancy, and was a Partner at Sino America Investment Partners, a venture seeking to assist Chinese companies with investing in the United States. He has expertise in business development, project management, operations, financial management and analysis, and strategic planning. As a management consultant in and outside of the U.S., Ruwan has worked with senior government officials and corporate executives in a wide range of industries including oil, mining, healthcare, finance/capital markets, education and agribusiness. He has served in general management, strategic planning, business development, operations and finance roles with both for-profit and non-profit organizations. Early in his career, he gained experience in venture capital at Calvert Ventures, which established the first socially responsible venture capital fund, helping to manage its portfolio companies and identify and assess new investment opportunities. More recently, Ruwan served as the Executive Director of World Links, an internationally award winning (e.g., from the World Economic Forum etc.) and innovative spin-off from The World Bank that focused on leveraging information and communications technology to improve global education. While at World Links, he spoke on educational technology at international conferences in Africa, Asia and the U.S.A. Ruwan served for over a decade as the President of the University of Chicago Booth School’s alumni club in the Washington, D.C. area and was co-founder and co-Chair of its Entrepreneurs’ Advisory Group, which provided monthly pro bono advise to Washington, DC area entrepreneurs. He serves on the White Flint Implementation Advisory Committee tasked to advise Montgomery County, Maryland’s Planning Board on the implementation of the County’s multi-billion dollar White Flint Sector Plan. Ruwan has an M.B.A. in Finance and Marketing from the University of Chicago and an M.Phil. in Economics from Oxford University. He received both a B.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Engineering from Swarthmore College.
Pitch Showcase: SereNeuro Therapeutics
Dan Saragnese brings extensive experience in biotechnology drug development and manufacturing operations, having successfully advanced multiple therapeutic candidates from preclinical stages through clinical development at venture-backed spin-outs from Stanford and Johns Hopkins University. Dan's career includes leadership roles at Earli, Inc. ($40M Series A), Ashvattha Therapeutics ($69M Series B), Graybug Vision (NASDAQ: GRAY), and Blackstone PortCo Catalent, Inc. (NYSE:CTLT). Dan's academic background is rooted in chemical and biomolecular engineering, complemented by healthcare business management expertise.
Throughout his career, Dan has built and led teams responsible for Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC), regulatory compliance, and clinical trial execution. As CEO and co-founder of SereNeuro Therapeutics, Dan leverages his experience in therapeutic development and regulatory strategy to advance a non-addictive, non-opioid therapeutic platform for treating chronic and neuropathic pain conditions.
Pitch Showcase: SereNeuro Therapeutics
Dan Saragnese brings extensive experience in biotechnology drug development and manufacturing operations, having successfully advanced multiple therapeutic candidates from preclinical stages through clinical development at venture-backed spin-outs from Stanford and Johns Hopkins University. Dan's career includes leadership roles at Earli, Inc. ($40M Series A), Ashvattha Therapeutics ($69M Series B), Graybug Vision (NASDAQ: GRAY), and Blackstone PortCo Catalent, Inc. (NYSE:CTLT). Dan's academic background is rooted in chemical and biomolecular engineering, complemented by healthcare business management expertise.
Throughout his career, Dan has built and led teams responsible for Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC), regulatory compliance, and clinical trial execution. As CEO and co-founder of SereNeuro Therapeutics, Dan leverages his experience in therapeutic development and regulatory strategy to advance a non-addictive, non-opioid therapeutic platform for treating chronic and neuropathic pain conditions.
CribCritic: “Confidence, Not Gambling: How AI Is Leveling the Playing Field for Homebuyers”
Derek Scheer is the Chief Technology Officer and Co‑Founder of CribCritic LLC, an emerging prop‑tech company using AI to transform the home‑buying industry. He brings more than 16 years of cybersecurity experience, specializing in safeguarding mission‑critical systems and translating complex security challenges into practical, operational solutions. He has led security and systems testing initiatives across high‑stakes environments. His deep technical foundation is backed by a Master of Science in Information Technology.
