After joining OTRADI and OBI in 2017, Ellis was promoted to assistant director in early 2019. She assumed the role of executive director for the organization in June 2020.

In her role, Heather manages and oversees all of OBI and OTRADI operations and spearheads OBI’s newest initiatives. She currently serves on the Portland Innovation Quadrant Board of Directors.

Ms. Ellis graduated from Portland State University, receiving a bachelor’s degree with minors in Business and Communications.

Ms. Thompson is an administrator with years of experience providing associations and businesses with managerial support. Before joining OTRADI, Ms. Thompson was an executive assistant at a number of large organizations, including Newsweek magazine and the City Club of San Francisco.

Lisa Wernli-Hunt is the Controller and Financial Operations Specialist at OTRADI. After 15 years as an accounting consultant to a wide array of start-ups in the software, technology and bioscience fields, Lisa joined OTRADI full time in March of 2025. A lifelong Oregonian, Lisa obtained her accounting degree from University of Portland, then spent several years in public accounting, ranging from small local boutique firms to global accounting giant Price Waterhouse.

Lisa is excited to bring her diverse accounting and financial consulting skills to the organization and its community of emerging bioscience companies.

Kierstynn Santana joined OBI in January 2026 as the Programs Coordinator at OBI, where she supports the planning and coordination of programs that advance the organization’s mission. She works closely with staff and partners to ensure programs run smoothly and effectively.

Kierstynn earned her Associate of Science in Business from Portland Community College and brings a strong foundation in organization, communication, and program support to her role. She is excited to contribute her skills and enthusiasm to OBI and to support its growing bioscience community.

Adrienne Klein brings a unique blend of skills and experiences to her role at Oregon Bioscience Incubator/OTRADI, where she joined the team in October 2023.

Adrienne gained invaluable experience in her previous career in the field of accounting working with start-ups in the Portland area. In her previous role, she was instrumental in providing financial guidance and support to emerging businesses, helping them navigate the complex financial landscape of entrepreneurship. Adrienne’s passion for biotechnology runs deep. Her fascination with the potential of biotech to transform healthcare and improve lives led her to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health at Southern New Hampshire University.

As Programs and Community Specialist, Adrienne is dedicated to creating an environment where innovation can flourish, resources are readily available, and strategic guidance is within reach for biotech start-ups. She manages day-to-day operations, facilitates networking and collaboration among biotech entrepreneurs, and coordinates essential programs and resources to propel innovative biotechnology ventures forward.

The OBI has two Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs), Bill Newman and Gordon Hoffman. Both have extensive entrepreneurial and venture capital backgrounds. They assist and coach OBI client companies and, through their BioMentor role, other emerging Oregon bioscience startups throughout the state of Oregon. Their areas of expertise include business formation, financing options, investor presentation reviews, business strategy, business model development, corporate development and governance, M&A, strategic partnerships, and both general and bioscience-specific business issues. The EIRs have an onsite office and work with OBI client companies regularly.

The OBI has two Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs), Bill Newman and Gordon Hoffman. Both have extensive entrepreneurial and venture capital backgrounds. They assist and coach OBI client companies and, through their BioMentor role, other emerging Oregon bioscience startups throughout the state of Oregon. Their areas of expertise include business formation, financing options, investor presentation reviews, business strategy, business model development, corporate development and governance, M&A, strategic partnerships, and both general and bioscience-specific business issues. The EIRs have an onsite office and work with OBI client companies regularly.