Dr. Will Canestaro is a venture capitalist, health economist and meta-epidemiologist with a demonstrated history of working in the biotechnology industry. He manages the Foundation’s biotech and engineering VC investment portfolio. Through WRF, Dr. Canestaro has made 25 investments in 19 Washington-based companies.

Dr. Canestaro also teaches courses at the UW School of Business and School of Pharmacy on Health Innovation and Meta-Analytic methods, respectively.

Dr. Canestaro earned his doctorate from the University of Washington’s School of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research and Policy Program. He received an M.Sc. in medical anthropology from Oxford University and an A.B. in medical sociology from Dartmouth College.

As President & CEO of Life Science Washington (LSW), Marc sets the strategic direction, guides policy priorities, and directs business operations to ensure our members have the talent, investment, and partnerships needed to sustain the industry’s robust growth and solidify Washington state’s reputation as one of the top life science clusters in the nation. Marc also serves as the Chair of the Life Science Washington Institute, which is an affiliated non-profit focused on supporting life science entrepreneurs and growing start-up companies in Washington.

Before taking the helm as President & CEO, Marc served as Vice President, Public Policy & External Affairs for LSW. Prior to joining Life Science Washington, he served as Director of Policy & External Affairs for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), where he was actively involved in creating and advocating for several statewide bioscience initiatives including the Life Sciences Discovery Fund. He was also deeply involved in a range of PNNL’s philanthropic science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education partnerships and science education initiatives. Prior to moving to Washington state, Marc held a variety of policy and consulting positions in Washington, D.C.

Marc has served on several gubernatorial task forces including the Washington Clean Energy Leadership Council and the Life Science & Global Health Advisory Council. His board service includes a number of statewide trade associations, including Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) and the Washington Clean Technology Alliance (WCTA).

Marc loves playing tennis, waterskiing, mountain biking, and Oregon Pinot Noir.

Margaret McCormick, PhD, serves as executive director and chief operating officer of Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI) and also as vice president of research for Virginia Mason Medical Center. Dr. McCormick joined BRI in 2017 and previously served as BRI’s chief administrative officer, with direct oversight of operational functions including human resources, finance, facilities and safety.

Over the past two decades, Dr. McCormick’s work has centered on launching, managing and investing in life science companies, frequently at the start-up level. Most recently, she served as CEO of Matrix Genetics, an industrial biotechnology company, spun out of Targeted Growth, Inc. Prior to that role, she held positions as chief operations officer at Targeted Growth, as a principal at Integra Ventures, as a consultant for McKinsey & Company and as Director of Business Development for the biomedical incubator and technology investment fund at Baylor College of Medicine.

Dr. McCormick received a PhD in biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Recently, she served as a trustee for both the Pacific Northwest Research Institute and the Life Science Discovery Fund Authority and is currently the Vice Chair and member of the Executive Committee of the Life Sciences Washington board.

Som is an architect and principal planner with over 23 years of experience in the design and construction industry, including roles with A&E firms, design-build contractors, and owner representatives. He specializes in architecture, laboratory planning and programming for science and advanced technology projects for both public and private clients in Canada, the US, Malaysia, Australia, and India. Som was the founding president of AIA‘s chapter in Canada and served on SLCan's national board. He is a licensed architect in the US, Canada, and India. He is a Master of Architecture from US and finished his undergraduate studies and business school from Mumbai.

In my 20+ years of experience in Commercial Property Management, Facilities, and Operations; I have been recognized for my leadership, collaboration, problem solving skills, and as a  critical thinker who improves processes, develops innovative solutions to drive revenue, and makes the best decisions for owners and tenants. My areas of expertise include:

Shanna Braga joined ISB as Director of Facilities and Operations in 2021, and she manages ISB’s facility, real estate transactions, administrative and laboratory operations, environmental health and safety, and procurement.

Shanna has worked in the real estate field for 17 years, and has managed healthcare facilities with a focus on life science buildings with laboratory facilities. She was part of managing the construction and installation of a high-end operating room in 2019, and her experience includes managing several state-of-the-art buildings in Seattle’s South Lake Union and Fremont neighborhoods. She focused on asset management, lease administration, contract negotiations, budgeting, building systems, and project management.

Shanna’s professional focus is on laboratory facilities, tenant relationships, construction management, interpersonal skills, and she’s currently an active participation in Real Estate Marketing and Networking events. She’s been involved in Seattle BOMA, CREW, BISNOW, and is a Washington State Notary.

Shanna is born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. She has been married to her husband, Don, for 20 years. They are proud parents to two daughters, Katelynn and Madelynn. Their special fur baby is dog Casper who brings joy and love to their family.

Jag is a trusted leader in Seattle’s life sciences and healthcare markets. During his 10 years with UMC, he has built a strong reputation through his partnership with the Fred Hutch Cancer Center where he continues to lead multiple projects. A Seattle University grad with a degree in mechanical engineering, Jag is known for his collaborative approach, operational expertise, and ability to build lasting relationships. Beyond his professional work, Jag is deeply committed to Fred Hutch’s mission, serving as captain of UMC's Obliteride team to help cure cancer faster.

Nick Tran is the Founder and Managing Partner of Tran Development Group, a Seattle-based owner’s representation and project management firm focused on the planning, design, construction, and operational management of complex healthcare, life science, and mission-critical facilities. Working alongside institutional leaders, scientists and end users, facility operators, architects, engineers, and contractors, Nick and his team help translate evolving research and operational needs into practical facility strategies across complex building portfolios.

This integrated perspective gives Nick a unique view into the next generation of life sciences facilities—how organizations can create adaptable, high-performing environments that respond to evolving science and technology while balancing capital investment, speed to market, infrastructure resilience, decarbonization, sustainability, operational efficiency, and long-term facility performance.

Key Client Highlight: Seattle Children’s Research Institute

Jeff brings more than 20 years of life sciences experience with DPR Construction and currently leads the Life Sciences market in the Pacific Northwest. He applies a design-build mindset to navigate the smallest project details while maintaining a clear focus on the bigger picture, enabling him to drive successful outcomes. Passionate about putting clients first, Jeff is committed to helping them achieve their cost, schedule, and operational goals. Through collaboration, strategic thinking, and a dedication to excellence, he builds lasting relationships and delivers projects that support long-term client success.