CribCritic: “Confidence, Not Gambling: How AI Is Leveling the Playing Field for Homebuyers”
Derek Scheer is the Chief Technology Officer and Co‑Founder of CribCritic LLC, an emerging prop‑tech company using AI to transform the home‑buying industry. He brings more than 16 years of cybersecurity experience, specializing in safeguarding mission‑critical systems and translating complex security challenges into practical, operational solutions. He has led security and systems testing initiatives across high‑stakes environments. His deep technical foundation is backed by a Master of Science in Information Technology.
Alan is the Summit Chair and President of the Wharton Club of Washington, DC. His dedication to the School and the Club resulted in his becoming a recipient of the Club’s Joseph Wharton Award and Wharton’s Distinguished Alumni Service Award. During his tenure, the Club has had 15 successful conferences, including the five Innovation Summits that have stimulated, connected and empowered a diverse group of innovators and entrepreneurs within and well beyond the Wharton alumni network.
An accomplished business attorney with the highest rating, “a v,” from Martindale-Hubbell, Alan’s career has been split between private practice (now in business and general practice) and public service. He received a Distinguished Service Award for his decade of service as a Senior Trial Attorney at the Federal Trade Commission after two years at the Justice Department. Alan earned a J.D. from Harvard Law School following his undergraduate work at the Wharton School.
Alan is the Summit Chair and President of the Wharton Club of Washington, DC. His dedication to the School and the Club resulted in his becoming a recipient of the Club’s Joseph Wharton Award and Wharton’s Distinguished Alumni Service Award. During his tenure, the Club has had 15 successful conferences, including the five Innovation Summits that have stimulated, connected and empowered a diverse group of innovators and entrepreneurs within and well beyond the Wharton alumni network.
An accomplished business attorney with the highest rating, “a v,” from Martindale-Hubbell, Alan’s career has been split between private practice (now in business and general practice) and public service. He received a Distinguished Service Award for his decade of service as a Senior Trial Attorney at the Federal Trade Commission after two years at the Justice Department. Alan earned a J.D. from Harvard Law School following his undergraduate work at the Wharton School.
Ryan Simpson is a key figure at the intersection of artificial intelligence and public service. As the Chief Technologist for Federal Partners at NVIDIA, he leads strategic initiatives to accelerate AI and data analytics innovation throughout the U.S. federal government via the NVIDIA Partner Network.
Before joining NVIDIA, Ryan had a distinguished career as a government employee. During his tenure at the United States Postal Service, he was instrumental in deploying enterprise-scale AI systems for optical character recognition (OCR), information retrieval, and image search. His innovative work led to more than 15 patents in AI and image processing and significantly advanced the agency's data capabilities. With nearly two decades of experience bridging the gap between advanced technology and governmental frameworks, Ryan offers a unique and invaluable perspective on digital transformation in the public sector.
Ryan Simpson is a key figure at the intersection of artificial intelligence and public service. As the Chief Technologist for Federal Partners at NVIDIA, he leads strategic initiatives to accelerate AI and data analytics innovation throughout the U.S. federal government via the NVIDIA Partner Network.
Before joining NVIDIA, Ryan had a distinguished career as a government employee. During his tenure at the United States Postal Service, he was instrumental in deploying enterprise-scale AI systems for optical character recognition (OCR), information retrieval, and image search. His innovative work led to more than 15 patents in AI and image processing and significantly advanced the agency's data capabilities. With nearly two decades of experience bridging the gap between advanced technology and governmental frameworks, Ryan offers a unique and invaluable perspective on digital transformation in the public sector.
