Fitzsimons Innovation Community is an integrated urban campus where health and life sciences companies of all sizes work on their next big things. Our customized workspace, collaborative campus, and proximity to one of the top health systems and medical schools in the country make our community the perfect place to put down roots and get to work.
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Business Acumen, Economic Savvy, and Industry Expertise Support Momentum
AURORA, Colo. (April 28, 2022) – Fitzsimons Innovation Community welcomes four new members to its Board of Directors: Curtis Gardner, public sector solutions manager for Waste Management and councilman at-large for the City of Aurora, Tom Gronow, president and CEO of University of Colorado Hospital on the Anschutz Medical Campus, Afshin Safavi, president and CEO of Safavi Holdings, and Dustin Zvonek, president and owner of Zvonek Consulting and councilman at-large for the City of Aurora. Each will serve a two-year term and join seven returning members to complete the Community’s Board of Directors.
Comprised of leaders representing the bioscience industry, University of Colorado, and the City of Aurora, the Board of Directors supports the vision of Fitzsimons Innovation Community. Don Elliman, CU Anschutz Medical Campus chancellor and Fitzsimons Innovation Community Board of Directors chair said the new Board members bring a complement of expertise and enthusiasm. “Our Board members work collaboratively to advance breakthroughs within our Community, attract new partners and relationships to campus, and ensure a positive impact for the City of Aurora. We welcome our new members and look forward to continuing the collaboration.”
Steve VanNurden, president and chief executive officer of Fitzsimons Innovation Community, said, “These experienced professionals join our Board at a time of tremendous growth and opportunity for our Community, the City of Aurora, and the life sciences ecosystem in Colorado. Their mix of business acumen, economic savvy, and industry expertise round out the strengths of a very effective Board to seize future opportunities.”
Long-time Aurora resident Curtis Gardner attended Aurora Public Schools and Cherry Creek Schools. He worked for 15 years in management for a local credit union and served with many community organizations. For the City of Aurora, Gardner is a strong advocate for taxpayers, promotes public safety, and ensures residents enjoy a high quality of life. He also serves as the public sector solutions manager for Waste Management.
Tom Gronow, Ed.D., M.H.A., collaborates closely with Anschutz Medical Campus leaders to help educate and train future generations of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other health care workers. Under Gronow’s previous leadership as COO, UCHealth was repeatedly named the No. 1 hospital in Colorado by U.S. News & World Report. He served as its COVID-19 incident commander, helping lead the pandemic response.
Serial entrepreneur and veteran biochemist Afshin Safavi possesses a strong background in the development of biological products in preclinical and clinical-trial laboratories in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, manufacturing companies, and Contract Research Organizations. For Fitzsimons Innovation Community, Safavi seeks to elevate recognition for innovation within the Community and pursue opportunities for its partnerships with institutions on the broader campus.
Small business owner Dustin Zvonek is an experienced executive leader with a demonstrated history of working in both the public policy and management consulting industries. Dustin recently spearheaded efforts to reduce red tape and unnecessary barriers to make the City of Aurora an easier place to do business. He believes with the right business climate, it has the potential to lead the state in job creation and economic growth.
CHAIR: Don Elliman, Chancellor, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
CHAIR ELECT: Michael Komppa, President, Corum Real Estate Group
SECRETARY/TREASURER: James C.T. Linfield, Partner, Cooley LLP
Mike Coffman, Mayor, City of Aurora
Curtis Gardner, Public Sector Solutions Manager, Waste Management and Councilman At-Large, City of Aurora
Tom Gronow, President and CEO, University of Colorado Hospital on the Anschutz Medical Campus
Jena Hausmann, President and CEO, Children’s Hospital Colorado
David Perez, Independent Board Member
Afshin Safavi, President and CEO, Safavi Holdings
Tony Salazar, Assistant Vice President of Engagement, University of Colorado
Dustin Zvonek, President and Owner, Zvonek Consulting and Councilman At-Large, City of Aurora
At Fitzsimons Innovation Community, visionaries boldly transform science into the future of health and care. Our Community pushes boundaries in a unified pursuit of health breakthroughs. From concept through commercialization, organizations choose Fitzsimons for its entrepreneurial environment, leading-edge facilities, and campus-wide support. Visionaries discover, develop, and collaborate with direct access to the renowned clinicians and researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. We are united to advance health.
Interviews available upon request.
Annie Coghill, 303-547-6692
annie@theprimaveragroup.com
Fitzsimons Innovation Community