Top Corporate Talent Signs on to Springboard's Global Advisory Councils

Expansion of the Expert Network To Provide Greater Edge for Women-led Tech Companies

WASHINGTON, April 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Springboard Enterprises launched its latest accelerator program recruiting high-growth, women–led life science companies.  The organization also announced a major expansion of its National Advisory, Life Science and Media/Tech Councils. The new members complement an existing global network of well-positioned influencers, investors and innovators that support these annual Springboard accelerator programs produced since 2000. 

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"Springboard's power is in its human capital network," said Springboard co-founder and Chairman Kay Koplovitz. "The experts we've recruited to join our advisory councils will have an exponential effect on our ability to empower each class of Springboard entrepreneurs with world-class talent, connections and expertise."

Applications are currently being accepted for their Life Science Accelerator through April 20. Learn more at www.springboardenterprises.org/forum/2013. 

This year's class will join over 500 women-led companies that are part of the Springboard portfolio, including Zipcar, Constant Contact, iRobot, ViaCell, Achillion, and Minute Clinic. Collectively these companies have raised nearly $6 billion, created tens of thousands of new jobs and generated billions in revenue.  Over 80% have raised capital and over 80% are still in business. Ten are listed on public exchanges.

Springboard's Councils provide the foundational support required to support such an expansive talent network.

"Springboard builds long term relationships that follow our women throughout their entrepreneurial careers," said Joshua Henderson, Director of Programming.  "We view it like Hotel California - you can check out anytime you want but you can never leave."

The experts that are joining the Councils include:

NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL – Joan Fallon, Founder & CEO at Curemark; Debra Filtzer, Director, Small Merchant Team, Global Merchant Services at American Express; Julia Klein, Chair & CEO at C.H. Briggs Co.; Michael Murdoch, Senior Vice President at Aon; Mindy Posoff, Managing Director at Traversent Capital Partners and Golden Seeds; Ingrid Vanderveldt, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Dell; and Betsy Zeidman, Senior Fellow at Milken Institute. Full roster www.springboardenterprises.org/about/nac

LIFE SCIENCE COUNCIL – Molly Coye, Chief Innovation Officer at UCLA Health; Adele Gulfo, President, Latin America at Pfizer; Mary Holland, Molecular Diagnostics Expert; Elaine Jones, Executive Director at Pfizer Venture Investments; Nina Kjellson, General Partner at Interwest Partners; Julie Murchinson, Executive Director, HEP Network at Health Evolution Partners, Judy Robinett, Serial Entrepreneur and Super Connector; Adriann Sax, Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer at Kadmon Pharmaceuticals; Kay Schwichtenberg, CEO at Central Life Sciences.  Full roster www.springboardenterprises.org/about/lsc

MEDIA/TECH COUNCIL – Daphne Kis, Managing Director, Golden Seeds; Rachel Weiss, VP, Digital Strategy and Interactive Marketing at L'Oreal; and Cherie L. Whitney, Senior Director Corporate Development, EMC Corporation. Full roster www.springboardenterprises.org/about/mtc

SOURCE Springboard Enterprises