Teamwork. Brain power. Experience.

Andy Kintz is a seasoned business leader, entrepreneur, and owner with expertise in technology innovation, business development, and materials science. He is the Founder and Principal of Make LLC, a consulting firm that helps companies grow in the materials science industry. Previously, Andy spent 25 years at LORD Corporation, where he played a pivotal role in technology commercialization, global market expansion, and strategic partnerships, including licensing and acquisition deals that drove significant business growth. With a rich background in managing chemical and mechanical manufacturing operations, Andy offers expertise as a chemist specializing in magnetic rheological fluids, adhesives, and coatings. With almost forty years of experience, he has worked in diverse roles, from research and development to operations management.

Andy holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Bowling Green State University and pursued graduate studies in business at Wright State University. A Certified Pricing Professional, he has 14 patents, multiple publications, and extensive experience presenting at industry conferences. He has served on several boards, including Harbright Ventures, Industrial Research Institute, and The Center for Hope and Healing. 

Andy is an avid cyclist, woodworker, and community volunteer, actively supporting Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, and Appalachia Service Project.

Strategic Advisor | Technology & Operations Innovator | Growth Accelerator

Brian is a proven leader with over 30 years of global experience driving growth, operational excellence, and technology innovation. As a former Chief Information Officer and Chief Operations Officer, he has become a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, investors, and high-growth companies, guiding them through critical inflection points to scale businesses, commercialize technology, and optimize operations.

With deep expertise in M&A integration, enterprise technology modernization, process automation, AI, and digital transformation, Brian has consistently delivered increased EBITDA, sustainable growth, and investor confidence across diverse industries. His strategic approach focuses on aligning business models with market opportunities, refining investor narratives to enhance capital readiness, and leveraging technology to create competitive advantages.

Brian’s leadership track record includes driving enterprise-wide transformation initiatives at Accenture, IBM, Tommy Bahama, Puretech Scientific among many others, while advising private clients on scaling operations and navigating complex business challenges. He specializes in:

• Leveraging AI, automation, and enterprise technology to streamline operations and unlock new revenue streams.
• Creating and implementing tailored strategies and enterprise solutions that drive operational excellence, sustainable scalability, and long-term profitability.
• Crafting compelling investor narratives backed by data to improve pitch readiness.
• Refining commercialization strategies to optimize business models and market positioning.
• Leading mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures to maximize value and ensure seamless transitions.

As a strategic partner to entrepreneurs, venture funds, and private equity firms, Brian bridges the gap between strategy and execution. His hands-on leadership ensures businesses are equipped to scale efficiently while fostering long-term success through innovation and operational excellence.  Whether supporting capital raises, scaling operations, or driving technology innovation, his experience ensures that businesses are well-positioned for long-term success.

He holds a Master of Business Administration in Technology and Operations from North Carolina State University’s Poole College of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemical Engineering from North Carolina State University. Brian is passionate about helping individuals and companies thrive, driving continuous improvement, and bridging the gap between strategy and execution to ensure long-term business success.

Charmaine Riggins is a seasoned C-suite executive and board director with 30 years of extensive cross-industry leadership experience. She has led global organizations in technology, industrial manufacturing, finance, marketing, sales, operations, strategy, human resources, and compliance, with a strong focus on transformation and integration. She served in an executive leadership role at Vontier, a publicly traded global industrial technology firm, where she propelled Vontier’s operating companies toward peak performance and inclusion through the deep implementation of transformative processes. 

She served as Chief Executive Officer of Loparex, a global release liner company operating in five countries, and before that, she was their Chief Talent and Culture Officer. Her previous roles and achievements include managing 24 complex workstreams and guiding the integration of over 3,000 team members as Integration Leader for Parker Hannifin’s third-largest acquisition in history. Charmaine also held the position of President for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at LORD Corporation, where she significantly improved revenue and profit while overseeing an aerospace acquisition. 

She holds a Master of Business Administration in Innovation and Supply Chain Management from North Carolina State University and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from The Ohio State University, and she completed executive education in Advanced Management at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Doug Meier is an experienced patent attorney and Managing Partner of NK Patent Law. With a background in electrical engineering and over 13 years of legal experience, he specializes in patent prosecution, intellectual property strategy, and complex IP disputes. Before practicing law, Doug worked as an electrical engineer for The Boeing Company in Houston, designing software tools for NASA’s Space Shuttle Program.

