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As project leader, Expert launched aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer product line based on new polyol and catalyst technology and developed medical device, aerospace, and industrial applications. For a new ethylene copolymer Expert set up two partnerships to manufacture and market polyolefin dispersions and developed applications for hot melt adhesive, packaging, and industrial applications. Expert managed carpet latex technical service and development group and had direct account management for six major mills in the Southeast region. During that time, a new halogen-containing carpet backing latex was introduced that reduced latex manufacturing costs and lowered customer formulation costs.

Expert provided new product development subject matter expertise, user interface design, and business strategy on venture team for an Internet-enabled project collaboration joint venture with Dow Chemical, a global management consulting company, and a business incubator. With project team, Expert launched a collaborative medical device development service with a trade association and engineering firm to provide inventors and small company’s access to materials expertise, designers, suppliers, and the marketplace. Expert built up technology transfer function (new at Central Michigan University) connecting university intellectual property and expertise with licensing and collaboration opportunities and presenting seminars on intellectual property and entrepreneurship for faculty and students.

Expert identified markets that would be enabled by newly patented polymerization chemistry having broad potential for product differentiation and cost reduction. Expert developed value propositions and prioritized concepts for further research considering ability to meet application requirements, market potential, and global trends. This provided a roadmap that balanced developing new markets and engaging with current businesses on strategic initiatives. Expert developed a methodology to analyze functional performance in the context of application needs, giving market direction to early stage R&D, providing a hypothesis for product and application testing, and guiding inter-material substitution efforts for existing polymers.

Expert designed and implemented the first pipeline/ portfolio management system for a $2B global business, prepared financial analyses, trained and coached project teams, and facilitated Stage Gate decision making and strategic alignment. Expert expanded number of potential applications for new solution polymerization technology beyond the initial target by working across businesses and gaining approvals from business management teams. For a well-researched branch of polymer technology having no commercial applications, Expert developed the business plan to focus commercial development on a very few select applications consistent with intellectual property positions, product functionality, and market openings and trends which led to the creation of a strategic development partnership with a Japanese company.

Expert increased customer self-serve rates to 95+%, reduced incoming calls by 20%, and replaced web service outsourcing for business group by implementing an online knowledge base and customer service solution as corporate pilot program which subsequently was adopted by several businesses. Expert established the first company internal online communities of practice. After one year, over 40 communities were operating and Expert continued to serve as consultant on collaborative work spaces and open innovation. Expert achieved 8 – 12% savings on multi-million dollar North American and European purchasing contracts and established marketplaces for off-spec materials using reverse online auctions.

Market assessment, program management, and new uses development of soybean and other biobased products for rubber compounds, lubricants, and emerging industrial uses.Lead qualification, business development, and technical writing for plastics additives (process aid, functional filler, polyolefin elastomer, biobased plasticizer, thermally conductive filler, polypropylene clarifying agent).