Management Team and Advisors

Karl R. Zawoy – CEO

Karl holds 30+ years in business development and product commercialization for Fortune 100 and early-stage startup companies. He developed and launched multiple medical device products for companies, including CD Medical, Johnson & Johnson, Novoste, and Biofield. He recently served as the Director of the Santa Fe College Innovative Product Development Center in Gainesville, Florida helping more than 70 startup CEOs raise investment and launch new products. Karl earned an MS degree in Computer Science from Nova Southeastern University and a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida. He is an inventor on 13 patents and a Registered Technology Transfer Professional.

Dr. Stephen F. Larner – COO

Dr. Stephen Larner, PhD, CPA, MMgmt, is the CEO and founder of BioRegency, Inc., a company dedicated to developing and validating biomarkers for traumatic brain injury and treatment. He is also COO for Oak Bay Botanicals, Inc. Stephen earned a Master of Management from Northwestern University, a PhD in Neuroscience from University of Florida, and is an inventor on five patent applications, with more than 25 years of business experience.

Susan Powers, BSBA, MBC - Director of Business Development

Susan Powers is a dynamic business development leader with a proven track record in client success, sales strategy, and market expansion. With extensive experience in B2B and B2B2C environments, she excels in identifying growth opportunities, fostering strategic partnerships, and enhancing customer engagement. Her expertise spans technical sales presentations, product development, and account management, honed through leadership roles in SaaS, veterinary medical technology, and startup ecosystems. Susan's ability to translate customer needs into actionable business strategies, coupled with her background in marketing, communications, and team leadership, positions her as a driver of success in the equine healthcare space. 

Rich Alterman – Investor and Board Member 

Currently the EVP Business Development for GDS Link, LLC. GDS Link provides state-of-the-art technology, DataView360tm, to connect third party and internal data sources. It implements credit score models and business processes throughout the credit lifecycle of a consumer or business. As a Board Member, Rich brings 40 years of business experience, which he consistently leverages to bring thought leadership to Clearikon™. 

Elaine T. Buice, RN

Elaine is a registered nurse and the Clearikon™ Touchless Bandage inventor. She has been practicing wound care for 26 years. In 2002, she was awarded “Nurse of the Year” for District 11 in Georgia for Wound Care Innovations. She is a member of the Nursing Association of Georgia and holds a MS Degree of Esthetician, BSN, BS in Psychology, and is an inventor on 6 patents.

Dawn Norman, FDA Regulatory & Clinical Strategy Advisor

Dawn, a Partner with MRC Global, has extensive background in the medical device and biologics industry including VC funded startups to fortune 100 device manufacturers. Dawn’s depth of experience allows her to develop custom client solutions, go-to strategies for clinical studies and evaluations, and a risk-based approach related to regulatory and quality systems.