Third ACE Participants - RiacNetriacnet.org/archivos/ACE2015/list-of-participants.pdf · Indies and an MBA (Technology Management) from the University of Phoenix. 16 Third ACE Participants

15

Third ACE ParticipantsGuillermo AcostaMinister of IndustryCommerce, Mining and Science, Province of [email protected] - [email protected]

Argentina

Mr. Acosta is the main responsible for the design, execution and follow up of the industrial policy in the Province of Cordoba. He advices the Governor on signing agreements with national and/or foreign private or public organizations. Mr. Acosta used to be the Secretary of Industry for the Province of Cordoba and the Director of the Institute for Economic Research at Cordoba Stock Exchange.

Matt SweetingSecretary/Director The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce [email protected]

Bahamas

Mr. Sweeting maintains a number of administrative operations for the Board of Directors of The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce. He leads the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise division of the Chamber whose mission is to foster unparalleled growth in traditional and youth entrepreneurship. Professionally, he is the Sales & Marketing Associate at Bahama Islands Realty, Sales Director of creative consulting firm Aspiration Online, Chairman of The Organization of Young Professionals and serves as Director of The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce. Matt additionally serves on the committees of Bahamas Sexual Health Rights Association and the Single-parent foundation of the Bahamas.

Charles CyrusActing Director National Council for Science and [email protected]

Barbados

Mr. Cyrus is currently Acting Director of the National Council for Science and Technology under the Ministry of Education, Science Technology and Innovation. He has attended a number of local, regional and international conferences, workshops and seminars focusing on these areas. He has over thirty years experience in the private and public sectors. He has held positions in the private sector as Industrial engineer for an American Electronic Manufacturer and Marketing and Sales Specialists for a Regional ICT Company. Mr. Cyrus holds a BSc in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of the West Indies and an MBA (Technology Management) from the University of Phoenix.

16

Third ACE Participants

Doug Kinsey Executive Director (Pacific Region) Industry [email protected]

Canada

Mr. Kinsey is the senior representative for Industry Canada in the Pacific Region and Vice Chair of the British Columbia Federal Council. His main duties at Industry Canada include interactions with regional economic authorities/governments, academic institutions, other business and non-profit organizations in support of the IC Minister and mandates. In the past he has been Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister’s National Advisory Board on Science and Technology and Policy Advisor on Canada/US relations. He holds a Master in Public Administration from Carleton University.

Michael SinghChief Executive OfficerMinistry of Trade, Investment and Private [email protected]

Belize

Mr. Singh serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry responsible for Trade, Investment and Private Sector Development for Belize. As part of this responsibility, he also serves as the Chairman of the Belize Trade and Investment Services (BELTRAIDE) and also sits on various other boards and authorities on behalf of the Government of Belize. Michael is also a co-Chair of the Economic Development Council commissioned by the Prime Minister of in 2011, which is a permanent dialogue established to promote Public/Private cooperation in Belize. Michael holds a degree in Finance and International Business from Loyola University in New Orleans.

Nilda Riverol Manager SBDC Belize, BELTRAIDE [email protected]

Belize

Mrs. Riverol is the manager for Belize’s Small Business Development Centre - SBDCBelize. This is a unit of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), under its Enterprise and Innovation Division. One of her core responsibilities is to oversee general operations of the Centre, and establish key strategic partnerships. Mrs.Riverol holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration from National Tsing Hua University, Republic of China, Taiwan. She enjoys the privilege of being fluent in English and Spanish, and has a basic knowledge of Chinese (Mandarin). Over the years, she has undertaken several professional development courses and trainings in the areas of entrepreneurship, foreign direct investment, project management, information technology related trainings, and other areas relevant to enterprise development.

