WMSTI names Chamberlain executive director

The West Michigan Science & Technology Initiative has appointed Linda R. Chamberlain, Ph.D. as its executive director.

Chamberlain joined the Initiative in 2003 as commercialization director, following a successful business development consulting practice. She was named interim executive director in April 2007.

An accomplished researcher, scientist, and executive, Chamberlain has participated in and supervised new product development with Shell Development Company, AlliedSignal, and Johnson Controls. During the course of her career, she has led the development of 19 patents. Chamberlain has earned bachelors and doctorate degrees in chemistry from Purdue University, and has also completed a presidential postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, Irvine.

Chamberlain, who will also continue as the Initiative’s commercialization director, will be responsible for the strategic growth of the Initiative, rallying the organization around providing commercialization services, while driving collaboration and connections.

“We are pleased to have Dr. Chamberlain’s extensive talents and experience advancing the next chapter of growth for the Initiative,” said Jerry Callahan, the Initiative board chair and leader of business development at the Van Andel Institute.

Founded in 2003 by Grand Valley State University, the city of Grand Rapids, the Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids Community College, The Right Place, Inc. and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Initiative assists scientists, researchers and start-up companies in developing ideas and launching viable life science products in the marketplace.

Since its inception, the Initiative has assisted more than 70 clients in commercialization of new products, including funding through more than $7 million in federal and state grant awards.
The Initiative has also supported projects and the creation of businesses, such as ClinXus™ and Grand River Aseptic Pharmaceutical Packaging. In June, the Initiative announced the formation of the West Michigan Medical Device Consortium, a business collaborative designed to accelerate the growth and development of the regional medical device community.