People

James F. Jordan

President and Chief Executive Officer
Managing Director, PLSG Accelerator Fund

Jim Jordan is an accomplished Fortune 20-level executive with strong experience in industry, consulting and academia.  A recognized expert in translational innovation, market development and guiding the successful formation of entrepreneurial startup businesses in the Life Sciences Industry, Mr. Jordan joined the PLSG in 2005, became Vice President and Chief Investment Officer in 2007 and was named President and Chief Executive Officer in 2016.  He is also a Managing Director of Fund I.

Prior to joining the PLSG, Mr. Jordan served as Senior Vice President of a $3.0 billion division of McKesson Corporation, a leading distributor of healthcare systems, medical supplies and pharmaceutical products, and as a Vice President for Marketing at Johnson & Johnson, one of the world’s largest consumer products and healthcare companies.  He has held a range of management positions in sales and marketing, operations, supply chain management, information technology, finance and quality assurance with several Fortune 500 medical device companies including C.R. Bard, Inc. and Boston Scientific, Inc.  Mr. Jordan has leveraged this experience in several startup ventures and is active on several Boards of Directors, including the Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association.

Mr. Jordan’s experience, which also includes consulting engagements with numerous companies such as Medtronic, Frost & Sullivan, Circuit City, Philip Morris, Northrop Grumman, Schwartz Pharmaceutical and Otsuka Pharmaceutical, is documented in his book titled Innovation, Commercialization, and Start-ups in Life Sciences.  This university text book details the necessary data, partnerships and skills to be acquired and the constituencies that must be satisfied along the way to a successful exit.

Mr. Jordan previously served as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Robins School of Business at University of Richmond, where he taught Introduction to Managing Projects, Advanced Project Management, PMP Certification Test Preparation and Project Risk Management.  Mr. Jordan joined Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College in 2005 and serves as the Sr. Director and Distinguished Service Professor of Health Care and Biotechnology Programs, and also as Strategic Board Chairman-Center for Healthcare Innovation.  He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Merrimack College and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Boston University.

And, most recently, Mr. Jordan authored a university text book titled “Innovation, Commercialization, and Start-Ups in Life Sciences” published by CRC Press ©2015 by Taylor & Francis Group Ltd.

Diana Cugliari

Vice President, Finance
Director, Accelerator Fund

Diana Cugliari serves as Vice President of Finance for the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse (PLSG), and Director of the Accelerator Fund, LLC overseeing the complete financial operation of the organization.

Her experience in guiding portfolio companies, coupled with her sharp business acumen, has served her well during her time at PLSG. Since joining in 2012 Cugliari has filled many crucial roles within the business, having assisted in grant proposal writing, branding and marketing, incubator management, IT network management and controller duties among other tasks.

Prior to assuming the post of VP of Finance for PLSG overall, Cugliari had served as Associate Director of the Accelerator Fund, an early-stage venture capital fund focused on high impact investments in the life sciences and health care sectors. Cugliari’s most recent prior position was Senior Investment Manager, responsible for providing strategic and tactical guidance during a company’s crucial formative stages while also assisting in the fundamental business strategy for PLSG’s growing portfolio company roster. In addition, she identified funding strategies and sources of potential capital.

Prior to her time at PLSG, Cugliari ran The Money Tree Financial Corporation, a startup providing mortgage banking products and solutions. She expanded the company footprint from a one-state licensed mortgage broker to a 10-state mortgage banking operation, generating annual sales in excess of $170 million.

Cugliari earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh and her Master’s in Business Administration from the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh.

Michelle Burton

Staff Accountant

Michelle Burton, as a Staff Accountant with the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse, is responsible for day-to-day accounting activities. She joined the organization in September 2017.

Burton brings knowledge and first-hand experience in accounting regulations and standards, management reporting, financial analysis, internal and external auditing, regulatory compliance and more. Her career to date includes positions with Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP and the Philadelphia offices of Ernst & Young. She graduated from Temple University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2015.