17

Third ACE ParticipantsHélène JoncasSenior Manager National Research Council – [email protected]

Canada

Ms. Joncas has twenty years of professional senior management experience. Adept at identifying long term direction for organizations, she currently is a Senior Manager at the National Research Council (IRAP) responsible for creating and strengthening partnerships across the globe. She provides program oversight for the Canadian Incubator and Accelerator Program (CAIP). This involves working with and guiding recipients as they implement complex projects, identifying synergies to optimize this investment and secure its success. Prior to NRC-IRAP, Ms. Joncas was Vice-President for Business Development and Strategy at Wavefront, an accelerator focused on wireless and mobiles SMEs and Chief Strategy Officer at CANARIE, a federally funded organizations that supports SMEs and research across Canada. She holds a Master in Business Administration of the University of Ottawa.

Daniella Fisher (Dani)Public Affairs/Policy and Economic Relations OfficerConsulate General of [email protected]

Canada

Dani Fisher is a Public Affairs/Policy and Economic Relations Officer at the Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis, United States. She supports growing two-way business relationships, engaging with decision-makers and citizens on issues of interest to US and Canada, and helping Canadians living and travelling in the five-state region of Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. As a Policy Officer, Dani work on issues related to North American economic competitiveness, the Canada-U.S. border, trade and security, and the defense partnership between US and Canada. She holds a Master of Public Policy of the University of Minnesota.

Guillermo Pou MuntPresidentNational Chamber of [email protected]

Bolivia

Mr. Pou Munts is the Chairman of the National Chamber of Exporters of Bolivia, Majority shareholder and General Manager of the Business Group Pou Munt; leading a group of companies principally engaged to export development with 20 years of operation. The National Chamber of Exporters of Bolivia was established in 1969 and is the major representative of companies focus on Exporting, with over 1,200 members from all over the country. He holds a degree in business administration and a masters in sustainable development, he is professor of business ethics for more than 15 years. Mr. Pou Mut has senior expertise in the start up and development of new enterprises, and investments.

18

Third ACE ParticipantsIván GutierrezExecutive Director,CENIRED - Network of I&DT Centers of the Colombian Agricultural Sector [email protected]

Colombia

Mr. Gutierrez is the Executive Director of CENIRED - The Network of I&DT Centers of the Colombian Agricultural Sector that brings together research centers specialized in shrimp, bananas, coffee, sugar cane, cereals, flowers, palm oil and agro-forestry. Mr. Gutierrez is also General Coordinator of the Network SECOPI AGRO COLOMBIA (Intellectual Property), General Secretary of the Latin American Food Marketing Association (ALDMA) and Member of the Board of Directors of the Colombian National Corporation of Agricultural Research (CORPOICA).

Maria Eugenia LloredaDirector INVESTPACIFIC - Investment Promotion [email protected]

Colombia

Ms. Lloreda is the Director of the Investment Promotion Agency (INVESTPACIFIC) of the City of Cali. It is a public-private non-profit organization that seeks to attract national and foreign direct investment to the Valle del Cauca region in Colombia. Under Ms. Lloreda tenure, USD 521 has entered in foreign investment, 4,657 employments have been created and 31 projects from different foreign companies have been constructed. Ms. Lloreda also worked as Chief of the International Legal Affairs Office at the Ministry of Foreign Trade and as Coordinator for Trade Relations with the US and Canada. She has a Law Degree from Los Andes University (Bogotá, Colombia) and Masters Degrees on Foreign Service and International Law from Georgetown University (Washington D.C).

Victoria Ibañez Executive DirectorAmCham [email protected]

Colombia

Ms. Ibañez is the Executive Director to the American Chamber of Commerce in Barranquilla (Colombia). As president and founder of this chapter, she has developed each one of the areas as for the needs of their members. She has envisioned, planned, and developed strategies to accomplish the goals established. Politics prioritization and new commercial opportunities are among the permanent topics relevant to AmCham. As leader of diverse initiatives, it is highlights Good Governance, Ethics and Sustainability certificate program, now implemented in a public-private partnership in Barranquilla. Ms. Ibanez holds a B.A. and she is a Top Management and Strategic Leadership specialist.

