The Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub Today: Projects’ Implementation & Strategic Goals

Join us for an insightful session led by Wendy Harris as we delve into the latest developments within the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub. Learn more about the projects behind the Phase 2 award, how funding is allocated, and the strategic goals of the WI Biohealth Tech Hub.

Wendy Harris

Wendy Harris

Regional Innovation Officer, BioForward/WI Biohealth Tech Hub

Wendy Harris is a seasoned healthcare industry professional with a remarkable 33-year career marked by her leadership and expertise in various aspects of the medical technology field. She has excelled in roles encompassing medical technology, imaging service, clinical training, operational and program management, and business leadership. Wendy’s career has been dedicated to gaining a comprehensive understanding of all facets of the business and identifying opportunities for improvement. Her skill set includes strong leadership, education and training, service, sales, clinical applications, operations, marketing, business management, and P&L leadership. Wendy’s extensive experience also highlights her proficiency in process improvement.

In her current role as the Regional Innovation Officer for the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub, Wendy leads a consortium of 15 member companies and over 30 supporting entities. Her primary focus is to drive personalized medicine in the state of Wisconsin. Wendy played a pivotal role in securing the designation for Wisconsin as a BioHealth Tech Hub in October 2023. She is at the forefront of executive leadership, leading teams and steering critical programs to secure the next round of funding, scheduled for February 2024. In addition to her role at the Biohealth Tech Hub, Wendy also owns Wendy Harris Consulting LLC, a consulting company specializing in medical technology programs and engineering development. She has collaborated with industry, academic, and community leaders to pursue medical technology grant opportunities, illustrating her commitment to driving innovation and collaboration.

In her free time, Wendy enjoys spending time with her husband and four children and various outdoor activities, from exercising to cross-country skiing and golf. Wendy takes great pride in her volunteer work and board positions, which she sees as a way to give back to her community. Committed to lifelong learning, Wendy’s dedication extends to her personal and professional life.

Mark Thomas

Mark Thomas

Chief Strategy Officer, Madison College

Dr. Mark Thomas has served Madison College for the past decade, overseeing the college’s policy, strategy, finances, administration, and operations. He currently is the college’s Chief Strategy Officer. Prior roles at the college include Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration, as well as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance and Administration.

Prior to working at the college, Dr. Thomas held executive leadership positions in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors in Chicago and southwestern Michigan for 20 years, serving in roles such as Chief of Staff, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, and Budget Director. He has lectured on finance and administration at the University of Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology, and the University of Illinois-Chicago.

Dr. Thomas holds a doctorate degree in Higher Education Administration from Edgewood University; graduate certificate in Education Management from Harvard University; Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago; and Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Michigan University.

Idella Kangas

Idella Kangas

Director, Economic and Employer Engagement, Universities of Wisconsin

I’m fortunate to work with outstanding companies, teams and technologies in my role as Director, Economic and Employer Engagement, Universities of Wisconsin. My office links economic outcomes and employer needs to Universities of Wisconsin polices and academic strategies targeting measurable and impactful workforce solutions in Wisconsin’s critical industry sectors.

Grace Klein

Grace Klein

Tech Hubs Program Officer, U.S. Economic Development Administration

Grace is a Program Officer for the Tech Hubs program at the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), helping regions across the country implement inclusive strategies to become globally competitive in critical industries. Before EDA, she managed the Future of Work Initiative at Carnegie Mellon University’s Block Center for Technology and Society, where she convened researchers, employers, labor unions, and government leaders around issues related to the impact of emerging technologies on workers and their communities. Grace was a co-author on the Pittsburgh region’s successful $63M application to EDA’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge and she led a team in writing the 2021 State of Innovation Report for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Grace was previously an urban planner in New York City and San Francisco. She holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University and a bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College.