Wes Gerbig, PhD, PE – Chairman
Area of Expertise – Business as Mission
Wes Gerbig, Ph.D., PE is a Life Sciences Professional in Indianapolis, Indiana. Wes has worked in various engineering and leadership roles in the life sciences for over 15 years. Wes is a licensed engineer in the state of Indiana and holds a B.S. in Engineering from Olivet Nazarene University, an M.S. in Engineering Management from Eastern Michigan University and a Ph.D. in Global Leadership from Indiana Tech. Wes has a passion for educating and mentoring others and has taught several undergraduate and graduate courses for Ivy Tech and Olivet Nazarene University. He and his wife Jennifer have two daughters and attend Common Ground Christian Church – Northeast in Indianapolis, Indiana. In his free time, Wes enjoys basketball, cycling and traveling with family.
Ralph Meyer, MBA – Treasurer
Area of Expertise – Manufacturing
Ralph Meyer is President of Meyer Plastics in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ralph earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Southern Methodist University and an M.B.A. from Indiana University. He is also President of TEDCO, Inc., a toy manufacturer started by the Meyer family. Ralph and his wife Connie have three children and several grandchildren. They are members of Horizon Christian Fellowship Church in Indianapolis. Ralph is also on the Foundation Board of Goodwill Industries. They often travel to the East and West Coasts to visit their children. Ralph serves as Treasurer of the Board and played a key role in building partner relationships in East Africa for BUV.
Awujoola Itua, MBA
Area of Expertise – West Africa/Medical
Awujoola Itua is a professional in the health care and Public health industry in Indianapolis, IN. Awujoola has worked in various public service sectors in Indianapolis for over 10 years in various roles leading and managing people and projects. Awujoola holds an MBA degree from Western Governor’s University. Awujoola has a passion for learning, leadership, coaching and mentoring others within her organization and community. Awujoola is a member of Redeem Christian Church of God where she teaches and mentors teenagers. Awujoola is a first generation immigrant from West Africa. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and cooking.
David Olawale, PhD
Area of Expertise – West Africa/Engineering
David Olawale has diverse experience in research and development, as well as technology commercialization. His research work resulted in two patents and about fifty peer reviewed journals, book chapters and conference publications. He is a project management professional (PMP) and a consultant for technology startups.
David has a PhD in industrial & manufacturing engineering and has founded two startup companies. His expertise includes multifunctional materials, renewable energy, and energy storage. He holds multiple patents. He is passionate about delivering life-changing, quality and affordable products into the market.
Doug McColgin
Area of Expertise – Innovation/IoT
Doug McColgin serves as Innovation Manager for US Cellular in Chicago, Illinois. He has operated in innovation for over a decade, with experience in consumer goods, building products, technology and telecommunications. He was a long-time board member and chair of Indianapolis innovation non-profit, Centric, where he co-founded the Day of Innovation regional conference. Doug holds a BS in Management from Purdue University and is currently completing his MS in Innovation from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. At home, he enjoys reading on a wide variety of topics, tinkering with his 3D printer and Arduino kits, and finding adventures to share with his wife and three children.
Will Austin, MBA
Area of Expertise – Vision/Perseverance
Will Austin is the Founder of the Institute for Affordable Transportation and the BUV Ministry. Will serves as the full time Executive Director. He formerly worked in the automotive industry and is a graduate of the University of Illinois (BSME) and Ohio State University (MBA). He and wife Annette have three children and are members of Venture Christian Church in Carmel, Indiana. Outside of work, Will enjoys hiking and exploring with his family. He also enjoys kayaking, fishing and outdoor sports.