Session Panelist: AI and National Security: The Nexus with Energy
Marly is a Managing Director in the Natural Resources and Energy Transition Investment Banking group, with over 12 years of experience in the space. Marly covers large-cap utilities and clean energy transition clients and has advised on over $150bn of transactions including public company mergers, cross-border transactions, asset divestitures, IPOs and hostile/defense transactions. Most recently, Marly advised American Water (AWK) on their merger with Essential Utilities (WTRG) for a combined enterprise value of ~$63bn, the largest U.S. regulated utilities M&A deal in over 10 years, and Sempra Energy on their sale of a controlling stake in Sempra Infrastructure to a KKR-led consortium at a TEV of $31.7bn, the largest NET divestiture YTD. Marly holds a B.A. in Political Science and Government from Yale University and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Session Panelist: AI and National Security: The Nexus with Energy
Marly is a Managing Director in the Natural Resources and Energy Transition Investment Banking group, with over 12 years of experience in the space. Marly covers large-cap utilities and clean energy transition clients and has advised on over $150bn of transactions including public company mergers, cross-border transactions, asset divestitures, IPOs and hostile/defense transactions. Most recently, Marly advised American Water (AWK) on their merger with Essential Utilities (WTRG) for a combined enterprise value of ~$63bn, the largest U.S. regulated utilities M&A deal in over 10 years, and Sempra Energy on their sale of a controlling stake in Sempra Infrastructure to a KKR-led consortium at a TEV of $31.7bn, the largest NET divestiture YTD. Marly holds a B.A. in Political Science and Government from Yale University and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Session Panelist: Agentic AI-Driven Cybersecurity: Proactive Defense in an Evolving Threat Landscape
Earl Stafford, Jr., CEO of Aperio Global, embodies the rare fusion of. visionary leadership and unwavering faith. As a Christian man whose beliefs form the bedrock of his personal and professional life, Stafford leads Aperio Global with a higher purpose, guided by the principle of "Solving for Next."
Under Stafford's stewardship, Aperio Global has achieved consistent year-over-year growth in revenue, customer base, and mission-critical impact. His faith-inspired leadership philosophy, rooted in Truth, Trust, and Transparency, has propelled Aperio to the forefront of innovation in AI, cyber operations, and
information warfare.
With over 25 years of experience, Stafford has positioned Aperio Global as an indispensable partner to the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community. His commitment to ethical innovation led to the development of NLYTEN - Aperio's groundbreaking AI-driven technology that enhances decision security, speed, and advantage.
Stafford's approach to business has fostered strategic alliances with tech giants AWS, NVIDIA, and IBM, amplifying Aperio's global impact. His leadership transcends conventional metrics, focusing on meaningful impact and long-term value creation that is aligned with his principles.
Stafford, an alumnus of Georgetown University (MBA) and George Mason University (Economics), brings a potent blend of academic rigor and faith-driven purpose to his role. His
commitment to service as a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. extends beyond the
boardroom, embodying the Christian ideal of servant leadership.
At Aperio Global, Stafford has cultivated an environment where innovation thrives and solutions are engineered with foresight and moral responsibility. His forward-thinking
leadership ensures that Aperio remains at the cutting edge of technological advancement while
adhering to the highest ethical standards.
Earl Stafford is a beacon of strategic insight, ethical leadership, and unwavering faith in an era of rapid change and evolving global threats. Through his guidance, Aperio Global continues to shape the future of defense and intelligence, driven by a higher purpose to create a more
secure and just world.
Session Panelist: Agentic AI-Driven Cybersecurity: Proactive Defense in an Evolving Threat Landscape
Earl Stafford, Jr., CEO of Aperio Global, embodies the rare fusion of. visionary leadership and unwavering faith. As a Christian man whose beliefs form the bedrock of his personal and professional life, Stafford leads Aperio Global with a higher purpose, guided by the principle of "Solving for Next."
Under Stafford's stewardship, Aperio Global has achieved consistent year-over-year growth in revenue, customer base, and mission-critical impact. His faith-inspired leadership philosophy, rooted in Truth, Trust, and Transparency, has propelled Aperio to the forefront of innovation in AI, cyber operations, and
information warfare.
