The Michigan State University Foundation is a non-profit research foundation committed to serving Michigan State University’s strategic needs and beyond. As the premier land grant university in the nation, MSU and MSU Foundation work closely together in ensuring community and economic success.
Established in 1973, the MSU Foundation was created to advance MSU by supporting research, entrepreneurship, and placemaking as well as driving economic development through the commercialization of intellectual property created by its faculty, staff, and students.
Our mission is to connect cutting-edge researchers with the venture creation process. By bridging this gap, our team helps inventors thrive. Ideas become a reality with the support of our programs, investment, spaces, and community.
With our family of subsidiaries, our focus on technology commercialization and economic development is made possible. Spartan Innovations, Red Cedar Ventures, and University Corporate Research Park (UCRP), are key partners in the Michigan State University Innovation Center along with MSU Business Connect and MSU Technologies.
Our Team
David Washburn
Executive Director
Bradley Fingland , Ph.D.
Director of Venture Creation, Spartan Innovations
Jeff Smith
Director, UCRP
Jamie Binger
Finance Coordinator
Karri Christie, CPA
Accountant
Kay O’Berry
Administrative Assistant, UCRP
Todd Pasch
Facilities Manager, UCRP
Rebekah Skrzyniarz
Director of Finance
Jeff Wesley
Executive Director, Red Cedar Ventures
Gabriela Allum
Project Manager, UCRP
Susan Bukovcik
Accounting Assistant
Traci Cannon
Special Projects
Nichole Maguire
Administrative Assistant, Spartan Innovations
Drew Lillywhite
Facilities Specialist, UCRP
Frank Urban
Director of Venture Creation, Spartan Innovations
Prem Bodagala
Director, Red Cedar Ventures
Emily Andersen
Communications Coordinator
Chris Moran, CPA
Accountant
Erik Klink
Salesforce Administrator
Amy Motz
Executive Assistant, MSU Foundation
Dylan Kiger
Intern, Red Cedar Ventures