Meet The Team

Jonathan is a seasoned executive with 20 years of experience in health, pharma, and finance, leveraging technology and innovative business models to tackle major industry challenges. He is the founder of Ivy Tree Advisors, a network of consulting professionals focused on market entry strategy and commercialization for biopharma and health tech companies. He excels in commercialization, team leadership, and partnership development, particularly in pharmaceuticals and health technology. He holds a Bachelor's in Human Biology from Stanford and an MBA from NYU's Stern School of Business. Jonathan's professional journey includes strategic roles at Deloitte Consulting, BioInformatics Market Research, Pfizer, PatientsLikeMe, and Cloud 9 Psych.

With over 25 years of biopharmaceutical business strategy and innovation experience, Michael Loechel assists biopharmaceutical companies in developing and implementing strategies to enhance innovation, competitiveness, and productivity. Prior to this, Michael held executive positions at Pfizer and worked as a Strategy & Operations consultant in Life Sciences at Deloitte. His impressive educational background includes an M.S. in Management from North Carolina State University and a B.A. in International Studies from The Ohio State University, which he attended on a full scholarship. While he continues consulting for the biopharmaceuticals industry, he also holds the positions as a Partner and Angel Investor at SeedFunders Miami and VisionTech Angels.

Igor Rudychev, a strategic leader with 20+ years of experience in AI, data analytics, and the pharmaceutical sector, is renowned for his expertise in oncology and rare diseases. He has spearheaded transformative projects in data science, AI/ML, and digital strategy, improving operational efficiency across global markets. Igor’s leadership as Vice President of Enterprise Analytics at Horizon and his work with the Pharmaceutical Management Science Association have cemented his reputation as a visionary. He is also an Adjunct Professor in Applied Analytics at Columbia University. Igor continues to innovate in data-driven strategies, helping organizations navigate the evolving healthcare landscape.

Barbara Sosnowski is a Senior Business Development consultant with deep experience in emerging science and innovation.

As a member of the board of directors for Kestrel Therapeutics and part of the LionBird Rings community, she guides future leaders in digital health. Barbara previously led external R&D innovation at Pfizer, where she spearheaded partnerships and research initiatives.

She now consults at Casa Buena Consulting, bringing decades of experience to businesses seeking sustainable growth. Her strategic insights continue to shape the landscape of healthcare innovation.

Jim Fitzgerald is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in strategic growth, partnerships, and consulting within healthcare and venture capital. Currently, he serves as Chief of Staff at Knownwell, overseeing key initiatives and strategies. Previously, he was a Senior Fellow at Arkitekt Ventures and Director of Growth & Partnerships at Cohere Health. His career also includes roles at Putnam Associates and Triage Consulting Group. Jim holds a BS in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Duke University. He is passionate about leveraging his strategic acumen to foster growth and innovation in the healthcare sector.

Janine Kopp, Lead Strategist at Ivy Tree Advisors, is a dynamic innovator with a background in Pharmaceutical Sciences from ETH Zurich. After co-founding a women’s health company focused on PCOS, she returned to Takeda to invest in digital health and head the Venture Studio, driving forward-thinking care solutions. Janine’s passion for virtual care has led her to Ivy Tree Advisors, where she continues to transform healthtech innovation. She leverages her strategic vision to empower businesses and improve patient outcomes in digital health and venture commercialization.

Naimish Patel is a Senior Advisor specializing in business development and early-stage digital health investments. As President of the Healthcare Practice at Red Cell Partners, he leads incubations in healthcare services, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Namish also serves on the board of Savoy Life, where he brings his expertise in guiding startups to success. His strategic acumen has made him a trusted advisor, helping companies unlock new opportunities and thrive in competitive markets.

Steff is a senior executive with over 15 years of experience in strategy, partnerships, business development, innovation prioritization, and general management in biotech/pharma, medical device, and health technology. Most recently, she was the Digital Health External Innovation Head of Strategy and Innovation at Biogen. Her career includes positions at Philips, Medtronic, Health Care Service Corporation, the Harvard School of Public Health, and Massachusetts General Hospital. Steff is passionate about merging data, digital, and technology with biotech/pharma and medical devices. She holds a B.S. in Health Science from Clemson University and an M.B.A. and M.P.H. from the University of Michigan.

Aditya is a project management expert and entrepreneur with an MBA and a master’s in Business Analytics from Hult International Business School. His seven years in consulting and auditing across diverse industries have honed his data strategy, project management, and analytical skills. Aditya’s technical prowess includes machine learning, Python, R, Tableau, and SQL, enabling him to bridge the gap between finance, technology, and data. He thrives in multicultural teams, delivering exceptional results through proactive thinking and leadership. His strong work ethic and strategic mindset ensure effective and seamless product launches.