With over 25 years of experience, Stafford has positioned Aperio Global as an indispensable partner to the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community. His commitment to ethical innovation led to the development of NLYTEN - Aperio's groundbreaking AI-driven technology that enhances decision security, speed, and advantage.
Stafford's approach to business has fostered strategic alliances with tech giants AWS, NVIDIA, and IBM, amplifying Aperio's global impact. His leadership transcends conventional metrics, focusing on meaningful impact and long-term value creation that is aligned with his principles.
Stafford, an alumnus of Georgetown University (MBA) and George Mason University (Economics), brings a potent blend of academic rigor and faith-driven purpose to his role. His
commitment to service as a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. extends beyond the
boardroom, embodying the Christian ideal of servant leadership.
At Aperio Global, Stafford has cultivated an environment where innovation thrives and solutions are engineered with foresight and moral responsibility. His forward-thinking
leadership ensures that Aperio remains at the cutting edge of technological advancement while
adhering to the highest ethical standards.
Earl Stafford is a beacon of strategic insight, ethical leadership, and unwavering faith in an era of rapid change and evolving global threats. Through his guidance, Aperio Global continues to shape the future of defense and intelligence, driven by a higher purpose to create a more
secure and just world.
Rae Stott builds companies and strengthens communities, with a career spanning startups, nonprofits, and grassroots initiatives. She was part of the leadership team that helped GoCanvas scale from a small startup to a $750M+ exit. Rae has built and supported organizations that serve communities at risk, including post-disaster recovery efforts with Communitere, youth and family support through Dandelion, and mental health response as a volunteer with Crisis Text Line. As co-founder and CEO of Refraction, she brings together her passion for economic development and innovation to help entrepreneurs thrive and build equitable, resilient ecosystems.
Rae Stott builds companies and strengthens communities, with a career spanning startups, nonprofits, and grassroots initiatives. She was part of the leadership team that helped GoCanvas scale from a small startup to a $750M+ exit. Rae has built and supported organizations that serve communities at risk, including post-disaster recovery efforts with Communitere, youth and family support through Dandelion, and mental health response as a volunteer with Crisis Text Line. As co-founder and CEO of Refraction, she brings together her passion for economic development and innovation to help entrepreneurs thrive and build equitable, resilient ecosystems.
Session Panelist: Meet Your AI Co-Worker: Leveraging Agentic AI for Business Success
Session Moderator: Demystifying Quantum Computing
Patent, trademark, copyright, intellectual property and technology law; enjoy helping my clients achieve their goals, obtain market share, and thwart unfair practices, with particular emphasis on U.S. and foreign patent and trademark consulting, preparation, prosecution, portfolio management, and patentability, validity, enforceability, and infringement opinions, including defending and bringing the third party oppositions and other post-grant procedures. Also, teaching others on IP and changes to IP laws.
Specialties: Technology and Intellectual Property Law, Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law, Preparation, Prosecution, Opinion, Oppositions, Reexaminations/Reissues, Consulting, Strategizing, Licensing, Negotiation and Litigation. Advising, Educating and Teaching for Universities and Government. Information Technologies, Software, Life Sciences, Emerging and Converging Technologies, Nanotechnology. Publishing and Media Rights.
Session Panelist: Meet Your AI Co-Worker: Leveraging Agentic AI for Business Success
Session Moderator: Demystifying Quantum Computing
Patent, trademark, copyright, intellectual property and technology law; enjoy helping my clients achieve their goals, obtain market share, and thwart unfair practices, with particular emphasis on U.S. and foreign patent and trademark consulting, preparation, prosecution, portfolio management, and patentability, validity, enforceability, and infringement opinions, including defending and bringing the third party oppositions and other post-grant procedures. Also, teaching others on IP and changes to IP laws.
