BIRMINGHAM ? Rick Galdi has stepped down as president of Great Lakes Angels to devote his full time efforts to sourcing and managing the investment portfolio for Essex Angel Capital. He will be replaced by David Weaver founder and former president.

For story on Essex Angel Capital, click on MITechNews.Com

Joining the Great Lakes Angels board is Jeff Sloan, who spearheads Aria Ventures, LLC whose mission it is to ?package? meritorious business opportunities and concepts into viable businesses.

In 1990, Jeff co-founded Sloan Ventures, LLC which developed, funded and launched a variety of startup companies with more than $80 million in private and institutional financing, including Clarity Technologies, LLC, GeneGo, LLC, VetGen, LLC, and Rubicon Genomics, LLC. Jeff was a founding member of the Michigan Venture Capital Association and was one of the first to serve on the Board of Directors. Jeff has also served as a Director on the Board of the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Also joining the board is John Dourjalian, who has more than two decades of experience in manufacturing, environmental and public health arena. John holds a Masters Degree in Industrial Management as well post graduate studies at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

Upon completing his academic endeavors he was employed in numerous technical positions as an environmental & manufacturing professional in both the public (EPA) and private (fortune 500 companies) sectors. Recently, he transitioned to investing in angel/venture capital and private placement investments. He was appointed as a technical advisor for several start-up companies and currently uses his expertise and knowledge when screening potential investments opportunities. He sits on the Oakland University Incubator investment review board and is a member of the Ohio Tech Angels (OTAF II).

Other board members are Don Baker (Safford & Baker, PLLC) and Tom Anderson (Automation Alley).

GLA monthly investor meetings will begin again in April or early May. Date to be announced.

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