Meet the Team

Lisa Prasad

Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer
Henry Ford Health

Lisa serves as Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at Henry Ford Health in Detroit, Michigan. She is the health system's top officer responsible for driving innovation initiatives, industry collaborations, and both domestic and international commercialization strategies and ventures. In this role, she positions Henry Ford to anticipate and shape the future of healthcare delivery in an increasingly consumer-driven landscape.

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.

Scott a Dulchavsky M.D., Ph. D.

Roy D. McClure Chairman of Surgery
Surgeon in Chief
CEO Innovation Institute
Henry Ford Health

Scott A. Dulchavsky, M.D., Ph.D. is currently a professor of surgery, molecular biology, and genetics at Wayne State University School of Medicine. He serves as the Roy D. McClure Chairman of Surgery and the Surgeon in Chief at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan, as well as the CEO of The Innovation Institute at Henry Ford Hospital.

Dr. Dulchavsky completed a PhD in Molecular Biology and Genetics at Wayne State University where he investigated the use of gene therapy to improve wound healing in disease states. He has served as research mentor to over 20 post-doctoral fellows and is a principal investigator for NASA and for the National Space Biomedical Research Institute in Houston, Texas. Dr. Dulchavsky received the “Space Technology Hall of Fame 2013” award. It was received for Products from Space Benefitting Planet Earth. His research focus involves teaching ultrasound to the astronaut and cosmonaut crews of the International Space Station to use for medical emergencies and on medical care of exploration class spaceflight.

This work has been modified for use on the Earth where his team supports the on-site care of professional sports teams and United States Olympic committee athletes as well as the Olympic Games. His team is working with worldwide organizations including the United Nations to enhance point of care ultrasound in underserved areas thru remote ultrasound guidance and to support maternal care in over 40 countries.

Dr. Dulchavsky has been elected to numerous professional organizations and national positions including the Society of University Surgeons, Society of Critical Trauma, the Society of Clinical Surgery, and the American Surgical Association. He is a reviewer and the Study Section Head of the National Institutes of Health-National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering Study Section for International Space Station research. He maintains an active role in local and National medical associations including the American College of Surgeons where he served on the Committee on Trauma and is the Vice Chair for Technology and Research. He is on the White House Medical Team which provides regional care for the President of the United States.

Joseph Jankowski MBA Ph. D.

Director
Henry Ford Innovations
Henry Ford Health

In 2012, Dr. Joseph Jankowski joined Henry Ford Innovations as leader of its technology management group. He is a nationally recognized commercialization leader, specializing in early-stage biomedical opportunity assessment and corporate financing and structuring.

Jankowski is active in corporate-level governance, having served as a founding or current board member and trustee for a myriad of entrepreneurial enterprises, including Arteriocyte, BioEnterprise Corporation, JumpStart, Polgenix and Thermalin Diabetes.

In January 2013, Dr. Jankowski became Case Western Reserve University’s first Chief Innovation
Officer. In this capacity, he serves as a leader of - and contributor to - innovation occurring within the University’s research and educational programs.

From 2003 to 2013, Jankowski directed the CWRU Technology Transfer Office (TTO). In this capacity, he led commercialization efforts for the University and its clinical affiliates that emanated from more than $300 million of research activity taking place at the CWRU and its affiliate institutions annually. Under his leadership, the TTO assessed more than 1,500 inventions disclosures, executed over 300 license and option agreements, established 40 spin-off enterprises and recorded more than $100 million in license income.

Ilan Rubinfeld, MD, MBA, FACS, FCCM, FCCP, FAMIA

Chief Medical Informatics Officer, Henry Ford Health
Chief Medical Officer, Henry Ford Innovations
Senior Staff, Trauma, Acute Care Surgery and Surgical Intensive care, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit
Professor of Surgery, MSU SOM and WSU SOM

Ilan Rubinfeld, MD, is one of the System’s chief medical informatics officers (CMIO) responsible for Innovation, Research and Education. He maintains a traditional CMIO role related to optimizing the electronic medical record and analytics available for quality and excellence in patient care, alongside his CMIO and CNIO partners. He also has responsibility as the IT representative and liaison to research, education and innovation projects and committees. In this role he helps to empower and enable our HFH researchers as well as research collaborations with MSU.

