A I @ W O R K: The Innovation Imperative

More than 140 degrees and certificates include nationally-ranked and cutting-edge programs in cybersecurity, nursing, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor battery manufacturing, advanced transportation, STEM fields and more.

A forward thinker, Dr. Bellanca has led initiatives such as the Advanced Transportation Center and WCC’s collaboration as the only community college in the Center for Connected and Automated Transportation. The college is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the U.S. National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

Dr. Bellanca has more than 20 years of higher education executive leadership, including as President of Northwood University’s West Palm Beach Campus and President of St. Clair Community College.

As the former Managing Director and Global Head of Innovation Strategy at Cisco, he established Innovation Centers across five continents and led the launch of Cisco’s groundbreaking AI innovation program, positioning the company at the forefront of AI advancements.

Throughout his career, Alex spearheaded transformational initiatives such as Smart City strategies in seven countries, innovation tracks for three Olympic Games, and rolled out innovation and emerging technologies learning programs to nearly 300,000 students. His leadership in driving employee-led innovation earned Cisco Forbes' title of "#1 Best Place to Work for Innovators," solidifying his reputation as a catalyst for organizational change. Alex’s presentations and workshops have helped hundreds of organizations navigate AI, transforming their workplace culture for sustained success and growth.

Internal Consultant/Executive with over 15 years’ experience in the Digital Transformation of a Fortune 500 company based on a strong foundation of subject matter expertise in the core area of manufacturing (engineering, launch, production, maintenance & quality) based on over 25 years of experience.

Directing a team of Managers to Develop and Deploy Analytics Solutions on Google Cloud Platform to Optimize & Enhance Quality, Maintenance & Throughput using AI/ML, Computer Vision, Generative AI and Visualization through the stages of Discovery, Development, Launch, Maintenance & Growth.

Demonstrated expertise in building/leading cross-functional teams and developing/executing strategies that drive organizational changes, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.

Client engagements have covered a broad range of services including market strategy, portfolio structure, and the IPO process. Bill has managed over $125 million in client assets.

Areas of specialty are financial modeling, pricing strategies, the process of private and public equity securitization, management of business assets, and fundraising. He has extensive experience in creating financial models, business valuations, and capitalization tables, as well as navigating advanced business tax issues and the complex issues surrounding securitization. This allows Bill to effectively position clients from an investor’s viewpoint in order to maximize a venture’s ability to receive funding.

Bill has held multiple securities broker licenses for over ten years. This positions him to facilitate the placement of capital directly. Bill holds a Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Michigan.

Orr also serves as a liaison to the schools and departments in these disciplines and collaborates with other members of the OVPR leadership team in fostering interdisciplinary initiatives.

Orr, an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Physics, provides support for several OVPR units and programs, including the Michigan Institute for Data & AI in Society (MIDAS), the Michigan Institute for Computational Discovery & Engineering (MICDE), the Quantum Research Institute (QRI), and the Michigan Sea Grant program. His research focuses on the study of surfaces and structures using ultra-microscopies.

As the executive leader of Henry Ford Innovations, Lisa harnesses the system's intellectual and clinical assets through strategic innovation partnerships, venture funding, and transformative product development. She oversees an expanding relationship with Michigan State University, the Davidson Fellowship for Innovation in Healthcare, and Henry Ford's licensing efforts. Additionally, she directs the Global Technology Development Program, which identifies breakthrough healthcare solutions worldwide and cultivates them for co-development and entry into the U.S. healthcare market.

Lisa is passionately driving the effort to transform Detroit into a dynamic hub for healthcare innovation. Under her leadership, Henry Ford Innovations has created a supportive ecosystem for early-stage companies, startups, and entrepreneurs to address critical healthcare challenges and drive economic growth through next-generation solutions.

Prior to joining Henry Ford Health, Lisa co-founded and served as president of a commercial development and advisory firm focused on investment around universities and hospitals. She also served as associate vice president at the University of Pennsylvania overseeing a portfolio of business services. Her career includes leading a team of consultants at Coopers & Lybrand Higher Education Consulting Practice in New York City, providing advisory services to colleges and universities.

Lisa earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan and her master's degrees in government administration and international relations from the University of Pennsylvania.