Board Members
Executive Board
Sandra Cochrane, President
Assistant Dean of the WMed Innovation Center
Sandra is the director of the WMU Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine Innovation Center (WMedIC), a 68,600 s.f. technology incubator in Kalamazoo. Sandra coordinates entrepreneurial training programs, and assists start-up and early-stage high-tech companies. Services she provides to client companies include business plan development, accessing capital, strategic planning, and general business guidance. She works with pre-seed funds, angel groups, and venture capital firms to connect companies to capital. Sandra previously served six years on the board of directors at the International Business Innovation Association (formerly the National Business Incubation Association). She also serves as a reviewer for the National Science Foundation’s SBIR/STTR Program. Sandra earned a B.A. and an M.B.A. from Michigan State University and holds an InBIA Certificate in Business Incubator Management.
Andrew Robinson, Vice-President
Chief Executive Officer for Mosaic CCCDA and the Emerge Innovation Hub
Andrew is CEO for Mosaic CCCDA, a faith-based non-profit program. Also, he has launched an entrepreneurial support organization, The Emerge Innovation Hub, in partnership with Whirlpool Corporation, to foster the growth of small businesses/enterprises in Southwest Michigan. Andrew has a BA in Ancient History and a MA in Medieval Studies with an emphasis in the History of Christian Thought in Late Antiquity. He is currently completing his doctoral degree in organizational leadership and development at Cornerstone University.
Associate Director of the Muskegon Innovation Hub
At the Hub, Tom is responsible for general operation and for managing and delivering the business incubator program. In 2016, the Hub opened Muskegon’s first co-working space and Tom helped successfully grow it to a thriving community. Tom is an active member of both MBIA and InBIA, attending and presenting at numerous meetings and conferences. An innovator himself, Tom has served as the co-inventor on several patents, brought millions of dollars in successful new products to market, and developed new business processes that saved millions of dollars. Tom holds his bachelor’s degree in physics and mathematics from Alma College and a Master of Science degree in product development from the University of Detroit Mercy.
Cheryl LeClaire, Secretary
Vice-President of Operations at MTEC SmartZone
Cheryl manages the operation of the MTEC SmartZone including accounting, budget and control, audit, compliance, funding and grant disbursement, and information systems. She is also responsible for procurement, risk management, human resource policy, facilities, auxiliary services, safety and security, and payroll. Cheryl worked at Michigan Technological University as well as a local construction company before joining MTEC’s team in 2011. Cheryl and her family decided to move back to the Upper Peninsula after several years in Southeast Michigan and enjoy being able to live, work and play there. In 2017, Cheryl completed the Business Incubation Management Program through the InBIA, and is a certified coach in Wendy Kennedy's "So what, who cares, why you" methodology.
Board of Directors
Jason Mack
VP of Business Development at MTEC SmartZone
Jason is devoted to connecting with the people of the Western U.P. to provide support that will help to create a positive impact on the community for future generations. With a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters in Business Management Administration, Mack spent sixteen years in the automotive and aerospace industries leading large teams prior to this role. After leaving the corporate world, Mack obtained certifications in business incubation management and GrowthWheel to better serve the creative, smart, and unique people of the Western U.P. at MTEC SmartZone. Jason is also involved in the Superior Fab Lab, an organization that promotes creativity and innovation through digital fabrication and is proud to mentor various student organizations at Michigan Tech University. Another passion of his is contributing to the 1 Million Cups initiative, an inspiring platform that encourages entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas.
Deputy Director, University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute
Larry Molnar has worked on economic development, business acceleration and incubation and technology transfer and commercialization initiatives at the University of Michigan for over 25 years. He has conducted numerous market and feasibility studies for business incubation programs and research studies of the incubation industry throughout the state of Michigan, nationally and internationally. He was the principal investigator on a recent national study of best practices funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration "Incubating Success: Best Practices that Lead to Successful New Ventures".