Manan Atit and Brent Sorrells
Brent Sorrells, Director of Clinical Operations for Allakos Inc., and Manan Atit, Global Head, External Opportunities, Deals and Partnerships, R&D at Alcon, have joined the TechFW Board of Directors.
TechFW is a non-profit organization with the mission of helping entrepreneurs commercialize innovative technologies.
Sorrells is no stranger to TechFW. Beginning in July 2006, he was its Director of Programs. ZS Pharma, a TechFW client, hired Sorrells as Director of Clinical Operations in October 2012. ZSPharma went public June 19, 2014 and was aquired by AstraZeneca in November 2015.
Allakos is a publicly traded, clinical-stage bio-pharmaceutical company developing first-in-class antibody-based therapeutics to treat allergic and inflammatory diseases.
“Brent will be a fabulous addition to the Board. He has an amazing talent for finding creative practical solutions for the benefit of TechFW and for the clients,” said Darlene Boudreaux, Executive Director when Sorrels worked with TechFW. “He is a dedicated problem solver and never hesitates to just jump in and make things happen. If he says he is going to do something, he does it, without fail, and he does it with complete integrity and transparency.”
Atit has been with Alcon in a variety of capacities since February 2013, including Strategic Advisor to Global Head of Alcon, Project Management Office Alcon-WaveTec and Project Head, Intraocular Cataract Lenses.
Alcon is a Swiss medical company specializing in eye care products. It’s U.S. headquarters are in Fort Worth.
“Manan brings a strategic mind and a passion for innovation to the Board that TechFW will gain from for years to come. We are excited for Manan to join the organization and we are eager to dive in to expand the value we create for entrepreneurs commercializing innovative technologies,” said Hayden Blackburn, the current Executive Director.
The members of the TechFW Board of Directors serve three-year terms and max out after two consecutive terms. The Board of Directors oversees the governance and aids in the strategic planning of the organization.
TechFW is a non-profit organization that helps entrepreneurs launch and grow emerging technology companies that have a high potential for success. It mentors, coaches and relentlessly pushes them toward success. TechFW has offices at the James E. Guinn Complex in Fort Worth and is supported by the UNT Health Science Center, the University of Texas at Arlington, and the City of Fort Worth. For more information, contact Hayden Blackburn at (817) 984-9841 or hayden@techfw.org.