Specialties: Technology and Intellectual Property Law, Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law, Preparation, Prosecution, Opinion, Oppositions, Reexaminations/Reissues, Consulting, Strategizing, Licensing, Negotiation and Litigation. Advising, Educating and Teaching for Universities and Government. Information Technologies, Software, Life Sciences, Emerging and Converging Technologies, Nanotechnology. Publishing and Media Rights.
Session Panelist: Demystifying Quantum Computing
Dr. Merrick S. Watchorn, DMIST provides a myriad of services within the Cybersecurity industry based on his sixteen-years of active service in the United States Navy (USN) and the last several within the United States Government (USG). His work background included formal training in semantic ontologies, Big Data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence methods, theories, and cognition. As a co-founding member of the Quantum Security Alliance (QSA), he serves as Chair for the Security Reference
Architecture (Q-SRA).
Session Panelist: Demystifying Quantum Computing
Dr. Merrick S. Watchorn, DMIST provides a myriad of services within the Cybersecurity industry based on his sixteen-years of active service in the United States Navy (USN) and the last several within the United States Government (USG). His work background included formal training in semantic ontologies, Big Data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence methods, theories, and cognition. As a co-founding member of the Quantum Security Alliance (QSA), he serves as Chair for the Security Reference
Architecture (Q-SRA).
Session Panelist: Next-Generation Biotech & Healthcare
Caitlin Wheatley has extensive experience and leadership within the Biotech Industry and Innovation space. Currently, she holds the position of Senior Operations Manager at JLABS Washington, D.C. (Johnson & Johnson's startup incubator). Previous roles include Director of Quality Control at Alphazyme, Bioanalytical Lab Manager at Meso-Scale Diagnostics, Lab Manager at Cantel Medical, and Lean Program Manager at Eurofins Scientific. In these roles she has been responsible for research and development, business development, budget forecasting, leading teams (over 40 employees), process improvements, and laboratory operations. Wheatley’s core values include staying curious, not shying away from failure, and seeing ambiguity as an opportunity to create something new. She holds a B.S. in Biochemistry from Virginia Tech, an M.A. in Organizational Leadership and Learning and an M.B.A. From George Washington University.
Session Panelist: Next-Generation Biotech & Healthcare
Caitlin Wheatley has extensive experience and leadership within the Biotech Industry and Innovation space. Currently, she holds the position of Senior Operations Manager at JLABS Washington, D.C. (Johnson & Johnson's startup incubator). Previous roles include Director of Quality Control at Alphazyme, Bioanalytical Lab Manager at Meso-Scale Diagnostics, Lab Manager at Cantel Medical, and Lean Program Manager at Eurofins Scientific. In these roles she has been responsible for research and development, business development, budget forecasting, leading teams (over 40 employees), process improvements, and laboratory operations. Wheatley’s core values include staying curious, not shying away from failure, and seeing ambiguity as an opportunity to create something new. She holds a B.S. in Biochemistry from Virginia Tech, an M.A. in Organizational Leadership and Learning and an M.B.A. From George Washington University.
Session Moderator: The State of Funding
Sessions Panelist: How Non-Dilutive Funding Accelerates Your Growth
Laurie Wiggins is a seasoned advisor, entrepreneur and engineer. She has over 35 years of experience advising and leading companies and projects to success in IT and aerospace, and related SaaS companies. She is passionate about helping companies achieve investment, high revenue and high profit growth. She has founded and led several businesses and provided clients with business and engineering expertise. She publishes articles and conducts webinars and panel discussions on organic and scaling growth strategies for SaaS and hardware companies.
Session Moderator: The State of Funding
Sessions Panelist: How Non-Dilutive Funding Accelerates Your Growth
Laurie Wiggins is a seasoned advisor, entrepreneur and engineer. She has over 35 years of experience advising and leading companies and projects to success in IT and aerospace, and related SaaS companies. She is passionate about helping companies achieve investment, high revenue and high profit growth. She has founded and led several businesses and provided clients with business and engineering expertise. She publishes articles and conducts webinars and panel discussions on organic and scaling growth strategies for SaaS and hardware companies.