Diane Hill

Senior Investment Manager

Diane Hill is a highly creative marketing professional with 20+ years of experience, providing strategic marketing solutions to the Medical Industry. She has built a successful consulting practice, LDI Marketing, Inc., and is currently working with the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse to assist organizations with their strategic marketing needs. Ms. Hill is an independent thinker who thrives in unknown territory, quick to assess market opportunities and excels at market analysis. Whether product positioning, re-branding or creating new market niches for mature products she has consistently delivered bottom line results for her clients. Ms. Hill’s background includes domestic and international product marketing, with extensive clinical experience and physician interaction. She has successfully managed a $100M product line and 75-member Global team. Advertising agency experience has enhanced this marketing management know-how; working directly with clients to develop strategic marketing plans, brand development and creative campaigns consistent with business objectives. Ms. Hill has held a range of positions in sales and marketing management, with several Fortune 100 companies including: Baxter Healthcare Corporation, American Hospital Supply, C.R. Bard Corporation and Electronic Data Systems. She has also work for several medically focused advertising agencies including Interpublic Group. Ms. Hill has consulted with numerous companies including: Regeneration Technologies, McKesson Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Boston Scientific and Medtronic. She has provided strategic direction for many start-up ventures, such as: InSitu Biologics, PneumRx, and CIRCA Scientific. Ms. Hill holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University and a Master’s in Business Administration degree from Michigan State University.

Marissa Kuzirian

Investment Manager

Marissa Kuzirian joined the PLSG in 2017 as an Executive Associate following an NIH-funded postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh. As an Investment Manager, Marissa evaluates investments in pharmaceuticals and healthcare IT and provides strategic support to companies in the early stages of development.

Marissa brings a strong background in neuroscience and entrepreneurship to her work at PLSG. Prior to joining PLSG, Marissa was Vice President of Business Development at Fourth River Solutions, a non-profit consulting group run by STEM professionals, using their academic acumen to solve real-world business and technology problems. She also worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pittsburgh with the Pittsburgh Sensory Neuroscience group, in a lab studying the neural circuits of itch pain. Marissa’s doctoral work focused on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of synapse development and the implication of perturbations in synapse function in diseases such as autism spectrum disorders and epilepsy. Throughout her career in academia, Marissa successfully raised money through eight grant mechanisms and published eight peer reviewed papers in journals such as Cell. Marissa earned her PhD in Neuroscience from Brandeis University and BA in Neuroscience from Kenyon College.

Megan L. Mough

Executive Assistant to the CEO
Office Manager

As Executive Assistant to Jim Jordan and Office Manager at the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse, Megan Mough brings the perfect blend of administrative expertise, business acumen, and familiarity with the life sciences to the role.  She is responsible for providing assistance to the CEO to maximize his impact within the organization and the larger community.  Ms. Mough also works with the PLSG team and Board of Directors as needed in working with early stage therapy and medical device companies with the goal of helping those companies achieve successful commercialization.  Prior to joining PLSG, Ms. Mough served in several roles in the Department of Neurobiology in the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, the most recent of which was that of Personnel Administrator.  She earned a bachelors degree in Communication Studies and Psychology from Duquesne University and a MBA with a concentration in Human Resources Management and Organizational Behavior from the Joseph M. Katz. Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh.

James Osborn

Grant Programs

Jim Osborn has joined the PLSG in the role of Investment Manager in charge of grant development. Previously he co-founded and served as Executive Director of the Quality of Life Technology (QoLT) Center at Carnegie Mellon University, which created intelligent systems to improve and enhance everyday living for older adults and people with disabilities. He also served as CMU’s Coordinator of University Life Science Initiatives from 2004 to 2015. From 2001 to 2006 he was Executive Director of CMU’s Medical Robotics Technology Center, as well as MERITS of Pittsburgh, a program that fostered collaborations between clinical and technological researchers. Prior to that he founded a regional economic development group, the Pittsburgh Robotics Initiative.  From 1985 through 1999, he held research and management positions in Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Institute and led several multi-$M robotics R&D projects sponsored by the US DOE, NASA and industry, including the first robot to explore an active volcano and robots for investigation of the Chernobyl and Three Mile Island nuclear accidents.

He has worked as a consultant, advisor or director for local and national organizations including the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, Community Living and Support Services, Presbyterian Seniorcare, the Center for Aging Services Technologies and the American Nuclear Society. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Biomedical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Civil and Biomedical Engineering, both from Carnegie Mellon. A native Pittsburgher, he resides in Oakmont.

Jeffery Rhodes

Administrative Assistant

Jeffrey, as the Staff Administrative Assistant is responsible for day-to-day administrative activities and needs, in his reception roll, Jeff is the first face you will encounter upon entering.

Jeff joined the PLSG in March 2004.

Jeff brings years of knowledge and first-hand experiences in all areas of administrative and executive support, event planning and advertising. Jeff’s career to date includes past positions with Federal Express Ground (Roadway Package System), Highmark, The Greater Pittsburgh Visitors & Convention Bureau and David Weis Distributors.

