Dana Caglayan of Southwest Research Institute

Biography:

Ms. Çağlayan is an R&D Executive Director at Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI) with expertise in electro-mechanical dynamic systems, chemical-process-based systems, and signals analysis. With more than 20 years of experience in her field, she guides and mentors technical leadership and personnel management while developing new business areas and supporting client needs. An Electrical Engineer by trade, she was an integral contributor and leader on a number of projects which developed into large sustaining program areas for SwRI and the US Government.

Throughout her roles, Ms. Çağlayan has been responsible for projects totaling over $20 million of revenue per year—assuming full responsibility for technical, financial, and project completion goals while providing direction to diverse teams of scientists, engineers and technicians. She started her career in 1998 with the US Air Force Reserves and joined SwRI in 2003 after receiving her B.A. in Electrical Engineering.

Heather Hanson of BioMedSA

Biography:

Heather Hanson is a proven, successful senior-level executive, known for improving organizational performance and shareholder value through planning, analysis, problem-solving, program development and servant leadership. She leverages her extensive experience in multiple aspects of the medical device industry to serve the members of BioMedSA and the San Antonio biomedical industry at large. Ms. Hanson has worked at the ground level and managed others to accomplish all aspects of medical device development, including: research, design, quality, regulatory, manufacturing, field service, clinical trials and supply chain. As an engineer, she has designed products and equipment resulting in 24 U.S. patents for a variety of medical technologies.

As an executive, she has led companies to improve their operational performance, establish efficient processes, raise capital, while motivating peers and employees to achieve positive results. Ms. Hanson has also founded a successful consulting company, Corvax Solutions, to assist companies and entrepreneurs in the development of medical devices. Additionally, she has worked directly for Southwest Research Institute, Motorola and Seno Medical, and worked with a multitude of medical device companies and research institutions as a consultant.

Ms. Hanson holds a BSE in Mechanical Engineering from Arizona State University and a MS in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University. She and her family have called San Antonio home for over 20 years.

Monica Hayes of Fusion Success Group

Biography:

Monica Hayes is the Founder and Managing Principal of Fusion Success Group, a consultancy known for its expertise in process improvement, project management, coaching, and training across various sectors. With over 18 years in Operations, R&D, Engineering, and Consulting, Monica has spearheaded initiatives that encompass process optimization, program management, strategic business transformation, and Lean Six Sigma implementation. These efforts have consistently resulted in significant efficiency gains, innovative growth, and profound business transformation for her clients.

Monica's educational pedigree includes a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UTSA. Complementing her formal education, she holds credentials as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, GrowthWheel Business Advisor, and Marshall Goldsmith Executive Coach. Dedicated to industry advancement, she was honored as a Top 40 Under 40 by the San Antonio Business Journal in 2022. She’s also an active contributor to industry organizations, serving on distinguished boards such as The Health Cell and the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind.

Outside her professional pursuits, Monica is an avid mentor and speaker, delving into themes such as Continuous Improvement, Career Development, and Entrepreneurship. Her personal endeavors highlight a tapestry of interests, from dedicated motherhood to savoring culinary and musical arts, and maintaining her passion for athletics as a former NCAA Division 1 track and field athlete at UT Austin.

Nancy Gray

Biography:

Nancy Gray has been Engineering Futures Facilitator since 1997. Nancy is currently retired after spending over 30 years in design engineering and engineering management. She spent the majority of those years in positions involving airborne military avionics and communications systems at Rockwell and Honeywell. The last 8 years before retirement Nancy spent at a smaller NASDQ company in various management positions including the Vice President of Systems Engineering and Program Management.

Nancy graduated in 1969 from the University of Michigan with a B.S.E. in Science Engineering majoring in Electrical Engineering. While at the University of Michigan, she served on the Engineering Student Council and was active in Tau Beta Pi. Nancy currently lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband. She volunteers at local state parks leading hikes and for the Bureau of Land Management as a River Ranger Assistant. She and her husband enjoy whitewater rafting and canoeing, scuba diving and snow skiing.