Archives: Speakers

Gabriel is an experienced Bio-pharma professional with a passion to help patients gain access and receive the best possible treatment options. A demonstrated history of increasing responsibility working in different aspects of the industry ranging from technical roles in Quality/R&D/Manufacturing to Operations Strategy/Program and Product Management/Supplier and CMO relationships management among others.

Congressman Jeff Van Drew represents New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District, encompassing all of South Jersey. With a career rooted in public service, Van Drew has spent decades working to improve the lives of New Jersey families, strengthen local communities, and ensure the region’s priorities are heard in Washington, D.C.

A practicing dentist before entering public office, Van Drew began his public service as a city councilman and mayor, later serving in the New Jersey State Legislature. These roles gave him firsthand insight into the challenges facing local communities, from economic development and job growth to infrastructure and coastal protection.

In Congress, Van Drew serves as Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight, where he plays a key role in ensuring transparency and accountability within the federal government. He is also a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, including its Subcommittee on Aviation, where he advocates for investments in transportation systems critical to New Jersey and the nation.

Since his election to Congress, Van Drew has secured funding for critical infrastructure and shore protection projects, supported job creation and small business growth, and advocated for expanded resources for veterans, seniors, and first responders.

Throughout his career, Congressman Van Drew has emphasized collaboration and accessibility, meeting directly with constituents to understand their concerns and turning those needs into action. His approach blends a deep connection to South Jersey with a commitment to ensuring New Jersey’s interests are represented on the national stage.

Today, Van Drew continues to work tirelessly for the people of South Jersey and the United States, guided by a dedication to improving communities, protecting resources, and creating opportunities for a stronger future.

Ram Akella currently serves as the NJEDA’s Executive Vice President for Innovation Impact. Ram joined the NJEDA in November 2022 to oversee all clean energy, venture funds, and innovation products, including direct investments in emerging companies and strategic innovation centers in the State of New Jersey. Ram was also pivotal in the establishment of the New Jersey Green Bank, a subsidiary of the NJEDA formally established in Spring of 2024 that is dedicated to facilitating an equitable energy transition in the State through climate-related investments and financing products. Prior to joining the NJEDA, Ram was Managing Partner and Founder of Phoenix Capital Partners, a merchant banking boutique. During the same time, he was Managing Partner of ra Ventures, an early-stage venture fund in deep tech, battery technology, and climate technologies. Ram started his career in investment banking at various firms working in mergers & acquisition.

Raymond Adams is a nationally recognized expert in aviation and advanced air mobility (AAM), bringing over 35 years of experience across the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the U.S. Navy, and the private sector. He is the Founder and CEO of Trajectrix Corporation, a New Jersey-based startup pioneering the secure integration of autonomous and remotely piloted aircraft into the National Airspace System (NAS) through its patented technology.

As Principal of Airde Elevated Thinking, a systems engineering firm specializing in advanced aviation, Raymond supports critical FAA initiatives involving Urban Air Mobility (UAM), autonomous flight operations, and regulatory reform for UAS and AAM integration. His work includes development of autonomous flight corridors, FAA regulatory frameworks, and policy pathways for next-generation aviation systems. Airde also manages the Cape-Atlantic UAS Test Range in Southern New Jersey, serving as a key resource for emerging UAS technologies.

Earlier in his career, Raymond served as an FAA air traffic controller at Newark Liberty International Airport and the New York Air Route Traffic Control Center, where he developed deep operational insight into airspace management. He later engaged in multiple national FAA modernization efforts, including the deployment of DataComm, a key digital communications component of the NextGen air traffic system.

A champion of innovation and policy modernization, he serves on advisory boards for multiple aviation nonprofits and economic development organizations. Raymond is widely regarded for his strategic foresight, operational credibility, and technical fluency in the systems that underpin both legacy and future airspace operations.

Chris C. Seher is a seasoned expert in aviation safety and security, with over 55 years of experience in research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E). Currently serving as Principal Program Manager at Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), Chris is recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a subject matter expert in airport safety and visual guidance. His career spans leadership roles in both government and private sectors, including an 8-year appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) level.

Chris holds a B.S. in Physics from Drexel University and an M.S. in Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Throughout his career, he has led groundbreaking initiatives, including the FAA’s National Aviation Research Plan (NARP) and Technology Transfer Program, as well as advanced R&D efforts in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) integration, airport safety, and aviation security technologies.

A recipient of numerous accolades, including the FAA Distinguished Career Service Award and Aviation Week’s Laurels Award, Chris has also contributed extensively to the field through publications and conference presentations. His leadership and expertise have left an indelible mark on the aviation industry, making him a trusted authority in advancing safety and security in the national airspace system.

Patrick Rhys Atack is the Editor on our Transport desk, managing the Ship Technology, Airport Technology, and Railway Technology sites. He’s covered education, business, and general news at various TV stations and online outlets.

Over a decade of experience in Marketing working for FMCG companies like: Nestle, Danone, AB InBev and Asahi leading strategic across various markets.