19

Third ACE ParticipantsCarlos MoraVice minister of EconomyIndustry and [email protected]

Costa Rica

Vice minister Mora is responsible for regulatory improvements and technical regulation in Costa Rica, as well of the national quality system, promotion of competitiveness, trade protection and economic and market research, the simplification of procedures and formalities that affects the productive sector, in particular the formalization of SMEs. He also monitors the general market for goods and services, through studies and economic research.

Tamara VásquezCoordinator of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship AreasNational Competitiveness [email protected]

Dominican Republic

Ms. Vasquez is responsible for the technical coordination, implementation and supervision of projects, programs and actions arising from the National Systemic Competitiveness Plan (NACP) in the tourism and innovation areas. She also supports the IDB Development Program Competitiveness Policy, EU-Program on Transfer capabilities to enhance the competitiveness of SMEs in DR, as well as the creation, development and strengthening of the tourism clusters and innovation in the country. She holds a BA Degree in Economics at PUCMM, DR. Masters in Corporate Finance, INTEC, DR. She has participated as a lecturer in Tourism Congress national and international and various courses, graduates and programs of Competitive Strategies, organizational management, Innovation Public Policy, and local economic development model based on the clusters.

Hon. Roselyn PaulExecutive Director,Minister of Commerce, Enterprise and Small Business DevelopmentCommonwealth of Dominica [email protected]

Dominica

Hon. Roselyn Paul portfolio includes commerce, industry and industrial development, factories, manufacturing, agro-processing industry, private sector relations, enterprise development and small business support and facilitation. The work of her Ministry is geared at creation of employment, poverty alleviation and expansion of the micro and macro economy. She works as the Parliamentary Representative for the Paix-Bouche Constituency and worked as Head of the Waitukubuli National Trail Management Unit.

20

Third ACE ParticipantsMaria WalevskaDirector Chief Executive OfficerCo-owner and founder, Quality [email protected]

Ecuador

Mrs. Walevska Villavicencio is co-owner and founder of Road Quality founded in 2009, a consulting company which provides advice to government organizations and private companies on issues related to management systems under international standards, risk management and processes. The goal of the company is to support companies to improve and increase their products and services. Ma. Walevska is a Commercial Engineering with a Masters in Integrated Systems Management and risks, she is part of SGS International as an auditor leader for Quality Management Systems and Information Security. She has over 15 years experience in management systems and processes.

Luis Alonso Martinez PerdomoDirector of Entrepreneurship and InnovationFrancisco Gavidia [email protected]

El Salvador

Mr. Martinez manages the business incubator GERMINA and the Small Business Development Center (CDMYPE-UFG) a successful government model. GERMINA focuses on Information and Communication Technologies Startups. His professional experience includes Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the Universidad Francisco Gavidia and Director of Information Technology in the Faculty of Engineering at Universidad de El Salvador. Mr. Martinez is also a Peer Evaluator of the Ministry of Education of El Salvador and member of Central America Agency for Accreditation of Programs of Engineering, Architecture and Design (ACAAI), and also belongs to the Central America Academic Accreditation System (SIACAP).

Yax CanossaInnovation and Quality National DirectorMinistry of [email protected]

El Salvador

Mr. Canossa is in charge of the Nation’s Innovation Policy implementation, strengthening business development and entrepreneurship, and supporting policy programs and nationwide projects. Mr. Canossa was also Quality and Productivity Director and Manager of Innovation and Technological Development for the same Ministry. He holds a Master’s degree on International Trade and Business Administration.

21

Third ACE ParticipantsRicardo Irias Founder and CEOGrupo Nueva Higueras y Honduras (NH&H)[email protected]

Honduras

Mr. Irias is the Founder and CEO of Grupo Nueva Higueras y Honduras (NH&H) - a social startup in San Pedro Sula that supports innovation and entrepreneurship in Honduras. As CEO Mr. Irias works with large international sponsors such as Coca-Cola, Cargill, Altia Smart City, Technological University of Honduras to secure funding for innovation and entrepreneurship events like the Startup Weekend, Web Conf Latino, and Startup Next. Mr. Irias is also a CEO and Founder of Technological Developments Plaza 18 – a software development company, and Director of Altia Market Circle – a technology company that builds internet based solutions.

