JumpStart Inc. is pleased to announce that David Sylvan and Walter Avdey have joined its Board of Directors, bringing decades of leadership experience across healthcare innovation, strategy, commercialization, finance, audit, risk and governance. Their board service will benefit startup founders and small business owners as they grow their companies and create lasting economic impact.

David Sylvan, Chief Strategy, Innovation & Marketing Officer at University Hospitals, has more than 35 years of experience helping organizations connect strategy, partnerships and capital to growth. At UH, he has guided enterprise initiatives spanning innovation, business development, marketing and commercialization, including his previous role as President of UH Ventures, the health system’s innovation and commercialization arm.

His background also includes leadership roles in banking, capital markets, sports marketing and consulting, along with board and advisory service across healthcare, life sciences, education, finance and entrepreneurial ventures.

“We are excited to welcome David to the Board,” says Lorne Novick, JumpStart CEO. “He is a proven strategic leader and innovator with a gift for recognizing opportunity and helping big ideas move toward real-world impact. His experience across strategy, partnerships, marketing and commercialization will be valuable as we support entrepreneurs building the next generation of companies.”

Walter Avdey, a retired EY audit partner and former global audit executive, brings 38 years of professional audit, business, operations and governance experience. Over the course of his career, Avdey has advised public and private companies on complex audit matters, internal controls, cybersecurity, business combinations and SEC reporting, and led global teams serving companies across manufacturing, chemicals, mining, consumer products, retail and technology.

He has also served in board and civic leadership roles throughout Northeast Ohio, including nonprofit and education organizations.

“Walter helps leadership teams and boards make sound decisions in complex environments,” says Novick. “His judgment, governance experience and understanding of risk will bring important perspective to JumpStart’s financial stewardship and the services we provide to entrepreneurs navigating growth.”

Sylvan and Avdey join a distinguished group of board members whose leadership and expertise guide JumpStart’s strategy, reach and impact.

“We are grateful that leaders of David’s and Walter’s caliber are giving their time and talent to help further our mission and open more doors for the entrepreneurs we serve,” says Novick.