Additionally, he serves as the chief medical officer for Henry Ford Innovations. In that capacity he enables innovation through partnerships with industry, startups, and innovation-based projects on behalf of the system. As an active clinician he is an acute care surgeon, with added qualification in surgical intensive care. He has served as an ICU medical director and a residency associate program director.

As a researcher, his focus has been on leveraging machine learning methods in quality and operational research, as well as surgical outcomes and frailty, with an increasing focus on social determinants of health.

Jim Snyder, DO

Associate Chief Medical Officer
Physician, Hermelin Brain Tumor Center, Henry Ford Cancer
Associate Chief Medical Officer-Henry Ford Innovations
Henry Ford Health

James Snyder D.O. is a Neuro-Oncologist at the Hermelin Brain Tumor Center of Henry Ford Health dedicated to improving access to comprehensive multidisciplinary care and innovative clinical trials for people faced with cancer or tumors involving the brain and other conditions that bridge neurology and cancer. First and foremost, Dr. Snyder is a committed advocate for his patients, their families, and the neuro-oncology community, driving patient-centric innovation and progress.

Dr. Snyder serves as Associate Chief Medical Officer to Henry Ford Health Innovations committed to accelerating innovation that impacts human health. He also supports the Department of Neurosurgery as Director of Clinical Informatics, is the Principal Investigator of the Hermelin Brain Tumor Center liquid biopsy program and holds academic appointments with Michigan State University and Wayne State University.

Dr. Snyder completed his neuro-oncology fellowship at Henry Ford Health, Neurology Residency at Ascension Health, Medical Degree at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and undergraduate training through Michigan State University. Dr. Snyder’s research interests include therapeutic clinical trials for brain cancer, liquid biopsy for cancer, translational neuroscience and the pursuit of learning health systems.

Olena Y. Danylyuk Ph.D.

Licensing Associate

Olena is an experienced technology commercialization professional and a skilled scientist with over two decades of interdisciplinary Ph.D. research expertise in biomedicine, bioengineering, smart sensors and integrated microsystems, molecular and cancer biology, microbiology, mass spectrometry, analytical chemistry, and material science. She joined Henry Ford Health Innovations Institute in January 2022 as a Licensing Officer. She works closely with HFH clinical faculty, staff, and administration on intellectual property protection, technology transfer and commercialization, structuring and negotiating IP licensing agreements, supporting HFHS mission-based projects and fostering effective internal and external collaborations and partnerships.

Before her tenure at the Henry Ford Health System, Dr. Danylyuk spent 20 years at Wayne State University, where she held various positions in academic, clinical management, and technology commercialization. She served as an Associate Professor at the WSU School of Medicine and was a teaching professor at Lawrence Technological University. Additionally, she managed the Mass Spectrometry Lab at the Lumigen Instrument Center and served as treasurer on the Women in Medicine and Science committee. Olena is actively engaged in several Ukrainian civic and community organizations, holding a Board Vice-Chair position with the Ukrainian Selfreliance Michigan Federal Credit Union.

Alexander Reynolds

Project Manager

Alexander Reynolds is a project manager that joined the HFI team in 2022. On the team, he develops relationships with global and local healthcare technology leaders to bring disruptive technologies into Henry Ford Health for joint development with Henry Ford’s clinics. Before joining the team, Alexander received his bachelor’s in biomedical engineering from the University of Michigan followed by his work as a research assistant in a neurotoxicology research lab at the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University.

Vikas Relan

Program Director, Education and Collaboration

Vikas has worked with the health system for 25 years, starting as a student, then moving into an Information Technology Administrator role, with numerous tasks around helping employees get what they need. This instilled in him an educational mindset which he is very thankful for. He now directs projects and collaborations, taking what Henry Ford does exceptionally well, packaging that into a curriculum, and elevating health care around the country, and even around the world.

This educational mindset he has shines in everything he does. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, with a focus on mathematics. He also has a master’s degree in education, with a focus on Learning Design and Technology. He is now pursuing his doctorate in Education.

He recently retired from the Grosse Pointe Park City Council and was the first person of color elected to the government in his city, serving his full 4-year term honorably. He followed through on his promises, some including making the city safer, especially for school children and all pedestrians, along with improving the transparency of government actions. He has some very interesting and eye-opening stories about that journey and would love to chat with anyone interested. He has also held, throughout his life, and currently holds, numerous volunteer positions. His dad taught him while he was young, that “Giving back will make you happier than anything you get.”

Kate Zenlea, MPH, CPH

Program Director, Innovation & Industry Collaborative

Kate is the Program Director of Innovation & Industry at Henry Ford Health Innovations in Detroit, Michigan. In this capacity, Kate leverages industry collaborations to lead the development, design and implementation of innovation, clinical research, and evidence-based programs across the health system. She provides high-level strategic and operational input for healthcare innovation and growth, including the development of vetting strategies, cultivating strategic partnerships, licensing intellectual property, co-developing technologies, and program consultation. Kate has worked in Nepal, India, Thailand, Jordan, Argentina, and Colombia to promote global health equity and conduct educational training programs through global research collaborations. In this role, she identified and connected health system expertise and scalable public health interventions with global challenges in resource-limited settings. Her research is rooted in mixed-methods co-design to adapt and implement evidence-based frameworks to meet the social, cultural, and economic needs of the region. She serves as a leader in clinical trial diversity inclusion practices and ran the landmark Janssen and Moderna Phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine trials for Henry Ford Health, performing in the top tier of enrollment and diversity participation. Kate is a formally trained quality improvement coach, bridging the gap between academic research and applied healthcare practice across multiple disciplines. She received her Master of Public Health from New York University’s College of Global Public Health, specializing in international and community health.

David Althoen, MBA, Ph.D.

Senior Business Manager

David Althoen is a senior finance professional with a unique talent stack blending healthcare finance, data analytics, marketing strategy, and process optimization. Since joining Henry Ford Innovations (HFI) in 2023 David has leveraged his multidisciplinary expertise to drive financial strategy, enhance operational efficiency, and support innovative healthcare initiatives.

With over a decade of experience in healthcare, David served as Vice President of Finance at Forest Health Medical Center, where he led revenue forecasting, service line analysis, and marketing ROI assessments. His ability to integrate financial insights with data-driven decision-making helped align operational goals with patient care priorities. Earlier roles at Borders Books further honed his skills in data analysis, customer behavior insights, and leading cross-functional teams.

David has a PhD in History and an MBA from the University of Michigan, and a master’s degree from Jagiellonian University in Poland. Proficient in Polish and Italian, with competence in several other languages, David brings a global perspective and a collaborative leadership style to his work.

Alexandra Moceri

Senior Industrial Designer & 3D Printing Program Manager

Alexandra Moceri is the Senior Industrial Designer & 3D Printing Program Manager at Henry Ford Health – Innovations. She is responsible for designing and prototyping medical devices for commercialization and market entry. In addition to Product Design, she also oversees the 3D Printing Program. The program utilizes 3D printing technologies to create patient-specific anatomical prints for pre-surgical planning. She is a co-inventor on several patents from her time at HFI, including an Adjustable Transperineal Biopsy Needle Guide. This guide, which offers more versatility compared to the rest of the market, is designed to be used during transperineal biopsies for the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Prior to working at Henry Ford Health, she designed health and wellness products for Homedics. Products included medical, aroma therapy, home environment, audio, beauty and massage devices for a global market.

Alexandra was recognized as a Crystal Cabin Awards Finalist, an international competition seeking outstanding aircraft interior innovation. She also was named as an International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA Awards) Finalist. For over 40 years this award has been presented recognizing exceptional achievement in design. Her work has been featured in Inflight Magazine and Hour Detroit. Alexandra holds a BFA in Product Design from the College for Creative Studies.

JC Whitelaw

Producer/Director of Audio/Video Production 

John-Campbell "JC" Whitelaw is a multi-talented musician and the Producer/Director of Audio/Video Production at the Henry Ford Innovation Institute. With over 13 years at Henry Ford, JC has played a pivotal role in creating impactful multimedia content, including healthcare education programming, surgical videos, and innovative projects that support the institute's cutting-edge initiatives. He also serves as a freelance producer and director through his company, OR Media LLC, where he specializes in video production, creative direction, and audio engineering.

In addition to his role at Henry Ford, JC is a recording artist & songwriter who was a key member of the band Ash Can Van Gogh, which rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s. Known for their signature three-part harmonies and Americana sound, the band’s tracks such as No More Running and Just You Coming Down Again gained significant airplay. Ash Can Van Gogh became a standout in the emerging jam band scene, performing extensively and building a dedicated fanbase during that era.

Beyond his band experience, JC has also collaborated with industry giants like Carlos Alomar and Earl Klugh and has received numerous Detroit Music Awards and nominations. As the leader of his band JC & The Disciples, he continues to produce acclaimed work, including the release of his latest album, Hammered.

With a career spanning over four decades, JC's unique blend of creative and technical skills has made him a leader in both the music industry and the healthcare innovation space.

Carol Thayer

Executive Assistant

Carol Thayer is an accomplished administrative professional with over 15 years of experience supporting executives and teams across diverse industries, including healthcare, aerospace, and corporate services. Since joining Henry Ford Innovations in 2020, she has played a critical role as an Executive Assistant, leveraging her expertise in office management, expense management, and cross-functional coordination to ensure smooth operations and organizational success.

Carol’s extensive career includes key roles at organizations such as Boeing, Kelly Services, and McLaren Health Care. Her ability to manage complex schedules, facilitate communication, and optimize administrative processes has consistently made her a trusted partner to executives and colleagues alike.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carol is deeply committed to her community. She has volunteered for over a decade with organizations such as the United Way, Forgotten Harvest, and Gleaners Community Food Bank, focusing on poverty alleviation and social impact. She also brings her leadership skills to causes like the March of Dimes and Michigan Humane Society.
With a keen eye for detail, exceptional organizational skills, and a passion for helping teams thrive, Carol continues to be an invaluable asset to HFI and the communities she serves.

James P. O’Connor

Senior Consultant

James P. O'Connor joined Henry Ford Innovations in March 2021 as an Advisor following his retirement as Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Management for Henry Ford Health System (HFHS). Widely regarded as a leading expert in healthcare supply chain strategy and optimization, Jim brings decades of experience in transforming supply chain operations and fostering strategic partnerships.

Jim retired in January 2021 after a 15-year tenure leading HFHS's supply chain, where he was responsible for strategic sourcing, procurement, logistics, supplier diversity, and financial reporting. His leadership was instrumental in turning the HFHS supply chain into a highly efficient, value-driven operation that optimized cost savings and service delivery across the system. Jim also served as Chair of the Strategic Advisory Committee for Premier Inc., a national group purchasing organization, where he contributed to nationwide efforts in healthcare procurement and supplier relations.

Prior to HFHS, Jim held senior roles at Trinity Health and the Detroit Medical Center. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Health Services Administration from Central Michigan University.

Jim is assisting Henry Ford Innovations with commercialization efforts, strategic partnerships, co-development and innovation hubs, as well as education and training opportunities.

Wilma J. Ruffin, BSBA, M. Ed

Consultant, DEIJ Community Outreach and Faith Based Initiatives Programs 

Wilma J. Ruffin brings over 30 years of experience in research administration, spanning roles at Wayne State University as Administrator in the Division of Community Education and Grant and Contracts Officer III in Sponsored Programs, and as Manager of Research Programs in the Department of Surgery at Henry Ford Health. Her extensive expertise, combined with her passion for community engagement and education, has driven her to innovate programs that improve processes and empower underserved populations with essential health literacy tools.

Wilma has been instrumental in developing impactful programs in collaboration with Henry Ford Health medical experts and faith-based organizations. Notable initiatives include Your Journey to Wellness, the Faith-Based Healthy Living Kiosk, and the corporate program Your Pathway to Healthy Living, as well as Kiosk and Digital Technology in the Kingdom. These programs aim to enhance health literacy and accessibility, particularly for at-risk communities.

As a consultant with HFII, Wilma has dedicated her expertise to improving community trust and participation in clinical research. She partnered with the Cancer Center to develop focus group strategies that "meet people where they are"—in community centers, churches, senior centers, and through virtual meetings. These efforts helped demystify clinical trial research, emphasizing the importance of diverse participation. Her educational interventions increased enrollment of African American men and women in breast and prostate cancer studies by building trust and fostering open communication with healthcare providers.

In addition to her health literacy efforts, Wilma coordinates the Henry Ford High School Surgical Mentorship Program, directed by Dr. Ikenna Okereke. This program bridges the gap for underrepresented students by exposing them to surgical simulation and other healthcare fields. Over the past three years, the program has engaged students from 36 high schools across Detroit and Southeastern Michigan, with participation from 425 students in surgical simulation or microanatomy sessions led by Dr. Okereke and other Henry Ford Health physicians. It has also provided 48 students with paid summer internships. Through this initiative, students not only dream of careers in healthcare but also gain exposure, tools, and mentorship to turn those dreams into achievable goals.

Wilma’s dedication to improving health literacy, fostering trust in clinical research, and creating opportunities for underrepresented students exemplifies her commitment to advancing equity and empowering communities.

Sally Girard

Marketing & Content Strategy Manager

Sally has spent nearly 25 years in the healthcare communications space. In her role at HFI, she provides marketing and communications strategy, content creation and campaign execution.

She started her professional career as a print journalist before shifting to PR and marketing, leading internal, external, physician and crisis communication at the 485-bed Henry Ford Macomb Hospital.

After 13 years at the operational level, she transitioned to a corporate communication management role at Henry Ford Health. Sally led and executed communication strategies for many enterprise-wide departments including Human Resources, IT and Customer Experience. She led the internal team responsible for daily employee email and intranet communications, and supported physician and executive leadership communication.

Sally is the recipient of multiple awards, including: Healthcare Ad Awards: Gold Award for Digital Video Ad, More Than Two Minutes; Community Service Award, CARE of Southeastern Michigan; Henry Ford Health System Focus on People Award; Silver Award Winner, National Mature Media Awards for LiveWell Magazine and Henry Ford Health System Shadow of Influence Award.

James Adams

Education Advisor

James Adams is a seasoned educator with over 30 years of experience teaching and mentoring students in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Renowned for his innovative teaching methods and unwavering commitment to student success at Grosse Pointe South High School, he has inspired countless students to achieve their full potential.

Now, as a consultant with Henry Ford Innovations, James brings his wealth of educational expertise to our team. He provides strategic support in educational program development, contributing to initiatives like the MSU Leadership Academy, the Adrian College MHA program for India, the India High School Davidson initiative, and the HFI Davidson Program. He also supports capstone projects and various Youth Pathways initiatives where HFI is involved.

James is passionate about empowering the next generation of innovators and making a positive impact on the community. His dedication to education and innovation aligns perfectly with our mission at Henry Ford Innovations, and we are thrilled to have him on board.

Lauren Willens

Senior Counsel

Lauren E. Willens is Senior Counsel for Henry Ford Health, where she is the lead attorney for matters related to privacy, information technology (IT), healthcare, supply chain management, and intellectual property (IP). Lauren focuses her practice on drafting and negotiating commercial agreements relating to the use of system; protecting patient data; HIPAA compliance, HIPAA breaches and compliance; regulatory; commercial transactions, and IP matters, including brand development, procurement, enforcement, and domestic and international licensing. Her work also includes forming health system policy and guiding strategic business decisions. She also speaks and writes on health law topics such as HIPAA, AI, and IT contracts.