Guiding Startup Triumph: The Vital Role of Independent Advisors and Platforms in Achieving Success

Dr. Stephen M. Chang is a distinguished human geneticist with over 32 years of commercial experience in the life sciences, specializing in stem cells, cell and gene therapy, and drug development. He has co-founded multiple companies, including Orpheus Therapeutics, Legacy Therapeutics, Prometheus Therapeutics, and Princeton Drug Discovery, and serves on the boards of Orpheus Therapeutics and Histogen, Inc., where he is also Chairman and Acting CEO. Dr. Chang has held significant roles such as Vice President for Research & Development and Senior Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at the New York Stem Cell Foundation, and Chief Science Officer and Vice President at Canji Inc./Schering Plough Research Institute. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the University of California, Irvine, and a B.S. in Zoology, Microbiology, and Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan. Throughout his career, Dr. Chang has co-authored over 30 published papers, filed more than 15 Investigational New Drug Applications with the FDA, and is an inventor on over 50 patents worldwide. He is recognized as a pioneer in commercial gene therapy technologies and induced pluripotent stem cells, with recent successful drug developments including Adstilirin™ (rAd-IFN/Syn3) for bladder cancer therapy and Intravail™ diazepam for epilepsy treatment. Dr. Chang also serves as Entrepreneur in Residence at Rutgers University and New York University, providing strategic guidance on genetic technologies and their market applications.

Steve Gordon is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, and innovator with over 40 years of leadership experience across manufacturing, consumer products, scientific instruments, and food & beverage industries. A proven expert in product development, venture capital, mergers & acquisitions, and automation, he has successfully founded, scaled, and exited multiple companies, including leading Intelligent Bio-Systems to a successful acquisition by Qiagen. Currently serving as CEO of Swish Hoop, Steve continues to drive innovation with patented sports technology solutions. With over 50 patents, extensive board experience, and a passion for mentoring and strategic growth, he is actively seeking advisory and board roles where he can apply his expertise to help organizations navigate innovation, commercialization, and market expansion.

I’ve built my career at the intersection of strategy, innovation, and leadership, helping businesses navigate change and seize new opportunities. As I look ahead to the next phase of my journey, I’m excited to explore board positions where I can contribute my expertise in finance, marketing, and operational strategy. Here is my biography.

I’m excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my journey across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. From leading inclusive growth initiatives to championing racial equity and fostering civic innovation, my work is guided by transparency, mission alignment, and a commitment to creating sustainable impact.

I’m thrilled to share my executive biography, highlighting my experience in driving growth, operational excellence, and innovation within the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. From building startup companies to leading transformative clinical and operational strategies, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to life-changing advancements.

Dave Flaten is a seasoned senior executive with a proven track record in building and scaling biotech start-ups, particularly in the medical device and cell therapy sectors. With expertise in strategic planning, product commercialization, and team leadership, he has successfully led global organizations through transformative growth, driving market share and profitability. Flaten’s leadership at Terumo BCT and Ventana Medical Systems showcases his ability to integrate new business units, manage complex global sales organizations, and expand market presence across diverse regions. His strategic vision, operational excellence, and commitment to fostering high-performing teams have made him a key figure in the biotech and healthcare industries, consistently achieving impressive revenue growth and long-term success.

Scott Abbott is a seasoned executive with over 26 years of experience across healthcare, tech, biotech, and pharma industries. Known for his integrity and results-driven leadership, Scott has a proven track record in business development, marketing strategy, product launches, clinical trials, and operations management. His global experience, including work in the US, Canada, and Europe, positions him as an invaluable asset for startups and established companies alike. Scott’s strategic acumen has helped numerous organizations navigate market complexities, drive growth, and achieve operational success. As a thought leader, he has authored peer-reviewed publications and shared his expertise at major industry events, always delivering clear and impactful insights.

Dominick Southmayd is an accomplished executive with over 25 years of experience in engineering, operations, and strategic leadership within the manufacturing, consumer products, and...

Quynh Ton is a dedicated and resilient molecular and cellular developmental biologist with over 10 years of experience in the biotech industry. Known for her integrity and commitment to improving patient care, Quynh combines her extensive knowledge in drug discovery, gene therapy, and antibody development with a proven track record in business development. She has successfully secured significant contracts, demonstrating her strategic acumen and ability to drive initiatives within her field. Quynh's exceptional communication skills enable her to convey complex scientific concepts clearly, fostering collaboration across diverse teams and stakeholders. Her passion for advancing scientific knowledge and delivering impactful solutions positions her as a valuable asset in any organization.

I’m thrilled to share my updated executive biography, highlighting my journey and experiences in the biotech and pharma industries. With over 30 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of leading clinical operations, managing complex programs, and working with exceptional teams to drive advancements in clinical research. My recent role as Senior Director of Clinical Operations at uniQure allowed me to deepen my expertise in clinical development, cross-functional team leadership, and strategic program management. I’m passionate about leveraging this experience to contribute to innovative projects and impactful organizations. Thank you for taking the time to read about my professional journey. I look forward to connecting and exploring new opportunities where I can bring my skills and dedication to make a difference.