Advisory Board
Donald Bonk
Donald Bonk is a consultant at Carnegie Mellon University, focusing on public management and economic development. He significantly contributes to the region through his various board roles. Bonk served as the host of the Pittsburgh Tomorrow Podcast at Pittsburgh Quarterly Magazine, where he explored the city’s future with key leaders. He M.A. in Public Management from Carnegie Mellon University (2009) and B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania (1985) where he remains active as president of the alumni club.
Jean-Luc Park
Jean-Luc Park is the Senior Director of Social Impact Funds at TEDCO, where he oversees strategies for fostering Maryland’s economic growth. A founding partner at Ferrum Capital and a seasoned consultant with notable stints at the International Finance Corporation and Calvert Social Funds, Jean-Luc has directed over $50 million in investments across diverse funds and direct ventures. His investment journey began at Draper Triangle Ventures and Lycos Ventures in 1999, navigating through the highs and lows of the private equity sector. A Carnegie Mellon alumnus (B.S. in Math/Computer Science, B.A. in Economics, MBA), Jean-Luc’s leadership roles include the Global Advisory Board of the MIT Enterprise Forum and executive chair of its Washington D.C. and Baltimore chapter.
Kit Needham
Kit Needham is the Assistant Dean for Entrepreneurship Initiatives at CMU, guiding student startups with advice, strategy, and industry connections. She’s involved with BlueTree Allied Angels, contributes to Chatham University’s entrepreneurship efforts, and consults to boost economic growth. Kit manages the Olympus Incubator Space, fostering student entrepreneurial projects.