Reginald K. NugentSenior Policy Advisor to Minister G. Anthony Hylton, Minister of IndustryInvestment and [email protected]

Jamaica

Mr. Nugent serves as Chief Policy Advisor to the Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce on a broad range of economic policy and business issues. Specific duties include leading on strategic initiatives of the Ministry and serving as Chair of the Minister’s Task Force responsible for conducting technical review and analysis of major policy issues within the Ministry’s Portfolio. He has 30 years of executive management and entrepreneurial business experience including as co-founder & CFO of successful Silicon Valley Internet software start-up. Mr. Nugent was Head of the School of Business Administration at the University Technology, Jamaica and Founder/CEO of Petras Green Solutions, LLC in Silver Spring, Maryland that provides renewable energy solutions.

Karim Mercedes Orozco Chief of Supply and Technological Demand Innovation SectionNational Secretariat for Science & [email protected]

Guatemala

Degree in communication with a master in industrial management and service oriented companies, knowledge in technological and innovation, public administration. Creation and evaluation of projects and ideas to research, scientific article editing, CTi indicators. Active participant in the creation of guidelines to prioritize the industrial market in Guatemala, currently works at Technological Demand Innovation Section, where the main focus is to promote the technology innovation through the incorporation of knowledge and technology to the productive model and the creation of a National Innovation System; analyze, taking decisions in the technical performance and financial projects.

22

Third ACE ParticipantsIrvin Rolando Calderón MottaHead of basic and applied research, Department programs and R & D projectsThe Science and Technology National Secretariat [email protected]

Guatemala

Irvin Calderon is Industrial Engineer; Actually linked to professional technical consultation on R & D projects developing statistical models correlation of variables that directly affect the quality and impact of the projects for the SENACYT in Guatemala. He Advise SENACYT for the implementation of monitoring and related projects evaluation scientific and technological research activities in the country. Irvin participates in the review, updating and development of the National Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation of Guatemala annually, Specifically he is the responsible for monitoring, evaluation, supervision and control of the technical implementation of programs and projects. Control and monitoring people involved in projects funded by the FONACYT.

Christina Samanta SamarooSenior Officer -Research & Marketing, Small Business BureauMinistry of Tourism, Industry & [email protected]

Guyana

Ms. Samaroo works at the Ministry of Tourism, Industry & Commerce. Her main duties incluide: conducting relevant research aimed at advocating and making policy recommendations to the Small Business Council of Guyana; networking with local, regional and international organizations/agencies to advance SME growth; and advancing a mandate of Government to procure 20% of goods and services from SMEs annually. She also works as the Research and Marketing Officer for the USD 10 Million Micro and Small Enterprise Development (MSED) Project currently being executed under the Bureau. Ms. Samaroo holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the Australian Institute of Business.

Guillermo FernándezPresident and CEO of [email protected]

Mexico

Mr. Fernandez de la Garza has bachelor’s degrees in Engineering and in Physics from Mexico’s National Autonomous University, a Master Degree in Engineering Economics from Stanford University and advanced studies in Nuclear Engineering and Business Administration of IPN and IPADE. Mr. Fernández serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the United States-Mexico Foundation for Science (FUMEC), an endowed non-profit organization sponsored by the U.S. and the Mexican Governments. He works to develop binational regional innovation clusters, North American cooperation programs in high-tech business acceleration networks and industry-university collaboration.

