Our
Team

Jessica Box is a Senior Scientist in the Translational Sciences group at Biomed Valley Discoveries. Prior to joining Biomed Valley Discoveries, Jessica was the Laboratory Manager at IntelligeneCG, where she oversaw the genomics laboratory and accessioning department.

She has experience in several facets of research including: basic biomedical research, clinical research, and industry. Jessica received a BS degree in biology from Baker University.

Dr. Caroline Emery is a Director of Translational Sciences at Biomed Valley Discoveries. Previously, Carrie held a position in early pharmaceutical development at Novartis Oncology, where she supported the evolution of novel agents into the clinic.

She earned her PhD in developmental genetics from the University of Oxford, UK, and completed postdoctoral training at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard University, where she studied mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies in melanoma. Carrie received a BSc degree in pathology and microbiology from the University of Bristol, UK.

Barry Frankel serves as Director of Business Development for Biomed Valley Discoveries. Barry has over 40 years of experience in the life science industry, including company formation and operations, investment research, strategic planning, licensing/mergers/acquisitions, and commercialization. Barry’s recent business development and financing experience includes oncology (Nanocare, BioConvergent, Cireca), inflammation (Metriopharm), infection (Micreos), neurology (NBO, Sedor) and digital health (Elexo/Qey). Barry serves as an Advisor for Marathon Asset Management.

Previously, Barry was Founder of Frankel Group, a global boutique life science strategy consulting firm (acquired by Huron Consulting Group); Partner and President of SJ Weinstein Associates Inc., a healthcare advertising and marketing strategy firm (exited into Bates Healthcare); held senior management positions at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals; and was a Senior Research Officer Life Sciences for Citibank Investment Management Group.

Dr. Anna Groover is a Senior Scientist in the Translational Sciences group at Biomed Valley Discoveries, where she manages day-to-day clinical operations for clinical trials involving BVD-523, a selective, reversible, ERK1/2 inhibitor.

Anna joined Biomed Valley Discoveries after completing her PhD in anatomy and cell biology at the University of Kansas Medical Center. She received a BS degree in biology from Baylor University.

Deb Knoerzer is a Director of Translational Sciences at Biomed Valley Discoveries. Prior to joining Biomed Valley Discoveries, Deb was Vice President of Research Operations for Horizon Discovery where she led the research operations for multiple sites within the US.

She has a vast range of experience in both small and large organizations, serving as Chief Operating Officer at SAGE labs and holding a variety of senior positions during her 19 years within the pharmaceutical industry including positions at Pfizer, Pharmacia, Searle, and Monsanto. Deb received a BS in biological sciences from Illinois State University and a MS in biological sciences from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Dr. Brent L. Kreider serves as President of Biomed Valley Discoveries. After nine years in a dual role as COO of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and COO of Biomed Valley Discoveries, Brent has focused solely as President of Biomed Valley Discoveries since 2022. In his previous position as Vice President and Global Head of Scientific Operations at the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Brent provided senior management oversight to scientific support functions at Institute sites throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.

Prior to joining Novartis, he held senior leadership positions at three biotech companies. Brent received a PhD in microbiology from the University of Pennsylvania and performed postdoctoral research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Dr. David Tung is an Associate Director of Translational Sciences at Biomed Valley Discoveries. With over 25 years of drug discovery experience, he is the lead for CMC, regulatory affairs, translational pharmacology, and clinical operations of the C. novyi-NT program. He also serves as the translational pharmacology lead for two antibody projects and is responsible for indications exploration for ERK and C. novyi-NT. Prior to BVD, he held positions at Pfizer, Sirna, Isis, Chiron (Novartis), and Celera. His translational pharmacology experience covers allergy and respiratory, osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, oncology, multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and fracture healing.

Dr. Tung received his PhD from UCSD’s Biomedical Engineering department. He completed his postdoctoral training in a joint fellowship at Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical and Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School.

Mr. Richard W. Brown serves as Chairman of the Board for Biomed Valley Discoveries, American Century Companies, Stowers Institute for Medical Research, and Stowers Resource Management. Mr. Brown has also served as Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Stowers Resource Management and Biomed Valley Corporation.

Mr. Brown was previously President and Chief Executive Officer of Health Midwest from 1993 to March 2003. Mr. Brown received a MHA from the School of Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and a BA in Biology from Phillips University.

Ms. Abby Freeman is the former Executive Vice President for Administration at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. Prior to joining the Institute, Ms. Freeman held positions at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas including Director of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Equal Opportunity and Minority Affairs Officer, and Vice President for Human Services Administration.

Ms. Freeman previously held leadership positions with the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). Ms. Freeman earned a BA in business administration from Huston-Tillotson College in Austin, Texas. She serves as a member of the Boards of Directors of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and American Century Companies.

Mr. Clifford W. Illig is the former Vice Chairman of the Board and Co-Founder of Cerner Corporation, one of the world’s largest suppliers of healthcare information technology solutions, healthcare devices, and related services.

He focused on growing and expanding Cerner’s market-oriented business units, key strategic relationships, and priority corporate initiatives. Mr. Illig serves some significant regional civic boards and organizations. Mr. Illig received a degree in accounting and business administration from the University of Kansas.

Dr. Brent L. Kreider serves as President of Biomed Valley Discoveries. After nine years in a dual role as COO of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and COO of Biomed Valley Discoveries, Brent has focused solely as President of Biomed Valley Discoveries since 2022. In his previous position as Vice President and Global Head of Scientific Operations at the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Brent provided senior management oversight to scientific support functions at Institute sites throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.

Prior to joining Novartis, he held senior leadership positions at three biotech companies. Brent received a PhD in microbiology from the University of Pennsylvania and performed postdoctoral research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Penny Spence is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Stowers Resource Management, a supporting organization for the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. Prior to joining the Institute, she spent her career in finance and treasury roles at large, privately-held, multinational organizations including 14 years at Lockton Companies where she most recently held the position of Vice President-Assistant Treasurer.

Early in her career, she held other finance roles at Hallmark Cards and Black & Veatch. She received a BS in finance from Emporia State University and an MBA with a finance concentration from Avila University. She earned her Certified Treasury Professional designation in 2006.

Mr. Jonathan S. Thomas is President and Chief Executive Officer of American Century Investments. Mr. Thomas joined American Century in 2005 as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, and a member of the American Century Companies Board of Directors. He became CEO in March 2007.

Prior to joining American Century, Mr. Thomas was Global Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of the Investment Management division at Morgan Stanley in New York City. Mr. Thomas received a BA in Economics from the University of Massachusetts and a MBA from Boston College.