OUR TEAM
Meet the Team Turning Science Into Outcomes
VivaMed BioPharma is led by a cross-disciplinary team of founders, operators, clinicians, researchers, and strategists with a track record of building, scaling, and delivering in healthcare and biotech. From regulatory approvals to AI innovation, from licensing to execution—this is the team built to move therapies forward when others stall.
MANAGEMENT TEAM
The Team Driving Innovation, Execution, and Growth
VivaMed BioPharma is led by a seasoned team of entrepreneurs, scientists, physicians, strategists, and operators. Together, we bring decades of experience in drug development, AI innovation, regulatory strategy, finance, and commercialization. This is the team building a new model for biotech—one designed to move faster, reduce risk, and deliver results.
Kendric Speagle
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Physician and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, having founded and scaled more than 15 companies. Notably founded NextCare Urgent Care and MeMD, a telehealth platform acquired by Walmart in 2021. Also founded Tribal Health, addressing healthcare disparities in Indigenous communities.
John Shufeldt, MD, JD, MD, FACEP
President & Chief Medical Officer
Leader in healthcare philanthropy and business development, with a track record of securing over $100M for healthcare innovation. Formerly led major funding campaigns at Valleywise Health Foundation. At VivaMed, she drives biopharma commercialization, strategic investments, and industry partnerships.
Kate Fassett
Chief Development Officer
Seasoned financial executive with expertise in financial services, technology, and healthcare. Played pivotal roles in expanding MicroAge to $5B in revenue and in the growth of NextCare and MeMD. As CFO of VivaMed, he drives the company's mission of transforming healthcare innovation.
Glenn Dean, MBA, CPA
Chief Financial Advisor
Expert in pharmaceutical innovation with experience in R&D, regulatory affairs, and product development. Leads initiatives to accelerate breakthrough therapies and expand VivaMed's impact.
Manel Ben-Aissa, PhD, MS
Chief Scientific Officer
Nicholas Harris
Chief Technology Officer
Dave Pulver
Chief Information Security Officer
Experienced life sciences attorney advising on IP, regulatory strategy, and biotech transactions. At VivaMed, he supports the company’s growth through legal oversight of partnerships, licensing, and compliance.
Ben Tietgen, JD
General Counsel
Expert in intellectual property strategy and regulatory compliance, with a background in biochemistry and molecular biology. At VivaMed, he ensures scientific discoveries are protected and strategically positioned for commercialization.
Dr. Miles Paszek, PhD
Life Sciences U.S. Patent Agent
Carrina Culver, M.P.A., B.S.
Director of Operations
Expert in pharmaceutical innovation with experience in R&D, regulatory affairs, and product development. Leads initiatives to accelerate breakthrough therapies and expand VivaMed's impact.
Tiffany Youtchoko, MBA, MEd
Director of Communications
Operations and administrative management professional with cross-industry experience spanning pharmaceuticals, technology, cybersecurity, automotive, and staffing. Juliana began her career at VivaMed as an Executive Assistant and advanced into the role of Operations Manager, supporting strategic planning, administrative infrastructure, partner coordination, and organizational workflow design.
Juliana Gutierrez
Operations Manager
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Chad Hays
Dr. Chad Hays was a physician, attorney, and healthcare executive whose expertise in clinical leadership, regulatory affairs, and health policy made a profound impact on the healthcare industry. His unique ability to bridge medicine, law, and business allowed him to navigate complex challenges and drive meaningful innovation.
CLINICAL ADVISORS
Guidance From the Frontlines of Medicine and Innovation
Our clinical advisors are leaders in medicine, health systems, and regulatory strategy. Their insights help shape our development priorities, validate clinical pathways, and ensure our therapies align with real-world practice and patient needs.
Barbara Wirostko, MD, FARVO is a board-certified glaucoma specialist, entrepreneur, and Co-founder/CMO of Qlaris Bio, with 25+ years in ophthalmic drug and device development. An Adjunct Professor at the University of Utah, she is internationally recognized for her work in exfoliation glaucoma and serves on numerous scientific boards.
Barbara Wirostko, MD, FARVO
John Shufeldt, MD, JD, MBA, FACEP is an emergency physician, entrepreneur, and healthcare strategist with 30+ years of experience, founding NextCare Urgent Care, MeMD, and Tribal Health. He continues to practice while leading and advising ventures that improve care access, clinical innovation, and operational performance.
John Shufeldt, MD, JD, MBA, FACEP
Ana Moran, MD is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Creighton University and Barrow Neurological Institute, and leads Infection Control and Antibiotic Stewardship at Select Specialty Hospital in Phoenix. She provides infectious diseases care for tribal communities and drives quality initiatives across systems, with prior NIH-funded physician-scientist experience at Baylor College of Medicine.
Ana Moran, MD
Kerry Knievel, DO is a Professor of Neurology and Director of the Lewis Headache Center at Barrow Neurological Institute, where she also completed her training. She serves as president of the Arizona Neurological Society and has held multiple leadership roles in regional and national headache and hospital organizations.
Kerry Knievel, DO
Anna Boron, MD, MBA is a triple board-certified endocrinologist and consultant at Arkangel Endocrinology and Diabetes, specializing in diabetes and obesity care. She has led endocrine services at St. Joseph’s Hospital and focuses on digital tools to improve chronic disease management.
Anna Boron
Mona Amini, MD, MBA is a board-certified psychiatrist and founder of Mon’Vie Mind Wellness, a concierge practice supporting high-performing professionals through stress and life transitions. She integrates evidence-based psychiatry with lifestyle medicine and consults on innovative mental health strategies in clinical and corporate settings.
Mona Amini, MD, MBA
Michael J. Martinelli, MD, FACC is an interventional cardiologist and CMO at Terumo Medical Corporation, with prior leadership roles at St. Peter’s Hospital and PrimeCare Physicians. An expert in transradial and structural heart interventions, he has taught and advised cardiovascular programs worldwide.
Michael Martinelli, MD, FACC, FSCAI
Michael Mills, MD, MPH is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix and Director of the Esophageal Swallowing and Reflux Center at Banner University Medical Center. A founder of Arizona Digestive Health and Phoenix Endoscopy, he is a recognized GI leader and multi-year “Top Doc” honoree.
Michael Mills
CONTACT
Let's Connect
Have a question, opportunity, or idea? Whether you’re a researcher, investor, or potential partner—we’d love to hear from you.