decorative image
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
decorative image
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
seed logo

SEED Federal Employees

staff decorative image
Matt McMahon's Headshot
Matt
McMahon
Director

Matt McMahon leads the SEED Office in helping to transform cutting-edge technologies into products that improve health and save lives. He previously served as the first director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Office of Translational Alliances and Coordination, and he created and led the National Eye Institute’s Office of Translational Research. His previous experience also includes service as the principal scientist for the bionic eye company Second Sight Medical Products and as a staff member on both the United States Senate and House of Representatives committees responsible for science, technology, and innovation policy.

Stephanie Fertig Headshot
Stephanie
Fertig
Director, NIH Small Business Program

Stephanie Fertig has more than twenty years of experience in translational research and has led the creation and implementation of multiple programs focused on small businesses and product development at NIH.  She currently oversees the Health and Human Services Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs and is co-chair of the Entrepreneurial Workforce Diversity Working Group.

headshot of Kate Fritz
Kate
Fritz
Operations Manager

Kate Fritz facilitates the execution of SEED’s strategic initiatives, engages with key stakeholders to promote trans-NIH entrepreneurial activities, and works to optimize SEED resources and workflow. She has supported U.S. small businesses across multiple industries for nearly two decades.

headshot of Pablo Gersten
Pablo
Gersten
Senior Project Manager

Pablo Gersten has worked at NIH since August 2000. He supported the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in various roles for 16 years before joining the NIH Office of Extramural Research in October 2016. His technical background is in network administration, but he has worked in project management, business analysis, and strategic business management since 2007. Pablo joined SEED in August 2021 as a Senior Project Manager for TABA Consulting Services. 

Max Olender's headshot
Max
Olender
AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow

Max Olender is a AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow. He brings a background in biomedical and mechanical engineering informed by experience in translational biomedical research and work in both small business and large medical device companies. He most recently served as a staff member in the United States Senate with a policy portfolio encompassing health innovation, regulation, and public health. 

Eric Padmore headshot
Eric
Padmore
Senior Advisor, Entrepreneurial Development

Eric Padmore is SEED’s Senior Advisor, Entrepreneurial Development. He serves as Program Director for I-Corps at NIH and is co-chair of the Entrepreneurial Workforce Diversity Working Group, which devises and implements strategies to expand participation by underrepresented groups in the NIH Small Business Programs.

Chris Sasiela's Headshot
Chris
Sasiela
Director, SEED Innovator Support Services

Chris Sasiela has over fifteen years of experience providing support and consultation to academic innovators and small businesses engaged in therapeutic, device, and diagnostic development programs. She coordinates the activities of a team of seasoned professionals with expertise in all areas of product and business development, including fundraising, partnerships, reimbursement, and regulatory affairs.

Katie Scott-Andrew's headshot
Katie
Scott-Andrews
Program Specialist

Katie is a Program Specialist for SEED. She brings her background of program management and coordination as well as her expertise in research and analysis. Katie joined NIH from American University where she worked as a Research Coordinator overseeing a major health research study and has a PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Michigan.

headshot of Laura Skow
Laura
Skow
Presidential Management Fellow

Laura Skow is a Presidential Management Fellow, with a research background in developing emerging technology solutions to measuring subtle changes in mobility and the neurocoordination of movement. She previously worked on outreach, coordination, and training for first-time and under-represented applicants to Institutes and Centers across the NIH as a part of the program team for the Human Heredity and Health in Africa Initiative, funded through the NIH Common Fund.

Adam Sorkin's headshot
Adam
Sorkin
Small Business Policy Manager

Adam Sorkin has over a decade of experience championing small business research and development. He previously supported Small Business Programs and intramural technology transfer activities at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Prior to joining NIH, Adam led R&D, strategy, and fundraising efforts of start-ups developing novel regenerative medicine and anti-infective applications.

SEED Contract Support

Entrepreneurs in Residence

  • Steve Flaim
  • Luis Gutierrez
  • Ethel Rubin
  • John Sullivan
  • Steve Wolpe
  • Anna Zornosa-Heyman

Product Development Support

  • Ben Berman – Regulatory (Medical Device)
  • Amber Fee – Coding
  • Franziska Moeckel – Regulatory & Reimbursement
  • David Nahmias – Regulatory (Digital)
  • Iris Sherman – Regulatory & Reimbursement
  • Mike Washabaugh – Drug Development
  • Sharon Yeske – Reimbursement (Drugs) 

Analysis

  • Ayanna Flegler
  • Olivia Meyer
  • Janelle Rowell
  • Kay Upham

Communications & Outreach

  • Laura Bonilla
  • Dasha Jennings
  • Vicki VanArsdale

Project Management

  • Taylor Bethea
  • Camarin King
  • Todd Rubinstein