Aaron Olver is the Managing Director of the University Research Park. Established in 1984, University Research Park, a University of Wisconsin-Madison affiliate, is an internationally recognized research and technology park that supports early-stage, and growth-oriented businesses in a range of sectors, including engineering, computer and life sciences. Before joining University Research Park, Olver served as Director of Economic Development for the City of Madison. Prior to joining the City, he spearheaded Wisconsin’s economic development efforts serving as the Secretary of Commerce under Governor Jim Doyle. He held a handful of roles over two terms in the Doyle administration and led numerous economic development initiatives including the development of the Governor's plan, Grow Wisconsin, and the creation of an entrepreneurship agenda that launched programs such as Wisconsin's Angel and Venture Capital tax credits (Act 255).

Olver transitioned into public service and economic development after working as management consultant with McKinsey & Company in Chicago, IL where his practice focused on business development and growth strategy. Olver earned an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and a graduate degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Oxford University, Oxford, UK, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. He serves on the boards of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, the Wisconsin Technology Council, Forward BioLabs, the Madison Symphony Orchestra, and the Waisman Biomanufacturing Advisory Board. 

Robert Drape is the CEO of the WiCell Research Institute, a nonprofit organization supporting research on stem cell technologies at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and the development of stem cell technologies worldwide. Prior to joining WiCell in 2007, his prior experience includes roles in senior management and project management in organizations concentrating on vaccine development, clinical research and mammalian cell line production. Robert earned an Executive MBA from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Augustana College (IL) and currently serves as an advisor to the Forward BIO Initiative and is a member of the Waisman Biomanufacturing Advisory Board. 

Robert has spent his entire life in the Madison area, being part of the biotechnology community for over 30 years. Recognizing the need for fully equipped, maintained, and supported affordable lab space for startups, WiCell utilized excess capacity to initially help one startup spun out from UW- Madison in 2016. Forward BIOLABS was born out of the desire to expand this idea to help multiple companies and strengthen Wisconsin’s biotechnology community by filling this gap in the ecosystem.

Pam Christenson is the Director of Customer and Community Relations for Madison Gas and Electric, a local utility company that generates and distributes natural gas and electricity to over 150,000 customers in south-central Wisconsin. In this role, Ms. Christenson partners with business, education and government leaders to ensure well-planned and beneficial economic growth occurs in the MGE service area. She currently serves on the boards of Downtown Madison Inc., Clean Lakes Alliance, Forward BioLabs, StartingBlock Madison, Fitchburg Chamber of Commerce, Workforce Development Board of South-Central Wisconsin, Utility Economic Development Association, the Wisconsin Economic Development Institute, Wisconsin Business Development, Friends of Nolen Waterfront and Tri4Schools. Prior to her work with MGE, Pam held positions in both the public and private sector including 15 years in a number of different roles with the State of Wisconsin.  While working at the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, she served as the Director of the Bureau of Entrepreneurship and Technology Development and the Administrator for the Division of Business Development which housed the agency’s economic development and financial programs.

On the private sector side, Ms. Christenson spent several years working at the Wisconsin Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association, the statewide trade group for gas station and c-store owners as their Director of Public Affairs.  She also did promotions and special events for a Miller Brewing Company local distributor.  She and her husband co-own Christy’s Landing, a third generation bar and restaurant on the Madison side of Lake Waubesa. Pam is an avid runner, having completed 14 marathons and two Ragnar Races.  She is also a five -time Ironman triathlon finisher and Tough Mudder survivor.