Wyatt Nagler

Business Insurance Broker, Marsh McLennan Agency

Wyatt Nagler is a Business Insurance Broker at Marsh McLennan Agency in San Francisco. Wyatt has been with Marsh for 7 years and helps run the Life Sciences Practice in San Francisco. Originally working in San Diego’s life sciences hub, Wyatt moved to the Bay Area 6 years to help grow the life sciences practice. Wyatt’s expertise is in scaling his clients insurance programs from company inception through Clinical Trials, international expansion, commercialization, M&A, and IPOs.

Chris Schmid

Employee Health & Benefits Consultant, Marsh McLennan

Chris Schmid is an Employee Health and Benefits Consultant for Marsh McLennan. He started with the firm in 2016 on the account management team as a benefit service associate.

In his current role, he helps HR and finance leadership develop employee benefit programs to align with broader human capital and financial objectives. His background in account management allows him to understand and quickly address client issues. Chris is a key contributor to MMA’s life science practice group and Beyond Benefits program.

Chris earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Finance from University of San Diego. He holds a Group Benefits Disability Specialist (GBDS) and Health Insurance Associate (HIA) designation.

Samantha Schneider

Founder & CEO, AmpersandPeople

Samantha Schneider is the founder and Principal of AmpersandPeople, Inc. She is an established People Leader with over 20 years of experience in recruiting and human resources working with a variety of industries. Samantha holds a Bachelors in Organizational Communications from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

Linda Sierra

Bench International, SVP Business Development

Linda Sierra is Bench International’s SVP Business Development, Co-Chair DE&I and Latino Life Science and Healthcare Leader. With more than thirty years of experience in the Life Sciences industry, Linda spent the first eighteen years in Human Resources with five biotechnology companies in both the San Diego and South San Francisco. Linda transitioned to executive search in 2010, with the first seven years as a top executive recruiter, and she has led business development since 2017, focusing on VP, C-Level and Board Director assignments nationally. Linda maintains a deep understanding of the industry having hands-on experience in all stages of companies.

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As a Latina, and many times the only one at her company, Linda is passionate about Diversity Equity & Inclusion and has held several symposia on the subject to raise awareness. She is also an unapologetic advocate and ally for people of color and women in executive leadership. Linda is heavily involved in her community and sits on the newly formed BIOCOM Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, LifeHR Network board, is a 20+ year member of MANA de San Diego and Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association. She is proud of being a founding member of MANA de San Diego’s Latina Success Leadership Program which was created in partnership with The Center for Creative Leadership and National University which has had more than 250 women go through the career development program.

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Linda has a Certificate in Human Resources which she began at UC Berkeley Extension and completed at UC San Diego Extension.

Grant Yeatman

Managing Director, National Life Sciences Practice Group

Grant provides real estate advisory and brokerage services to life sciences clients, both occupiers and investors/landlords alike, in all the major life sciences markets throughout the country.

As a leader of JLL’s West Coast Life Sciences Team, Grant specializes in representing investors/developers and tenants in their R&D lab and biomanufacturing strategies.  Grant co-leads the national initiative to evaluate life science opportunities throughout the country.

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Prior to joining JLL, Grant was a Vice President at Citigroup in New York City and was a Lieutenant in the US Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer, completing deployments aboard a destroyer and minesweeper.

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​Grant earned a BA in Business Administration from the University of Southern California, where he was a two-time captain of their lacrosse team. Grant lives in San Francisco with his wife, Elizabeth and three daughters.

Cheryl L. Zuckerman

Director of Business Development, Connor Group

Cheryl L. Zuckerman is a Director in Connor Group's Business Development practice, bringing over 20 years of industry experience in Biotech, MedTech, and technology. Her expertise lies in driving efficiencies, advising on capital raising strategies, optimizing revenue and operations, and preparing companies for M&A, IPOs, and market stability.

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She prioritizes customer satisfaction and collaborates with top-notch subject matter experts to ensure companies are well-prepared for their next steps, be it IPO readiness or other requirements. With a keen focus on technical accounting ramifications and holistic goal analysis, Cheryl works closely with companies to develop and execute tailored plans for success. She and her team have a deep understanding of complex accounting and financial matters, including business combinations, stock compensation, accounting standards, and SEC requirements.

Prior to joining Connor Group, Cheryl worked at Johnson & Johnson and Biocom California. She holds an MBA from UCONN and advanced degrees from Wharton and Cornell. With her extensive experience spanning across different regions, she is well-versed in diverse climates and creating optimal conditions for success.