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University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships
University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships

National Advisory Board

The Innovation Partnerships U-M National Advisory Board (NAB) was founded in 2002 to provide advice and connections to enhance Innovation Partnerships’ performance. Composed of industry, venture, government, university and community leaders, the NAB has transformed the University and our region with several initiatives, including Ann Arbor SPARK, the Talent Network, and the U-M Venture Accelerator.

Their latest initiative is helping to launch the Accelerate Blue Fund, a philanthropic investment fund to provide early-stage capital for U-M tech startups. The goal is to raise $20 million from donors who share our vision of increasing the economic, educational and societal impact from the University’s research discoveries.

National Advisory Board

Jim Adox
Venture Investors
Ann Arbor, MI

Bill Brinkerhoff
EVOQ Therapeutics
Ann Arbor, MI

Wendell Brooks
Snowcloud Capital
Santa Clara, CA

Jeff Donofrio
Business Leaders for Michigan
Detroit, MI

Richard Douglas
Genzyme Corp – Retired
Southborough, MA

Patti Glaza
Invest Detroit Ventures
Detroit, MI

Serena Glover
Angel Investor, Advisor
Redmond, WA 98052

Paul Krutko
Ann Arbor SPARK
Ann Arbor, MI

Kirsten Leute
Osage University Partners
Bala Cynwyd, PA

José Mejía
Merlin Mentor Capital
Palo Alto, CA

Quentin L. Messer, Jr.
MEDC
Lansing, MI

Chris Rizik
Renaissance Venture Capital
Ann Arbor, MI

Mira Sahney
Pelvic Health at Medtronic
Boston, MA

Rich Sheridan
Menlo Innovations
Ann Arbor, MI

Maria Thompson
Arsenal Growth
Superior Township, MI