23

Third ACE ParticipantsAdriana Tortajada Managing Director of Entrepreneurship Programs and FinancingNational Entrepreneurship [email protected]

Mexico

Ms. Tortajada an advisor to the Mexican Government on innovation entrepreneurship issues through her management work at the National Entrepreneurship Institute (INADEM). She is in charge to boost the young and venture capital innovation ecosystems, coordinate the guarantees program for financing SME´s through the National Development Bank, and manage US ($280 million) for INADEM’s Entrepreneurship Programs and Financing programs. She received her Bachelor´s degree in finance from the University of Guadalajara, her MSc. in public administration from Ortega y Gasset University of Madrid, Spain, and the “Open Innovation and Corporate Entrepreneurship Course” at Berkeley.

Mildreed Noguera LeinesHead, Hidalgo Business [email protected]

Mexico

For 10 years Mrs. Leines has worked at the Ministry of Economy of the Government of Hidalgo in areas such as exports, entrepreneurship and business coaching for small and medium sized companies. She is currently the Head of the Hidalgo business network –EMPRERED, a network of business support offices for fostering entrepreneurship. She was previously the Exports promoter and coordinator of Trade Commissions of Hidalgo State abroad. She studied Business Administration and International Business at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México –UNAM.

Iván Torres MenchacaPresident of the Youth Entrepreneurs of the National Confederation of Chambers of Comerce, Vicepresident of InnovationChamber of Commerce of [email protected] - [email protected]

Mexico

As Vice-president of Innovation at the Chamber of Commerce in Guadalajara, Mr. Torres is responsible to research for projects oriented to transform the way of doing business, promote innovation forums and create and manage innovation initiatives with government agencies. In addition to this, Mr. Torres is President of the Young Entrepreneurs Affiliation at the National Confederation of Chambers of Commerce (CONCANACO) is responsible for the promotion of the entrepreneurship culture at the federal level in the 254 Chambers of Commerce, promote networking between the entrepreneurs and investment funds, and create relations with young entrepreneur groups of other countries. He is also Co-Founder of GDLvan, Founder of La Tente Wine making Company , and Co-founder of “Luna llena films”.

24

Third ACE ParticipantsRafael Carmona DávilaHead of CleanTech and Entrepreneurship [email protected]

Mexico

Mr. Carmona Dávila is Co-fouder and Head of the Cleantech and Entrepreneurship division at GreenMomentum and runs the Cleantech Challenge Mexico, an acceleration process for cleantech startups. This initiative is recognized as the most relevant cleantech business plan competition in Latin America. Previously, he was Director and Co-Founder of Impulso Verde 2.0 a non profit organization promoting a shift to a low carbon economy in Mexico, and Founder and Director of RE Consulting developing digital wind maps.

José Guadalupe Octavio Cabrera-LazariniDean of Manufacturing Engineering Department (2006)Universidad Politecnica de [email protected]

Mexico

Mr. Cabrera-Lazarini has more than 15 years of experience in Higher Education Management (management in teaching and research in higher education). Previously, he was Development Manager of CETRO Headquarters which provides consulting services for SMES. He has a PhD in Technology Management & Innovation from Universidad Autonoma de Queretaro and an M. Sc. in Manufacturing Systems Engineering & Management, University of Bradford, England.

Paloma Saldaña SánchezCoordinator of MUSEIC at the National Institute of the Entrepreneur (INADEM)Ministry of [email protected]

Mexico

Paloma received her Bachelor´s degree in history at the Westfälische Wilhems University in Germany, Münster. In Mexico City, she graduated from her second Bachelor´s degree in International Affairs from Universidad de las Americas (UDLA). She has a certification as a German teacher for Pre-school children. She coordinates the Mexico-United States Entrepreneurship and Innovation Council (MUSEIC) at the National Institute of the Entrepreneur (INADEM), an agency that depends on the Mexican Ministry of Economy. MUSEIC is made up of public and private sector representatives from both countries who are working to develop new initiatives along with public policies to promote entrepreneurship and innovation. In the past, she has worked on the international research area at UDLA as well as coordinating the international area on educational programs and workshops at Consejo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes (CONACULTA).

