Staff

Dr. Rapundalo, has broad experience in the life sciences, with an extensive background in pharmaceutical research and development. Prior to joining MichBio in April 2006, he spent almost 20 years as a senior research scientist, project manager, and group leader with Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research and then Pfizer, Inc., primarily in the area of cardiovascular drug discovery. Dr. Rapundalo also led a global interdisciplinary team that developed a strategic, operational and organizational change management program to improve Pfizer's worldwide R&D business processes. He has a strong background in innovation and is an internationally recognized expert in a number of technology areas including high-throughput screening and proteomics, among others.

Dr. Rapundalo has a superb record of scientific achievement with over 50 publications, book chapters, and monographs. He has served as a peer-reviewer for a variety of prominent scientific journals and national funding agencies. In addition, he continues to be active in a broad range of industry and governmental initiatives including intellectual property commercialization, talent recruitment and retention, science education and economic development. Dr. Rapundalo has been a community advocate and civic leader for almost 20 years and currently serves as an elected member of the City Council in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Jayne has over 25 years of marketing and communications experience.  She has managed public, media and investor relations programs for corporations and non-profit organizations in a variety of industries including banking, publishing, pharmaceutical and real estate.  In addition to creating communications strategies for major announcements and crisis situations, Jayne has managed employee communications programs, written numerous corporate annual reports and promotional materials, conducted media training for senior executives and coordinated many types of events.  She is a graduate of Michigan State University.  Jayne joined MichBio in 2007.

Heather Kusiak
Manager, Operations & Membership
Send email to Heather Kusiak

Heather joins MichBio with experience in management in the retail and private sales industries as well as property management.  She also has experience working in the nonprofit sector, specifically marketing and fund development, where she created newsletters and annual reports, as well as marketing and advertising plans.  During that time she also worked closely with educational institutions to develop interest in scholarship programs.  An interesting fact to note:  Heather carried the Olympic Torch during the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Torch Relay.  She is a graduate of Northwood University and joined the MichBio staff in 2008.

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