Team
Ross has been with AVAC since 2000 and currently serves as President and CEO. He has extensive experience working with and investing in early stage technology companies, and has served as a director for a number of companies and not-for-profit organizations. Prior to AVAC, Ross held senior positions in finance, corporate banking and provincial industry development, as well as five years in molecular biology research. Ross is also an active partner in the family’s Century farm north of Calgary. He holds a B.Sc. in Agriculture and an MBA in strategic planning and finance.
Dr. Wendy Lam is a highly motivated scientist and manager with an entrepreneurial approach. With a 20 year track record of supporting innovation in university, government and industry environments, Dr. Lam has focused on building research collaborations, enhancing technology transfer and commercialization, facilitating partnerships and managing high performance teams. Dr. Lam has applied this experiences and skills at Alberta Ingenuity, University of Alberta, Western Economic Diversification and Natural Resources Canada. Wendy has a Ph. D. in physical chemistry from the University of Alberta and a BSc. in chemistry from the University of Western Ontario.
Jacques has a strong history of launching and managing innovative technology products into global markets. Jacques has over 15 years of Product Management, Marketing, Business Development, Operations and Technical experience predominantly in the mobile software, telecommunications products and engineering consulting with companies such as Zi Corporation, Nortel Networks, Interalia, QSound Labs and private engineering. In addition, Jacques also had the unique opportunity to work for the 1988 Calgary Olympic Organizing Committee as a planner. Jacques has a Masters Degree in Business and Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a Professional Engineering designation. Jacques joined AVAC in January 2008.
Ron joined AVAC in January 2008 after seven years in medical technology commercialization with TEC Edmonton an UTI (University of Calgary). Prior to that, over approximately 20 years, Ron held positions in the pharmaceutical industry as President & CEO, Business Unit Manager and Director of Marketing. He holds a B.Sc. (Acadia) and M.Sc. (University of Calgary).
Stuart joined AVAC in September, 2006 as part of the Investment Management Team. Stuart brings a significant history of technology commercialization and start-up experience having worked at the University of Alberta’s Industry Liaison Office and most recently with WestLink Innovation Network as Associate Vice President, Business Development. With a BA/BEd (University of Lethbridge) and an MBA - Technology Transfer Specialization (University of Alberta), Stuart has coached, mentored and facilitated technology development and commercialization across Western Canada for over 7 years. He is also a poultry and cattle farmer and combining his understanding of the agriculture sector with his background in commercialization, Stuart brings a valuable approach to AVAC’s clientele and investment opportunities.
Dr. Hardin joined AVAC as an investment manager in September of 2006. Prior to coming to AVAC, Jim spent over 13 years in academics and the biotechnology industry. Jim has a B.Sc. in Zoology and a Ph.D. in Gastrointestinal Physiology and brings a broad background in life sciences to the organization. He has published over 100 patents, book chapters, full articles and abstracts in the area of gastrointestinal physiology and animal models of infectious disease, thus lending an extensive background in life sciences to AVAC.
Craig joined AVAC in May 2006 as an investment manager for new and enhanced food products. Craig has a B.Sc. in Agriculture and an MBA from the University of Saskatchewan . His educational background was further developed into practical applications through a two-year technology commercialization internship where he participated in the commercialization and marketing of early stage agricultural science research. Within this internship, Craig worked with a research institution technology transfer office, venture capital firm, and SME (Small to Medium sized Enterprise). Upon completion of the internship program, Craig's professional track continued in the life science industry where he worked with a nutraceutical/functional food start-up company and a clinical research organization.
Lorna joined AVAC in August 1998 and brings great perspective to the AVAC team. Lorna's administrative background in the legal field provides valuable assistance. She also serves as corporate secretary for the AVAC Board.
Nicole joined our team in November 2004 as the Administrative Assistant. In January 2006, Nicole became our Contracts Administrator. She brings extensive customer service skills as well as 5 years banking experience.
Susan joined the AVAC team in November 2007. She has a long history in the nursing field, 10 years working with Seniors. The last five years Susan has worked in Administration and was most recently the Business Office Manager of a new Retirement Resident. She looks forward to new challenges here at AVAC.