25

Third ACE ParticipantsGricelda CañeteItaipu Technological Park [email protected]

Paraguay

Ms. Cañete works at the Itaipu Technological Park (PTI), a place where creation and dissemination of knowledge are the standouts. Established in 2003 by Itaipu Binacional – world’s largest hydroelectric generation plant in energy generation - the PTI has consolidated its position as a science and technology hub in Brazil and Paraguay. She is responsible for overall functioning, financial and accounting management; fulfill and enforce fulfillment, statutes, policies, resolutions and procedures; and control de evolution of the operation cost of the Foundation. She holds a Master degree in Government and Public Management of the American University in Paraguay.

Jorge Alfredo Huarachi Director of INNOAECatholic University Santo Toribio of [email protected]

Peru

Mr. Huarachi works as senior lecturer and Director of INNOAE Center at the Catholic University in Santo Toribio Mogrovejo. His research focuses on innovation, competitiveness and sustainable development. The INNOVAE Center embraces both innovation projects and entrepreneurship initiatives of high economic, social and cultural impact. He is also Member of the Research Directory CONCYTEC Peru. He holds an MSc and a PhD in Agriculture Economics at the University of Tennessee in Knoxvile, Tennessee, USA and a Master of Business Administration at ESAN Graduate School founded by Stanford University.

Zoila Yadira Guerra de CastilloDirector of the knowledge Transfer ManagementTechnological [email protected]

Panama

Ms. Guerra de Castillo is professor and research leader at the Supply Chain and Logistics Research and Innovation Center- UTP (CIILCA), Member of the Panama Logistics Council, President of the Human Resources and Innovation Roundtable and professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Panama. She holds a PhD in industrial engineering from Iowa State University and was a Fulbright Scholar for Doctoral Studies 2002-2006.

26

Third ACE ParticipantsMayor Darrell HinnantMayor of Kannapolis and Prior ACE HostKannapolis, North [email protected]

United States

Mr. Hinnant was first elected to City Council in November 2001 and was elected Mayor in November 2013. He was successfully re-elected by his fellow citizens in November 2014. He formerly owned dHinnant Business Solutions, Inc., serving as the chief scientific and technology officer. He started his career as a teacher at Eastern Wayne High School and Wayne Community College. Mr. Hinnant currently serves on the Water and Sewer Authority of Cabarrus County’s Board of Directors. He has been recognized with the Order of the Longleaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest public service award, presented by Governor James Martin. He’s earned a Senior Management Certificate from Duke University. From the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he earned an AB, MAT in Chemistry.

Mayor Ed BraddyMayor of Gainesville, [email protected] - [email protected]

United States

Mayor Braddy is currently the Mayor of Gainesville, Florida, and has undertaken over a decade of public service in the greater Gainesville region, serving first on the Gainesville City Commission from 2002 to 2008. As Commissioner, he chaired both the Public Safety and Regional Utilities committees and served on the boards of the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization and the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council. Mayor Braddy serves as Chair of the City’s Audit & Finance Committee and the Legislative & Organizational Policy Committee. He also serves on the Combined Communications Center Executive Board, the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council, the Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency and the Gainesville/Alachua County Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization. Mayor Braddy holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and a Masters degree from James Madison University in History.

Daniel Christopher St. Louis (Dan)Director, Manufacturing Solutions CenterConnover, North [email protected]

United States

Employed by Catawba Valley Community College, Hickory, NC, (1990 - present) as the Executive Director of the Manufacturing Solutions Center. Current programs include: rapid prototyping, domestic sourcing , exporting help, product testing, 3D Modeling and entrepreneur start-ups. MSC moved to a new building in 2012 which allowed new added services for furniture, plastics, biotech, metalworking and services for virtually any manufacturing organizations. The MSC has over 1050 customers in 32 countries. The staff currently has a staff of 22 full time employees and 12 part time employees. Dan worked for 12 years in manufacturing and is a graduate of North Carolina State University in Textile Technology.

