HudsonAlpha launches biotech mentoring program for entrepreneurs
HudsonAlpha has tapped some of North Alabama's best business leaders to serve as biotech entrepreneurship mentors in its new Navigate program. (HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology)
The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology has launched a mentoring program to help strengthen biotech and life sciences entrepreneurs as business leaders in north Alabama, capitalizing on the wealth of business talent in the region.
The program, called Navigate, was established in the fall of 2019 and is modeled after MIT’s Venture Mentoring Service, which has been mentoring entrepreneurs for more than 20 years. Through careful, thoughtful and deliberate selection, Navigate matches growing entrepreneurs with teams of C-suite executives, experienced entrepreneurs and subject matter experts to provide them a group of confidential and conflict-free advisers.
“HudsonAlpha founders Jim Hudson and Lonnie McMillian were both serial entrepreneurs and mentors to countless entrepreneurs, including some of the Navigate mentors,” said Carter Wells, vice president for economic development at HudsonAlpha and director of Navigate. “Navigate is a way for us to bring the entrepreneurial and mentor spirit that created HudsonAlpha to entrepreneurs looking to grow in the life sciences community.”
Navigate’s first class of mentors includes a who’s who of business executives, serial entrepreneurs and civic leaders. They are:
- Paul Gierow, founder, GATR Technologies
- Matthew Parker, associate, Maynard Cooper.
- Kevin Gold, operating partner, Integrated Openings Solutions.
- Steve Hettinger, former engineer, manager and public servant.
- Irma Tuder, founder and CEO, Analytical Services, Inc.
- Pat Shields, senior financial adviser, Morgan Stanley.
- Gary Bolton, vice president global marketing, Adtran.
- Barry Derrick, product manager, Adtran.
- Danny Windham, COO, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology.
- Peggy Sammon, CEO, GeneCapture.
- Rex Vaughn, president, Madison County Farmers Federation.
- Michelle Stark, marketing director, Red Sage Communications.
- Brian Pollock, CEO and founder, Kailos Genetics.
- Tom Young, CEO, Kord Technologies.
- Richard Marsden, shareholder, Maynard Cooper.
“I’ve been involved with HudsonAlpha for a number of years as a board member and ambassador, and I’m excited for the opportunity to bring my experience as an entrepreneur and business leader to the innovative companies at the institute,” Tuder said.
After completing its pilot phase, the program will be available to companies across north Alabama. Companies must be involved in biotech or life sciences for consideration. For more information about Navigate, email to mentor@hudsonalpha.org.