Doug has represented companies of all sizes in patent matters involving semiconductors, wireless communications, artificial intelligence, and software. He has handled high-stakes patent cases before the International Trade Commission and has extensive experience managing patent portfolios and intellectual property transactions.

He holds a Juris Doctor from The University of Texas School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. 

Doug lives in Raleigh with his wife and three daughters and enjoys spending time at the beach.

Dr. Emily Blum is the Chief Medical Officer at Harbright Ventures and a recognized leader in medical device innovation. She provides critical clinical and strategic guidance for the firm's medtech investments.

Her career has been dedicated to bridging the gap between clinical practice and groundbreaking technology. Before joining Harbright, she was the Medical Director of the Global Center for Medical Innovation, an affiliate of the Georgia Institute of Technology. She also serves on the executive board for the International Society for Pediatric Innovation and as the industry liaison for the American Association of Pediatric Urologists.

Dr. Blum is double board-certified in Adult and Pediatric Urology. She completed her residency training at Beaumont Hospital (now Corewell Health) and her pediatric urology fellowship at Children's National, where she was also a Joseph E Roberts Fellow for Surgical Innovation. Dr. Blum was recently awarded the 2024 Georgia Bio Community Award for her contributions to Georgia's medical innovation ecosystem.

Eric Fuchs is a senior consultant with extensive experience in engineering, project management, and commercial strategy. He has held leadership roles at CB&A Project Management Services, BCP Engineers & Consultants, and Brightleaf Consulting Group, where he advised organizations on operational efficiencies, risk management, and business strategy.

With a background in aeronautical and astronautical engineering, Eric began his engineering career at The Shaw Group before transitioning into consulting and commercial leadership roles. He has successfully led complex projects across multiple industries, specializing in infrastructure development, energy, and strategic planning.

Eric holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Virginia Tech.

Glenn Astolfi is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive with a track record of success across diverse industries, including technology, financial services, brick and mortar and online retail.  He has held senior leadership roles in startups and large public companies, specializing in finance, business strategy, and innovation-driven growth.

Glenn most recently served as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Atmospheric Plasma Solutions, where he previously held roles as President and CEO. Under his leadership, APS brought to market its patented PlasmaBlast® system and implemented the cutting-edge technology into defense and commercial markets. Throughout his career, he has focused on strategic planning, operational execution, and capital fundraising. 

He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Florida State University.

Greg Santillo is an experienced sales and business development leader with a strong background in healthcare, medical devices, and pharmaceutical sales. With over two decades of experience, he has successfully driven market expansion, sales strategy execution, and team leadership across multiple industries.

Greg currently serves as Regional Sales Manager at Philips, overseeing sales operations across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Previously, he held executive sales roles, including Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine and Regional Sales Director at Avinger Inc., where he led high-performing teams and developed strategic sales initiatives. Earlier in his career, he spent seven years at Sanofi as a Medical Center Senior Sales Professional, focusing on pharmaceutical sales and business development.

Greg holds a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Jeff Aliotta is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and business strategist with a passion for growing companies across the renewable energy, digital marketing, education, and medical device industries. He has played a key role in scaling businesses that prioritize profitable growth and community impact, applying his expertise in digital marketing, analytics, and business development to help organizations reach their full potential.

Throughout his career, Jeff has worked directly with major brands, including Newell Rubbermaid, GM, Cadillac, Travelers, The Hartford, Standard Insurance, Honeywell, US Bank, Bank of America, BBVA Compass, Munder Capital Management, and Plantronics. He has also founded and invested in multiple ventures, including a search agency acquired by Accenture Interactive, a solar development and installation firm, and a residential daylighting company sold to a regional leader. Jeff is currently the Chief Strategy Officer for Renu Energy Solutions. 

Jeff holds a Master of Business Administration from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, where he was recognized as a Fuqua Scholar. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Computer Science from DePauw University.