27

Third ACE ParticipantsKristin Elizabeth DozierLeon Country Commissioner, District 5Florida [email protected]

United States

Ms. Dozier serves as Leon County Commissioner of Leon County in Florida. She represents 277,000 residents in Tallahassee, Florida. She is the Board Chair of Leon County Research & Development Authority (LCRDA) that oversees Innovation Park, which is the hub of scientific research in North Florida and home to the internationally renowned National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MegLab). Commissioner Kristin Dozier has served the citizens of District 5 since 2010. In 2014, Kristin was reelected to a second 4-year term and in 2013, she was selected by her fellow Commissioners to serve as Chairman of the Board for 2013-14.

Roque Vela City CouncilmanLaredo, [email protected]

United States

Mr. Vela was elected in 2012 to a four year term. He serves as a Councilman on the Laredo City Council; a city of approximately 200,000 on the US-Mexico border. Laredo is the nation’s busiest land port and second largest custom district. He represents District 5 which includes the north central part of the city as well as the northeast side near Loop 20 and Lake Casa Blanca. Vela works to foster economic growth in all aspects of the City and investment in public safety department like fire and police. His strategy while serving on the City Council has been to pursue investments in the proper infrastructure in order to make Laredo a more attractive location for businesses and help create job opportunities for the people of District 5.

Thomas Devon LaneyPresident & Chief Executive OfficerInnovation Depot, [email protected]

United States

T. Devon Laney is the President & Chief Executive Officer of Innovation Depot, Inc., the high-tech/biotech business incubator located in downtown Birmingham and recipient of the 2011 Technology Incubator of the Year Award from the National Business Incubation Association. In the Birmingham community, Devon serves on the Executive Committee of the Birmingham Venture Club, where he is the youngest member to ever serve and the only consecutive back-to-back President. Additionally, Devon serves on the Executive Committees of TechBirmingham and BioAlabama. In 2009 Devon was selected as one of The Birmingham Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40”. Mr. Laney has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business, both from The University of Alabama.

28

Third ACE ParticipantsPatrick SchaeferExecutive DirectorHunt Institute for Global [email protected]

United States

Patrick is the Executive Director of the Hunt Institute. His work focuses on Ibero-American commercial, financial, and natural resource law, with a particular emphasis on Mexico, Brazil, Spain, and Portugal. He received his J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law and his LL.M. from the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, where he was a Fulbright Scholar. His publications have centered on international bankruptcy and trans-boundary natural resource management. Prior to his appointment at the Hunt Institute, Patrick held positions at the law firm of Uría Menéndez, the Inter-American Development Bank, and, most recently, the World Bank Group. Patrick is also an active member of the New York and New Mexico bar, as well as the American Society of International Law and the International Law Association.

Catherine KraussDirector of NEXO Center for Entrepreneurial DevelopmentCatholic University of [email protected]

Uruguay

Ms. Krauss is Director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Development at the Catholic Universtity of Uruguay (NEXO). She is responsible for coordinating all activities related to the promotion of entrepreneurship, support students transforming their ideas into enterprises, as well as providing the necessary tools for strengthening the new startups. Ms. Krauss has published more than 8 publications and holds a PhD in Economics and Business Management of Universityde Deusto in Spain.

Dunia de BarnolaExecutive Director, Venezuela Competitiva National Center for [email protected]@duniadebarnola

Venezuela

Ms. de Barnola (CEO, entrepreneurs and business executive Coach, educator specialized in Project management. ICF & PMI member) is the Executive Director of the National Center for Competitiveness in Venezuela “Venezuela Competitiva”. She is responsible for the conceptualization and implementation of programs and projects designed to promote competitiveness and entrepreneurship in the country, developed by the National Center for Competitiveness in Venezuela. She is also in charge of the management and administration of the organization; and its institutional representation in different public and private, national and international bodies.