Linda Chamberlain

Linda Chamberlain is the Executive Director for the West Michigan Science & Technology Initiative.

Linda has served in non-profit, public and private sectors for companies like Shell Development Company, Allied Signal and Johnson Controls, managing teams in chemical research, engineering and technology development.

In recognition of her work developing technology in acoustics, human factors, lighting, electronics, safety, and “total occupant environment”, Automotive News listed Chamberlain in its 100 leading women in the North American auto industry.

Linda has 19 patents issued for catalyst, polymer, and product/process development. She had developed resins for office furniture, lawn and power tools, sporting equipment, household and medical appliances, fibers and monofilaments, and personal care products.

She graduated from Purdue University with honors for both her Bachelors of Science and Doctoral degrees in chemistry.  She was awarded a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship for research in rare earth science at the University of California, Irvine.

G. Thomas Doyal

Tom Doyal brings over 25 years of success in mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and manufacturing operations, Tom is currently the Managing Director of Global Private Equity for RDV Corporation, responsible for private equity investment activities in Europe and Asia. RDV Corporation serves the Richard M. DeVos family in investment management, estate planning, tax and personal services, and foundation administration. Mr. DeVos is Co-Founder of Amway Corporation and owner of the Orlando Magic.

Prior to joining RDV Corporation, Tom served as a Managing Director for P & M Corporate Finance, an investment banking firm, where he led the Chicago office, and served on the Board of Directors and senior leadership team. Previously, Tom was VP of Corporate Development for Hines Corporation and spent fifteen years in the commercial banking industry..

Tom received his MBA from the University of Detroit and his BA from Michigan State University. His security licenses include the Series 7, 24 and 63.

Mahendra Ramsinghani

Mahendra Ramsinghani is the Managing Director, First Step Fund, based in Detroit, Michigan. He has been instrumental in growing the venture capital industry in Michigan.

Formerly, as the Director of Venture Capital Initiatives for the MEDC, Mahendra helped design two fund-of-funds programs, Venture Michigan Fund and 21st Century Investment Fund; managed four limited partnership investments and supported the development of the various angel groups in Michigan including Grand Angels. His efforts increased the capital available to the venture community, resulting in more investment in small and start-up businesses in Michigan. In 2008, the New Enterprise Forum recognized his "outstanding contribution to Michigan's entrepreneurial community" at its 21st annual event.

Mahendra previously served as a Mentor-In-Residence with the University of Michigan Office of Technology Transfer where he led the formation and funding of a start-up. And prior to that he was a VP with Plymouth Venture Partners, a $20m technology and life science fund.

Mahendra serves as an Advisor to Chrysalis Ventures, a $175m venture fund based in KY. Mahendra also serves on the Capital Formation Committee of the Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA) and served on the MVCA board for 2 years.

Mahendra has an MBA and Bachelor’s in Electronics Engineering from Pune University, India.

Richard N. Witham

Richard Witham brings more than 40 years of entrepreneurial experience serving the plastics, electronics and medical device industries. He has enjoyed success starting, purchasing, growing and selling companies. Dick is the former owner/president of Michigan Spring Company, Engineered Plastics Corporation, Automated Industrial Motion, Rimar Development and Motion Dynamics. Dick was also the executive vice president of Hines Corporation from 1997 until 2002.

Dick served as a board member, member of the Personnel Committee, Vice Chair and Chair of Hackley Health Systems. He also served as the Chairman of Lakeshore Health Ventures. Dick is the past president of National and State Trade Associations in the spring industry and has been an active volunteer as a Rotarian since 1970.

He has invented a non-invasive medical device and holds the patent on that instrument.

Dick is a graduate of Michigan State University and Harvard’s Executive SCM program.