John Bartelme is a seasoned marketing and business development executive with extensive experience in brand strategy, consumer products, and entrepreneurship. He is the Founder and Principal of Bartelme & Associates and Chief Marketing Officer emeritus of Perdue Farms. John has led the growth of several major brands, including Holly Farms, Tyson, Foster Farms, Butterball, L’eggs, Vicks, and California Avocados. 

John has earned multiple industry accolades, including Clio Awards, an Effie, and a Cannes Lion, and is a guest lecturer at North Carolina State University and UNC Kenan-Flagler. He actively mentors entrepreneurs as a Certified SCORE Mentor and executive coach and serves on multiple boards.

He holds a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Finance from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University. He has been an angel investor in Harbright Ventures for eight years and a member of the Wolfpack Investor Network for two years.

John and his wife, Terry, enjoy gardening, food and wine, and travel, having visited all 50 states and 60 countries. They are the proud grandparents of four teenage granddaughters. 

John Kelly is a business executive and philanthropist with a distinguished career in corporate leadership and nonprofit advocacy. He is the former Chief Operating Officer of DESA International and Chief Executive Officer of Pan-Oston, with experience managing active and passive business ventures.

Now dedicated to philanthropy in Kentucky, John was named South Central Kentuckian of the Year by the Community Foundation of South-Central Kentucky in 2021. His family is the namesake of the Kelly Autism Program at Western Kentucky University (WKU), which provides educational and social support for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. He has also been instrumental in the development of Lifeworks at WKU, helping young autistic adults transition to independent living and employment.

John has established Donor Advised Funds at the Community Foundation and has been honored by WKU with multiple awards, including an Honorary Doctor of Public Service, Distinguished Service Medal, Summit Award, and Philanthropist of the Year (2015). He continues to serve on various nonprofit boards, including the Med Center Health Foundation Board.

Manish Patel is a healthcare innovator, entrepreneur, and strategic leader with extensive experience building and scaling organizations that positively impact society. As the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Avance Care, one of North Carolina's largest networks of integrated medical practices, Manish transformed healthcare delivery by pioneering patient-centered solutions. Under his leadership, Avance Care grew to encompass primary care, urgent care, psychiatry, nutrition, behavioral health, physical therapy, and pharmacy services, culminating in a successful business exit in 2021.

Manish also served as Chief Strategy Officer at Alo Solutions, guiding strategic initiatives and enhancing organizational efficiency. Earlier in his career, he held various roles at Hewlett-Packard, including Program and Project Manager, where he managed global, multi-million-dollar IT infrastructure projects.

Manish has a proven track record in developing and executing growth-oriented strategies, driving improved patient outcomes, and enhancing operational efficiencies. His visionary approach combines cutting-edge technology, innovative operating models, and collaborative team cultures that significantly enhance patient experience and clinical outcomes.

Beyond his corporate successes, Manish remains committed to entrepreneurship that positively impacts communities and society. Passionate about continuous improvement and innovation, he currently focuses on consulting and advising in healthcare while exploring new opportunities to drive healthcare innovation forward.Manish holds a Master of Management in Business Administration from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering from Pune University.

Manit Motwani is an experienced technical program management leader with expertise in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and cross-functional team management. He has successfully led complex projects across agile and waterfall methodologies, managed vendor partnerships, and driven data-driven decision-making to optimize performance.

With a strong background in risk mitigation, competitive analysis, and offshore team integration, Manit excels at leading large, multicultural core teams and delivering high-impact technical programs. He is recognized for his ability to quickly ramp up in new technical domains and is a results-driven leader focused on maximizing efficiency and collaboration. Manit is the former Head of Program Management Customer Engagement at Google and is now the Chief Operating Officer for ycurb.ai. 

He holds a Master of Business Administration from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and a Master's degree in Computer Engineering from Syracuse University.

Michael Sinsheimer is a seasoned executive and entrepreneur with extensive experience in medtech, strategic planning, and capital fundraising. He is the former Chairman and Co-founder of Mobius Imaging (Acquired by Stryker), an intraoperative, diagnostic quality, imaging technology company, and Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Cardan Robotics (Acquired by Stryker), a surgical robotics company. In 2019, Stryker acquired both companies for an aggregate purchase price of $500 million.

