Board of Directors

Richard M. Scruggs

President and Chief Executive Officer, Salient Pharmaceuticals

Mr. Scruggs has an extensive background in starting and developing companies. In 1996, he started Align Solutions Corp., which went public in 1999 as part of Luminant Worldwide. In 1999, Align was recognized as No. 1 on the Houston 100, a list of the area’s fastest growing private companies. Ernst & Young also recognized Mr. Scruggs as Entrepreneur of the Year in 1999. In addition to Align, he has served as director of Texas A&M University’s Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship and in leadership positions with Andersen Consulting, BSG Alliance/IT and Perot Systems. Currently, Mr. Scruggs serves on the board and advisory board of the Houston Technology Center and the boards of multiple early-stage companies. He is a past president and director of the Houston Angel Network. He holds a BS in Chemical Engineering and an MBA from Texas A&M University.

Eileen M. Birge

Director, EAG Services

Ms. Birge is a director with EAG Services, an energy consulting firm. She has over 25 years of consulting and research experience with both major firms and new enterprises. She has been an integral part of two successful start-ups. Ms. Birge has also been active in the non-profit world in both paid and voluntary positions and is currently serving on an advisory panel for the Internal Revenue Service. She holds a BA degree from Bryn Mawr College and an MBA from The Wharton School.

Saurabh Biswas

New Ventures Associate, Texas A&M University System, Office of Technology Commercialization

Mr. Biswas’ work focuses on creating healthcare and life science ventures based on technology platforms from science and engineering.  He has been in the founding team or co-founder of three life science companies, either as an inventor or in the development of strategies for fund raising and product development.  In 2005, he was selected by Stanford University’s Biodesign Program to the inaugural "Emerging Entrepreneurs in Biomedical Technology" class. He holds Masters Degrees in Bioengineering, Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Instrumentation.  He is a recipient of the Michael E. DeBakey scholarship in cardiovascular sciences.

Randy Blair

Partner, Optimum Strategies

Mr. Blair is a partner in Optimum Strategies, an investment advisory and financial & tax planning business. He is also a board member of Project Redwood, A Social Venture Initiative of the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Class of 1980. His prior experience includes Eczel, a computer products sales and distribution company, US Commercial Telephone and Sherman Homes. His early career included working with Exxon as an engineer and as a consultant with Booz Allen & Hamilton. Mr. Blair has an MBA from Stanford University and a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma.

Carol Cherkis, PhD

President, BioInfoStrategies

Dr. Cherkis is the President of BioInfoStrategies, a biotechnology/medical consulting firm that she founded after a twenty-year, multi-functional career with The Dow Chemical Company where her last role was Biotechnology Program Director in the Corporate Ventures Group. She is also a Life Sciences Consultant for NewCap Partners, Inc., a private investment banking firm. Previously, she served as the Director of Healthcare at Frost & Sullivan. Dr. Cherkis has a PhD in Biological Chemistry from the University of Michigan Medical School and an AB in Biology from Bryn Mawr College.

Michael A. Cunha

President, Mionix Corporation

Mr. Cunha is a serial entrepreneur and founder and President of Mionix Corporation, a biotechnology company focused on innovative antimicrobial agents. He is also the Founder and Managing Member of Patmos Holdings I, LLC an investment holding company. Mr. Cunha serves on the Board of several companies including Texas Enterosorbents, Inc., a developer and licensor of technology including technology to Salient Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Prior experience includes over 25 years of senior management focused on automation manufacturing, business development and investment management. Mr. Cunha graduated summa cum laude from Washington State University with a BS and a MBA from Chapman University.

Ken M. Dodgen

CFO, Fulcrum Power

Mr. Dodgen is the Chief Financial Officer of Fulcrum Power, a private company providing energy management and retail electricity services. Prior to Fulcrum, he spent 10 years in investment banking with JPMorgan Chase and Merrill Lynch, where he focused on mergers and acquisitions. His prior experiences also include Assistant Treasurer of Affiliated Computer Services and the audit staff of Coopers & Lybrand. Mr. Dodgen received a BBA in Accounting from Texas A&M University and an MBA from the University of Chicago. He is a licensed CPA.

Blake Petty

Business Development Manager, Texas A&M University System, Office of Technology Commercialization

Mr. Petty is a Business Development Manager for The Texas A&M University System Office of Technology Commercialization. His experience includes managing all aspects of technology scouting, development, transfer and commercialization for innovations created within The Texas A&M System — one of the nation’s largest university systems, with a statewide network of eleven universities, seven state agencies and a comprehensive health science center. Mr. Petty coordinates industry-university partnerships and manages the System’s initiatives toward forming and fostering new business ventures to commercialize A&M technologies. His background includes intellectual property assessment and management, technology licensing and research program coordination. Mr. Petty holds BS and MS degrees from Texas A&M University.

Darrell L. Petty

Partner, Creative Link

Mr. Petty is a senior business development and operating executive and has worked with firms ranging from start-ups to the Fortune 50.  His background includes 17 years in the Health and Life Sciences Practice at Accenture where he played multiple leadership roles as a partner including: Managing Director of U.S. State and Local Public Service Health Practice, Texas Health and Life Sciences Community Lead, Client and Engagement Partner and Quality Assurance Partner. Currently, Mr. Petty is a partner at Creative Link .  He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University.