Life science investment expert to speak at ACU's SpringBoard dinner

Dr. Chris Kersey, managing member and partner of Camden Partners, a national private equity firm, will speak at Abilene Christian University’s second annual SpringBoard Ideas Challenge 2009. SpringBoard is a mini-business plan competition that provides up to $40,000 to participants with winning business plans.

"Dr Kersey has a very distinguished career, educationally and in business development," said James Porter, entrepreneur in residence at ACU. "His academic achievements are extraordinary, and he has been a principal in hundreds of private investments in early stage ventures."

Kersey began his career at Menlo Ventures as an associate focusing on health care and life science investments. His professional experience includes served as a Managing Director of Cogene Ventures, Chief Business Development Officer and Chief Medical Officer of RediClinic LLC, as well as fellowships at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Emory University School of Medicine. Kersey has also served as president of the Houston Private Equity Association and Board Director of the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System Foundation.

"Chris has devoted a considerable amount of his time and expertise to working with high school and university age students," said Porter. "He continues his work in encouraging young entrepreneurs through his activity with Harvard, Stanford and Rice Universities. He is a devout Christian and is exceptionally devoted to his young family."

Kersey earned a bachelor's degree from Stanford University, a master's degree from the Harvard Business School and a M.D. degree from the Emory University School of Medicine. He has more than 11 years experience in investing, operating and clinical experience in the health care and life science.

Kersey will speak on the subject of entrepreneurship entitled, "What they don't teach at Harvard about entrepreneurship."

SpringBoard is open to all Abilene undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty from universities in the Abilene area.

The awards dinner is scheduled for 7 p.m. on April 25 in the Hunter Welcome Center on the ACU campus. The doors will open at 6 p.m. to allow time to view this year's entries. Dinner tickets are available online for $15 each. For more information or to order tickets, visit the SpringBoard website.

If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact ACU's Public Relations Office or call (325) 674-2696.