PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association (PVCA) today announced the honorees for the association's annual awards luncheon, scheduled for May 10th at the Fairmont Hotel, downtown. Now in its 22nd year, the awards were created to recognize business leaders who are making outstanding contributions to the region's entrepreneurial and economic vitality.
“Not only has Jerry created life sciences and device innovations that continue to improve lives around the world, but to many, he is THE cornerstone of western Pennsylvania's life sciences and device community. You cannot talk about life science, medical devices or technology in our ecosystem without him”
Gerald McGinnis, Founder of Respironics, Inc., will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, the organization's most prestigious award. Jerry founded the company in 1976 and served as its Advanced Technology Officer, CEO and President. Prior to that, he served as president of Lanz Products, the predecessor to Respironics. As an inventor, entrepreneur, investor and advocate, Jerry's impact in the community are immeasurable.
He hosts Carnegie Mellon University's McGinnis Venture Competition, is a huge supporter of the Donald H. Jones Center for Entrepreneurship at Carnegie Mellon, serves as a professor in the Bioengineering Department at the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a Master's in Mechanical Engineering, invests of companies and is a passionate advocate for healthcare and education in the region. A cardiovascular institute at Allegheny General Hospital bears his name.
"Not only has Jerry created life sciences and device innovations that continue to improve lives around the world, but to many, he is THE cornerstone of western Pennsylvania's life sciences and device community. You cannot talk about life science, medical devices or technology in our ecosystem without him,” states Jeremy Garvey, attorney with the law firm of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney and PVCA chairman.
Craig Markovitz, Co-Founder of Blue Belt Technologies, will be presented with the 2016 Outstanding Entrepreneur Award. The company, whose R&D division is based in the Strip District, is the developer of the portable NAVIO surgical system that provides assistance in partial knee replacement surgery through software and a handheld, robotic device. The groundbreaking technology has revolutionized how surgeons perform partial knee replacements and has helped thousands of patients avoid total knee replacement and recover more quickly. A spin-out from Carnegie Mellon University, the company was acquired by London-based Smith & Nephew for $275 million in January 2016.
"Blue Belt's success was never about Craig; he made sure it was always about our team, our technology and our customers. The company would not be where it is today without his vision, creativity and determination in navigating through the many challenges faced since the company was founded in 2003,” said Jim Woll of Kerrwood Advisors LLC and former CFO at Blue Belt.
Finally, the PVCA has added a new award category in 2016 to celebrate people who are making incredible contributions to the entrepreneurial, investment and business landscape here in western Pennsylvania. The premiere recipient of the Impact Award is Rich Lunak, President and CEO of Innovation Works.
Prior to joining Innovation Works in 2005, Rich was a successful entrepreneur and inventor who helped build Automated Healthcare, one of Pittsburgh's most successful and enduring start-ups, from a three-person start-up to its acquisition by McKesson Corporation, the nation's 16th largest company.
"Rich is responsible for redefining the role of Innovation Works in the region's technology economy. Under his direction, the organization has grown into the single largest investor in seed-stage companies and one of the most active in the entire country. There is no one more fitting for this award than Rich," said Ron Bianchini, President and CEO of Avere Systems.
The Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association was founded in 1982 to serve as a catalyst for venture capital and entrepreneurship in western Pennsylvania. The group launched its Awards Program in 1994.
Contacts
PVCA
Kelly Szejko, 412-228-5885
