John M. Dunn

The American Council on Education (ACE) is a membership organization that mobilizes the higher education community to shape effective public policy and foster innovative, high-quality practice. The organization is based in Washington, D.C. ACE provides services for employers, training providers, colleges and universities, and military and working learners. The organization offers a suite of learning solutions informed by adult, community, and blended learning pedagogies, while its services include evaluation, transcript, and technical assistance for students, employers, and higher education institutions. ACE's research and insights focus on equity-minded leadership, institutional transformation, and student success.

Southwest Michigan First Corp. offers economic development, venture capitalism, recruitment, life science, manufacturing, back office, commercial real estate, talent management and leadership development and community capitalism. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Kalamazoo, MI.

Founded in 2000, Southwest Michigan First is a privately-funded, non-profit corporation and venture capital investor located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They are a subsidiary of the Southwest Michigan First Corp. and are affiliated with the Southwest Michigan First Life Science Fund which was formed in 2004.

Biosciences Research & Commercialization Center (BRCC) is a venture capital subsidiary of Western Michigan University founded in 2020 by Cindy Bi. The firm is headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan.