The Institute's Directors

 

 

The Institute is directed by Dr. Sandy Weinberg, the Muhlenberg Entrepreneur-in-Residence. Dr. Weinberg, who serves as a professor in the Accounting, Business, and Economics department, teaches the introductory entrepreneurial studies class, small business management, and the senior seminar in entrepreneurial policy and strategy. He also serves a faculty advisor and mentor to students and offers advice and guidance to students, alumni, faculty, and staff interested in starting or growing their own businesses. He is assisted and supported by an Advisory Committee comprised of area entrepreneurs and college leaders.

Dr. Weinberg combines an academic career in information systems and biomedical science with ten years of entrepreneurial experience establishing and growing biomedical device and biotech companies. He has developed and patented algorithms, software products, and devices for the testing of diagnostic systems, for the diagnosis and evaluation of AIDS blood testing; for air quality maintenance in Class Four biotechnology laboratories, for control of laboratory information systems, for the evaluation of sonograms and mammograms, and for several additional systems. He is a frequent consultant to the United States Food and Drug Administration, the US Environmental Protection Agency, equivalent agencies in the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and the EU, and to the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. In addition, Dr. Weinberg has authored over twenty books, including Validation Compliance Manual 1996 and Good Laboratory Practice Regulations.

Gerald J. Whartenby serves as associate director of the Institute, specializing in youth and community outreach activities. He brings a variety of experiences to the position, including service with the United States Navy (Submarine Service), the Philadelphia Police Department and administrative responsibilities at two area high schools. Mr. Whartenby holds bachelor's and masters' degrees from LaSalle University and is an ordained (Catholic) Deacon. Mr. Whartenby also has extensive personal entrepreneurial experience, particularly in the fields of microbusiness, entertainment and publishing. His position is supported by grants from a number of sources including The Windmill Foundation, The Digital District of Allentown and the Sylvia Perkin Foundation. Mr. Whartenby joined the Muhlenberg staff in 2001.

Peter S. Linder serves as associate director of the institute, specializing in venture capital funding. He holds a bachelor's degree from Penn State University and master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania. After a distinguished corporate career in data processing services, Mr. Linder organized, launched and managed a series of medical delivery companies. After selling those companies, he began a new career investing in start-up companies and currently serves as Chairman of LORE, one of the oldest and most respected angel investment networks in the country. Mr. Linder joined the Muhlenberg staff in 2002.

Other principals:
The advisory board of the Institute of entrepreneurship is chaired by William Miers, a member of the Muhlenberg College Board of Trustees and retired president of Miers Insurance. An experienced entrepreneur himself, Mr. Miers was one of the founders of the Institute of entrepreneurship and the entrepreneur Studies Program at Muhlenberg College, and has since provided valued leadership.

The Institute also employs a Student Director. This student maintains this Web page, assists with the Annual Entrepreneurial Dinner, and publishes the semi-annual newsletter Innovations, along with other Institute events. This year Jared Rosen and Katie Macomber will be the Institute's Student Directors.


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