WRF Capital

Mission-driven executive and infectious disease expert with over 30 years of experience advancing vaccine access and health equity globally. Previously led Gavi's Pneumococcal Vaccines program and served as Executive Director of the International Vaccine Access Center at Johns Hopkins University.

Co-founded Washington Research Foundation in 1981 and served as board chairman from 1981-2011. Brings over 25 years of venture capital experience with deep involvement in Northwest venture industry development.

CFO overseeing budgeting, forecasting and financial management of grant-making and investment activities. Joined WRF in 2004 to manage the foundation's patent portfolio, which generated over $445 million in licensing revenue.

Brings diverse background in biotech, pharma and computer science to evaluate startup investment opportunities in life sciences. Spent seven years at GlaxoSmithKline applying AI and machine learning to drug discovery.

Leverages over a decade of experience in health economics, diagnostics and AI-enabled healthcare to guide venture investments. Previously senior associate at MultiCare Capital Partners and co-founder of MDisrupt, a platform for life-sciences expertise.

Director overseeing WRF's grant-making programs for nonprofit research institutions across Washington state. Holds a Ph.D. in bioengineering and master's in physics, with prior experience at the Wellcome Trust evaluating biomedical technologies.

Desney Tan is Corporate Vice President and Managing Director for Microsoft Research, where he oversees a multidisciplinary organization focused on artificial intelligence, systems infrastructure, and human-computer interaction. He serves on the boards of ResMed, 1910 Genetics, and the Washington Research Foundation, and holds an affiliate faculty appointment at the University of Washington. His career spans hardware and software development, applied machine learning, and health sciences, with prior work shipped across Azure, Windows, Office, Xbox Kinect, and the Microsoft Band.

Over three decades cultivating science and technology innovation ecosystems and talent to address global challenges. Formerly Executive Director of The Lemelson Foundation and founding Director of Global Health Discovery at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Manages WRF's student and postdoctoral funding programs and supports grants management functions. Previously served as Finance and Operations Coordinator at ArtsFund with background in music performance.

Experienced independent board member with expertise in governance, risk management and complex investments across public, private and nonprofit sectors. Former COO and CLO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Manages operations including subleasing office space in the WRF Venture Center to startups. Responsible for communications, marketing, and principal writer for foundation's reports and press releases.

Seasoned executive who built multidisciplinary innovation teams in hardware, software, machine learning and health sciences. Former Corporate Vice President at Microsoft Research and advisor to multiple startups including Proprio Vision.

Assists with financial administration of WRF's grant-making and investment programs. Holds a doctorate in music composition and theory with background in institutional accounting and nonprofit fundraising.

Board member and attorney with background in corporate law. Currently EVP and General Counsel at McKinstry, a Seattle-based construction and engineering firm. Also serves as Washington State Senate Majority Leader.

Provides administrative and operational support across WRF's programs, including event planning and scheduling. Holds a bachelor's in business administration from Evergreen State College.

Manager of grants and venture research who conducts investment diligence and leads the WRF Venture Analyst program. Holds a Ph.D. in Immunology and Master of Public Health, with expertise in therapeutics, immunology and infectious disease.

Senior consultant providing strategic counsel to philanthropies and nonprofits. Served as Interim President and CEO of WRF/WRF Capital from 2021-22, with 15 years experience heading Paul Allen's philanthropic programs.

Senior financial executive with 30 years of technology industry experience, including eight years as public company CFO. Previously SVP and CFO at Limelight Networks where he managed M&A and capital raising. Held senior financial roles at Bakbone Software and Memec Group. CPA with degree from San Diego State University.

Corporate lawyer with 40 years of legal experience. Previously Chief Legal Officer at Limelight Networks where he developed patent litigation expertise, arguing cases before the Federal Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court. Held senior legal positions at IBM and FileNet Corporation. Graduated magna cum laude from Loyola Law School.