Hank Safferstein, Ph.D., J.D.

Executive-In-Residence (EIR)

Dr. Safferstein joined the PLSG in 2007, and is now also Senior Vice President of Cognition Therapeutics, a PLSG portfolio company.   He served as Vice President, Business Development, for Omrix Biopharmaceuticals, a commercial-stage company that develops and markets biosurgical and passive immunotherapy products. Prior to joining Omrix, he was Executive Vice President, Corporate Development for TransPharma Medical, a privately-held medical device company. From 2001 to 2005, Dr. Safferstein was Vice President, Business Development for Acorda Therapeutics, a central nervous system drug development and marketing company. Prior to joining Acorda Therapeutics, Dr. Safferstein served in various business development and marketing positions with Bristol-Myers Squibb, a multinational pharmaceutical company.  From 1991-1997, he was Director, Technology Transfer at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and Cooperative Venture Manager for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health. Dr. Safferstein was an NIH Post-Doctoral Fellow and Fellow of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

He received a BA in Biochemistry from Rutgers University, a Ph.D. in Human Anatomy and Neurobiology from the University of Louisville, a J.D. from the American University, Washington College of Law and an MBA from Columbia University.

Delvina L. Smith

Director of Development & Community Engagement

Delvina L. Smith brings an impressive track record of development, fund raising, and event planning experience to PLSG, ranging from ongoing coordination of development efforts at a Pittsburgh-area non-profit family support service provider, to staging and fundraising successes at a number of high-profile events in New York City. This broad scope of experience feeds directly into her role as Director of Development and Community Engagement, where she has primary responsibility for the implementation and evaluation of PLSG’s community engagement activities, which include public programs, community meetings, public gatherings, and the development of fundraising strategies. Ms. Smith also chairs PLSG’s Under 40, Underserved advisory board, which provides guidance on how to best capture and share life sciences knowledge to improve the success rates of younger companies in obtaining capital and de-risking their programs. Prior to joining PLSG, she served as Director of Development for Providence Connections, an area non-profit working with underprivileged families; a freelance Project Manager with David Stark Design and a Consultant, Event Planner, and Fundraising Strategist with Just Leadership USA, both in New York City; and Director of Events for Musicians on Call. Ms. Smith has helped to raise millions in donations benefiting dozens of causes in her career. She was named by the Pittsburgh Business Times as one of the inaugural class of its “30 Under 30” honorees in 2017, and is a member of the Leadership Pittsburgh Initiative Class of 2018. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York, in 2009.  She lives in the greater Pittsburgh area.

Alicia Varughese

Executive Associate

Alicia Varughese manages PLSG’s investment portfolio and works with the portfolio companies along with the Executives-in-Residence. She also manages the PLSG Internship Program, a year-round internship program offered to students of Masters and PhD degrees from Heinz College of Public Policy & Management, Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh.

She brings a blend of strong Biomedical background and Technology Management. Prior to joining PLSG in 2014, Alicia worked as a Regulatory and Quality Associate for one of PLSG’s portfolio companies and assisted them with regulatory strategy and product development process. She has also worked as a biomedical engineer at the Fujairah Hospital (Gulf Drug Est.) affiliated by the Ministry of Health, United Arab Emirates. She holds an Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Drexel University and a B.E. in Biomedical Engineering from University of Calicut, India.

Alan West

Executive-in-Residence (EIR)

Alan re-joined PLSG in 2017 as a Resident Entrepreneur following a successful career as CEO of Carmell Therapeutics, a PLSG portfolio company.  He served as an EIR at PLSG from 2005 to 2009, working with over 40 entrepreneurs and start-ups.  He has more than 25 years of experience in managing medical device start-up companies with a track record that includes both large and small companies, including Johnson & Johnson, Advanced Mechanical Technologies, Boston Scientific Corporation (Microvasive), Vision Sciences Inc. (endoscopy company), and Assurance Medical Inc.(surgical oncology company).

He was V.P. of R&D at Boston Scientific prior to their successful IPO, has a broad technical and business background, and has developed and marketed products in the radiology, cardiology, vascular surgery, dermatology, neurosurgery, gastroenterology, oncology, general surgery, sports medicine and orthopedic markets. In his career, he has raised more than $50M through private and public offerings and holds numerous patents.

Alan also gained experience in technology-based economic development, company commercialization and incubator management at the Michigan Tech SmartZone where he was founder and CEO. He holds a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering degree from Brown University and a Masters in Design from Tufts.