With over 30 years of experience, Michael has advised healthcare product companies on strategic and marketing initiatives, helping translate innovations into commercialization. He founded MedTech Catalyst, which partnered with physician and technical inventors to bring cutting-edge medical technologies to market and has raised significant capital to support its portfolio.

Michael holds a Masters of Business Administration from New York University’s Stern School of Business, a Masters of Health Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Trinity College.

Dr. Nick Abedi is a board-certified vascular and general surgeon with extensive expertise in endovascular repair. He specializes in aneurysm repair, peripheral arterial disease, carotid surgery, and advanced vein treatments.

Dr. Abedi began his career at Saint Joseph Hospital, where he built the vascular program and served as Chair of Surgery and Medical Regional Manager. He is now in private practice with ability to take care of patients in Fayette Surgical Associates’ state of the art office based outpatient interventional suite as well as Baptist Health Lexington and CHI St. Joseph Hospital.

He holds a Doctor of Medicine from West Virginia University School of Medicine and completed his general surgery residency and vascular surgery fellowship at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.

Nicole Faucher is a healthcare executive, investor, and advisor with over two decades of leadership experience spanning patient care, operations, healthcare technology, and specialty pharmacy. As President of Clearway Health, she drives innovative pharmacy solutions that enhance medication access, patient outcomes, and health equity while optimizing revenue for health systems nationwide.

Passionate about reducing friction in healthcare delivery, Nicole leverages technology to create patient-centric, high-touch solutions. She is also an active investor in healthcare technologies and medical advancements.

She holds a Master of Science in Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Exercise Physiology from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from Virginia Tech, where she was a Division I soccer player.

Dr. Paul Moore is a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon with over 30 years of experience in heart, lung, and vascular surgery. A member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for more than three decades, he has dedicated his career to advancing cardiothoracic care and surgical innovation.

Beyond his medical practice, Paul has been a private equity investor for over 25 years, evaluating and supporting early-stage medical device companies. His passion lies in identifying and fostering groundbreaking healthcare technologies that improve patient outcomes.

Paul earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Wisconsin, completed his internship at Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center, and residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. He is affiliated with The Medical Center at Bowling Green and Commonwealth Regional Specialty Hospital.

Pete Walton is the Chief Executive Officer of 7PW Wealth and 7PW Consulting, bringing over 20 years of experience in investment and business management. A serial entrepreneur, he has founded eight companies across industries including real estate, investment advisory, consulting, education, and even reptile breeding.

As Chief Investment Officer at three Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), Pete specializes in analyzing both fundamental and technical aspects of public and private equity, as well as bonds.  He developed a proprietary factor model that has accurately predicted equity market movements with 80% accuracy over the past 15 years, helping investors navigate market cycles, manage risk, and identify opportunities across asset classes. Pete’s model integrates macroeconomic indicators, market sentiment analysis, and technical trends to provide data-driven insights for portfolio management.

Pete holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Finance and Business Administration from Elon University and earned a Master of Business Administration from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Committed to mentorship, he actively invests in the success of his peers and employees, providing strategic guidance and hands-on engagement.

Dr. Rahil Rafeedheen is an Interventional Endovascular and Structural Cardiologist specializing in the management of coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, and structural heart disease. He is currently practicing at Graves-Gilbert Clinic, where he provides comprehensive cardiovascular care.

He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Johns Hopkins University - Sinai, followed by a fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease at Saint Louis University, where he served as Chief Fellow. He then completed a fellowship in interventional cardiology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, gaining advanced expertise in minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures.

As a Key Opinion Leader in cardiovascular research with Industry, Dr. Rafeedheen also focused on advancing technology to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Rafeedheen is a member of the American College of Physicians, the American College of Cardiology, and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. He holds a Doctor of Medicine from Terna Medical College and has trained at leading institutions specializing in advanced cardiovascular interventions.

Outside work, Dr. Rafeedheen enjoys traveling with his wife, who holds a PhD in computer science, and their toddler, who adds a lively dynamic to their family life.

Robert Turner is a business and healthcare executive with expertise in health systems, medical devices, and regulatory affairs. He is an accomplished executive with over a decade of experience in health systems, medical devices, FDA regulations, and leadership. Robert has been a key member of the executive leadership teams at multiple organizations, specializing in business development and operations.

