Dr. Don Oparah

Dr. Don Oparah leads VAI Global as Founder and CEO and brings with him a range of experience in technology business, consulting, research and education as well as very specific knowledge about accelerating start-up ventures and building innovation communities. Prior to starting VAI Global, Don developed the vision for, launched and successfully grew the UCSB Venture Acceleration Initiative (VAI) to accelerate university spin-off ventures. He also spent several years working in IT and Strategy consulting in the UK. Dr. Oparah holds a PhD in Computer Science from Cambridge University and an MBA with Entrepreneurship Focus from UCLA Anderson.

Mark McGilvray

Mark is the IT specialist and Technology Lead for VAI Global. In this capacity, Mark is tasked with maintaining the Innovation Community and the VAI Global website. He has worked in startup commercial software companies, aerospace firms and is now residing at UCSB. Much of his career has been spent directing small, agile Information Technology teams. He works in UCSB's Student Health, but also leads several campus IT projects. Mark likes cooking Santa Maria style BBQ, playing golf and lives with several generations of his family in the North County of Santa Barbara.

Tyler McHugh

Tyler McHugh is a fourth year studying Political Science and Spanish at UC Santa Barbara. Tyler joined VAI in 2008 and made the transition to VAI Global to help nurture and grow the virtual community. At VAI UCSB, Tyler coordinated events to engage the community and build the network. He is eager to help VAI Global develop and is excited to contribute to the team and to the community.

Kacy Marume

Kacy Marume graduated from UC Merced in May 2009 with a degree in Literatures and Cultures and American Studies. She was a curator for an exhibit at the UC Merced library and coordinated many events for the University Women of Merced Network. Kacy joined VAI Global in late 2009 where she has been involved in marketing projects to enhance outreach and interest. She has been energized by the opportunity to assist in the cultivation of the VAI Global community.

Mariya Bunenko

Mariya is a fourth-year Economics and Russian Studies student at UC Los Angeles. She joined VAI Global in early 2010 to help enrich the virtual community by researching potential partners and community members, as well as assisting in marketing projects. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of the VAI Global team and to contribute to the community.

Sagiv Some

Sagiv is a fourth year studying Economics, Mathematics and Technology Management at UC Santa Barbara. Sagiv made the transition to VAI Global from VAI UCSB, where he was involved in conducting market feasibility studies for the ventures and developing business strategies for the group. He is excited to contribute to the community through VAI Global’s highly motivated team of professionals.