Session Panelist: AI and National Security: The Nexus with Energy
Mary Wilson is the Founder & CEO of Taza AI, the platform connecting the $7 trillion impact economy through expert-trained AI. She brings over 15 years of leadership at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and the energy transition.
Mary began her career in the Power & Utilities sector, holding senior roles across Europe, the U.S., and Australia with innovators such as Sensus, Opower, Oracle, and Siemens-acquired eMeter - helping utilities modernize infrastructure and accelerate the clean energy transition.
She then joined Amazon Web Services, where she first led the Global Power & Utilities business before becoming Founding Head of Sustainability & Climate Tech. At AWS she built the foundation of AWS’s sustainability business, mapping and verifying thousands of solution providers worldwide and scaling more than 300 climate tech offerings.
At Taza, Mary has pioneered an “expert-trained AI” approach where 94,000+ curated solution providers are mapped to industry and role-based use cases, aligned to enterprise goals and regulatory compliance, demonstrating sustainable AI practices that augment, rather than replace, human expertise. Her work positions her as a leading voice on building responsible AI systems that drive measurable impact across the global impact economy.
Session Panelist: AI and National Security: The Nexus with Energy
Mary Wilson is the Founder & CEO of Taza AI, the platform connecting the $7 trillion impact economy through expert-trained AI. She brings over 15 years of leadership at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and the energy transition.
Mary began her career in the Power & Utilities sector, holding senior roles across Europe, the U.S., and Australia with innovators such as Sensus, Opower, Oracle, and Siemens-acquired eMeter - helping utilities modernize infrastructure and accelerate the clean energy transition.
She then joined Amazon Web Services, where she first led the Global Power & Utilities business before becoming Founding Head of Sustainability & Climate Tech. At AWS she built the foundation of AWS’s sustainability business, mapping and verifying thousands of solution providers worldwide and scaling more than 300 climate tech offerings.
At Taza, Mary has pioneered an “expert-trained AI” approach where 94,000+ curated solution providers are mapped to industry and role-based use cases, aligned to enterprise goals and regulatory compliance, demonstrating sustainable AI practices that augment, rather than replace, human expertise. Her work positions her as a leading voice on building responsible AI systems that drive measurable impact across the global impact economy.
Session Panelist: The State of Funding
Dendy is an entrepreneur and investor dedicated to building businesses that push the boundaries of technology. He is the co-founder of Saltenna, a company pioneering surface-wave communications—a breakthrough that enables secure, high-bandwidth wireless connectivity through water, metal, and other extreme environments.
With more than five decades of experience, Dendy has led and scaled ventures across defense, government, and commercial sectors. As Managing Partner of McLean Capital and a founding partner of Blu Venture Investors, he has played a pivotal role in launching and growing dozens of early-stage companies by combining strategic capital with deep operating insight.
Beyond his work in technology and investing, Dendy co-manages Hidden Creek Farm, a regenerative farm dedicated to restoring soil health and ecological balance. This endeavor reflects his belief that healthy soil creates healthy food, and healthy food creates healthy people.
Session Panelist: The State of Funding
Dendy is an entrepreneur and investor dedicated to building businesses that push the boundaries of technology. He is the co-founder of Saltenna, a company pioneering surface-wave communications—a breakthrough that enables secure, high-bandwidth wireless connectivity through water, metal, and other extreme environments.
With more than five decades of experience, Dendy has led and scaled ventures across defense, government, and commercial sectors. As Managing Partner of McLean Capital and a founding partner of Blu Venture Investors, he has played a pivotal role in launching and growing dozens of early-stage companies by combining strategic capital with deep operating insight.
Beyond his work in technology and investing, Dendy co-manages Hidden Creek Farm, a regenerative farm dedicated to restoring soil health and ecological balance. This endeavor reflects his belief that healthy soil creates healthy food, and healthy food creates healthy people.