Robert previously held leadership roles at Stryker, overseeing operations and strategic sales across the Southeast U.S., and worked with the Food and Drug Administration and the Army. He specializes in financial and operations strategy, with focused expertise gained in key leadership roles within the healthcare industry. Robert is currently the Chief Administrative Officer for the Georgia Emergency Department Services. He also serves as an operations officer in the U.S. Army Reserve.

He holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, along with a Graduate Certificate in Project Management from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Chemistry from Whittier College.

Ryan Graven is a business executive and global operations leader with expertise in textile manufacturing, supply chain management, international business development and real estate development both domestically and internationally.  As President of Zonkd Inc., he has led the company’s bedding and textile innovation growth for over 15 years.

Previously, while living in Shanghai, Ryan served in various leadership and executive roles in Asia, overseeing the establishment of wholly owned foreign subsidiaries in China and Vietnam in the textile and real estate industries. He specializes in supply chain optimization, market expansion, and operational efficiency.

He holds a Master of Business Administration from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Scott Smith is a senior business leader with expertise in IT operations, software development, and large-scale program management. With over 25 years of experience, he has led turnaround projects, program start-ups, and market expansion initiatives across the aviation, federal government, and IT sectors.

Scott served as Director and Account Executive at Hewlett Packard Enterprise and previously held leadership roles as Director of GSA Services and Program Executive. He was the President and Chief Executive Officer at Timera, Inc., where he led workforce management software solutions before its acquisition by JDA Software. Scott also founded Pebble Creek Enterprises, a management consulting firm catering to mid-market and larger companies. Additionally, he served as Co-founder and President of Sigma Precision, Inc., overseeing sales, distribution agreements, and operations before the company was acquired.

He holds a Master of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business and is an active board member and mentor, supporting entrepreneurs through The Hurt Hub@Davidson.

Dr. Sibo Tian is a radiation oncologist and clinical researcher specializing in the treatment of lung cancer and sarcoma. He is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Emory University School of Medicine and treats patients at Winship Cancer Institute and Emory Proton Therapy Center.

Dr. Tian’s research focuses on integrating radiation therapy with immunotherapy, proton therapy advancements, and leveraging big data to improve cancer care. He has been recognized with the American Society of Clinical Oncology Conquer Foundation Merit Award and has served as principal investigator on a pilot study of functional imaging in lung cancer treatment.

He received his undergraduate education at the University of Chicago, majoring in Biological Sciences and Economics. He holds a Doctor of Medicine from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a Master’s in Clinical and Translational Science. He completed his residency in Radiation Oncology and internship in Internal Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Tian is an active member of the American Society for Radiation Oncology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer.

Dr. Stephen Small is a healthcare executive, emergency medicine physician, and strategic leader with nearly two decades of experience in clinical practice, healthcare management, and organizational leadership. As President and CEO of Mid-Atlantic Emergency Medical Associates (MEMA), he leads a team of emergency medicine professionals dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Dr. Small has been a core member of MEMA for over 19 years, serving as a Physician and Equity Partner since 2005 and a Board Member since 2009. Before his appointment as CEO, he was Vice President from 2022 to 2025, playing a critical role in strategic decision-making and operational efficiency. Additionally, Dr. Small has served as Past President of the North Carolina College of Emergency Physicians and remains an active member.

Board-certified in Emergency Medicine by the American Board of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Small is a Fellow of both the American College of Emergency Physicians (FACEP) and the American Academy of Emergency Physicians (FAAEM). Dr. Small is also a member of the North Carolina Medical Society and the American College of Emergency Physicians.

His leadership extends beyond MEMA, with staff privileges at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, Novant Health Matthews Medical Center, Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center, and Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center. Dr. Small was recently elected to the Carolina Complete Health Board of Directors and continues to shape the future of emergency medical services.

Dr. Small earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Emory University School of Medicine and completed a General Surgery Internship at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. He then pursued an Emergency Medicine Residency at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, where he served as Chief Resident. Further, he earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Tennessee Haslam College of Business.

Dedicated to advancing emergency medicine and healthcare leadership, Dr. Small continues to serve on various boards and remains actively engaged in shaping the future of emergency medical services.