Brad comes to the FFMI team with 15-plus years of experience in the development of drugs and biologics, and particular expertise in preclinical development and translational research in the field of cardiovascular physiology and regenerative medicine.

 

Much of his career has focused on the development of stem cell therapies for the treatment of myocardial infarction and heart failure. He has considerable experience in leading cross-functional project teams, and has transitioned therapies from product concept through preclinical development, IND approval and eventual clinical trial.

 

Prior to leading MTRAC, Brad served as a Mentor in Residence for the U-M Tech Transfer Office, was the Director of Product Development at Aastrom Biosciences, and the Director of Cardiac Research at Osiris Therapeutics Inc. He also spent several years as a Principal Scientist with Pfizer’s Esperion Division, studying the anti-atherosclerotic properties of ApoA-I Milano, and other novel peptides.

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He received in Ph.D. in Physiology in 1993 from the University of Michigan, and completed post-doctoral fellowships in the departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Physiology at the University of Wisconsin.

Chuck Shults is the Marketing Manager for the healthcare professional liability division of ProAssurance, a specialty insurance carrier based in Birmingham Alabama. He oversees a team charged with the implementation of classic marketing projects created to broaden brand awareness and thought leadership out of the Okemos office.

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Prior to joining ProAssurance, Chuck served in a number of direct sales positions within the credit/debit card industry. He was part of startup team that launched Midwest Transaction Group—a Lansing-based independent sales organization—serving as the Vice President of Marketing and Association Relationships for 14 years.

 

He started his career in retail fashion part-time during high school and worked his way up to Regional Manager. At the same time, he attended Lansing Community College (LCC) and finished his Bachelors in Business Administration from Northwood University.

In the fall of 1979, Chuck was a part of a small group of eager LCC business students to help start the Marketing Club on campus. He served on its first board of directors and was an integral part of the club’s decision to become a collegiate chapter of the American Marketing Association.

Angela Sommers is the Marketing Director at BelleHarvest Sales, Inc, a fresh apple supplier in Belding, MI. She leads the marketing efforts for the sales organization which includes developing campaigns for new varieties and packaging initiatives for retailers.

 

While at BelleHarvest, she had led the company towards sustainability, specifically when it comes to their packaging. They launched an industry first, earth-friendly carton this month.

 

Sommers received her undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University. She lives in West Michigan with her husband and two kids.

Chris Holman, a former high school teacher, coach, university instructor, and college Dean, has become one of Lansing’s most prominent businessmen. He is a successful entrepreneur with more than 40 years of experience, and has affected practices and policies in the state of Michigan throughout his career. Chris has been promoting the Michigan business community since the 1980's.

 

He is one of the original founding members of “Michigan Celebrates Small Business”, an annual celebration of Small Business successes that draws over 1,000 business Owners/Managers each year.

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He is currently the CEO of the company and the primary host of the network’s anchor program, “Michigan Business Beat,” which airs each weekday on the stream but is available 24/7 as a podcast. He has also been involved in international business for over 30 years and owns a factory near Beijing, China.

 

Most recently, Chris assumed the role of State President of AARP of Michigan. He has also been serving for the past several years on the advisory board of the Detroit office of the Chicago Federal Reserve. Chris holds two degrees from Eastern Michigan University and has been a Lansing-area resident for more than 40 years. He has been married to his wife Louse for 45 years, and they have three children and an ever increasing number of grandchildren.