Team

Robert Meeder, PhD. – President

Responsible for developing and managing all program activity.

Founded Gateways in 1998 with over 31 years of experience in institutional administration and economic development, including substantial fund raising, strategic planning and partnering experience.

John Bozic, CPA – Vice President

Responsible for providing accounting and financial direction and assistance to Gateways' new venture start-up initiatives as well as assisting in fundraising efforts for Gateways' clients.

Joined Gateways in 1998 with over 30 years of business and management experience focused primarily in financial and human resources endeavors within a wide variety of industries.

Bill Miller – Vice President

Responsible for providing Centers of Technology and regional businesses with manufacturing-related assistance, project management and staff oversight.

Joined Gateways in 1999 with over 24 years of experience as an entrepreneur founding and managing private companies (MMS, Business Concepts, Vesta Designs, and Prism Fiber Optics) within the Pittsburgh region; previously had eight years of experience serving as a field supervisor and coordinator of the technical training facility for Dravo Corporation’s Engineering Works Division.

Jessica Lee, JD – Program Director

Responsible for business development matters and management of arts-related ventures, including strategic planning, funding, partnering, operations oversight and assistance with the new business commercialization process.

For over 16 years, has assisted new ventures as investment/business counsel, institutional investor and entrepreneurial advisor. Has blended background as a professional Jazz & Blues vocalist and recording artist and business advisor with an emphasis on the technology, life sciences and entertainment sectors.

Eddie Yongo, MA, MBA – Program Director

Responsible for business development matters including fundraising, deal origination, structuring and execution.

For over five years, has evaluated and advised early-stage companies in capital raising and working with follow-on investors. Prior to this, was a management consultant and investment banker for a European Bank where his responsibilities were origination and execution in corporate finance, and M&A transactions across the global transportation sector focusing on logistics, airports and seaports.

Kimberly Thomas, MBA – Program Manager

Responsible for management of the FirstLink Technology Transfer Program as well as assisting in business development matters with Gateways' arts and education initiatives.

Joined Gateways in 2010 with over 10 years of experience in sales and marketing. Previously worked for a Pittsburgh area company in business development and marketing where her responsibilities included relationship management with local businesses, and planning and executing marketing campaigns. Prior to this, spent seven years in specialized pharmaceutical sales for Johnson & Johnson in Philadelphia.

Board of Directors

G. Reynolds Clark, Chairman (The University of Pittsburgh)

Ann Dugan, Audit Committee (The University of Pittsburgh)

Dan Leri, Vice-Chair (Penn State University)

Tim McNulty (Carnegie Mellon University)

Tom Murrin (Westinghouse & Duquesne University, retired)

Stephen Robinson, Audit Committee (Robinson Venture Partners)

C. Paul Svoboda (Urban Redevelopment Authority, City of Pittsburgh)