SAN DIEGO, Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN), a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, announced that after 11 years of service, Charles “Chuck” Dadswell will step down as General Counsel and Secretary on October 3. Dadswell has agreed to remain an Illumina employee, serving as an advisor to CEO Jacob Thaysen and the Board of Directors, through March 31, 2025. Scott Davies has been named acting General Counsel and Secretary while the company conducts a search for Dadswell’s permanent successor.

Dadswell joined the company as General Counsel in 2013, following a distinguished career providing legal counsel to the biotechnology sector. Most recently, he oversaw the company’s successful challenge in the European Court of Justice of the European Commission’s jurisdiction over Illumina’s acquisition of GRAIL.

“Throughout his tenure, Chuck has been a valuable advisor to Illumina’s leadership team and its Board of Directors. He is a respected industry leader whose expertise and advice helped Illumina reach the industry leadership role it holds today,” said Jacob Thaysen, Chief Executive Officer of Illumina. “I want to personally thank Chuck for his advice and assistance as I was joining Illumina. I speak for everyone at Illumina when I say how appreciative we are for his many contributions to our organization.”

“I’ve watched and been a part of Illumina growing from a start-up to one of the most important and innovative companies in the world, and I’m proud to have been a part of that journey,” said Charles Dadswell, General Counsel and Secretary. “The company’s talented employees, innovative technologies, and critical mission have significantly accelerated science and medicine to the benefit of millions of people around the world. I want to thank all the colleagues with whom I’ve had the opportunity to work.”

Scott Davies, serving as interim General Counsel and Secretary, joined Illumina in 2009. He most recently served as Vice President, Legal – Chief Corporate Counsel and Assistant Secretary.

About Illumina

Illumina is improving human health by unlocking the power of the genome. Our focus on innovation has established us as a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, serving customers in the research, clinical, and applied markets. Our products are used for applications in the life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture, and other emerging segments. To learn more, visit illumina.com and connect with us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Contacts

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SOURCE Illumina, Inc.

Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a nonprofit supporting individuals with vision loss for over 75 years, recently held its inaugural Startup Pitch Competition to showcase innovations in the underserved accessibility area. Lotus won the competition with its wearable device, the Lotus Ring, which allows users to control home environments with simple point-and-click gestures. Founded by former Apple engineer Dhaval Patel, Lotus empowers individuals with disabilities. The company will present at Sight Tech Global in December 2024 and receive Harvard Business School Alumni Angels mentorship.

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired successfully hosted its inaugural Pitch Competition, where over 15 startups showcased breakthrough innovations to enhance accessibility for visually impaired and disabled users. Lotus emerged as the competition winner for its pioneering wearable solution. Finalists Equivalent and Lighthouse Tech were also recognized for their innovative contributions, each demonstrating significant potential to drive change.

Leading the Charge in Accessibility Innovation

According to the CDC, one in four adults in the U.S. lives with a disability, driving a growing demand for innovative accessibility solutions. Vista Center’s event highlighted this urgent need in a market that often operates in isolation, showcasing cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance independence and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. This event is part of Vista Center’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness and advancing assistive technologies that promote inclusion.

“We were truly inspired by the diverse range of cutting-edge solutions presented at our inaugural innovation event,” said Karae Lisle, CEO of Vista Center. “Discovering companies pushing the boundaries of accessibility technology gives us hope for a future where independence is accessible to all.”

About LOTUS (Event Winner):

Founded in 2021 by a team of experts from top tech companies such as Apple, Google, and Nest, Lotus is revolutionizing assistive technology with its groundbreaking Lotus Ring. This wearable device empowers individuals with limited mobility to control their home environment through simple point-and-click gestures, providing new levels of independence and ease. Its versatility also extends to individuals with vision impairments, offering an intuitive alternative to traditional home automation systems.

This groundbreaking technology earned Lotus a speaking engagement at Sight Tech Global 2024 and a pro bono HBS/MIT Advisor Mentoring Session sponsored by Harvard Business School Alumni Angels.

Developed using a combination of universal design and inclusive design, the Lotus Ring requires no rewiring or complex setup—users can snap the Lotus Switch Cover onto an existing wall switch and start using it immediately. This feature makes home automation affordable and accessible, eliminating the hassle of traditional smart home systems.

The inspiration for Lotus came from founder and CEO Dhaval Patel, who developed the idea after struggling with mobility. Following a night when he couldn’t easily turn off the lights while using crutches, Patel was driven to create technology that could benefit others facing similar challenges. “If I, as an Apple engineer, didn’t have accessible smart home tech, who else is struggling?” Patel asked himself. His experience laid the foundation for Lotus’ mission: to build technology that everybody can use by optimizing for disability first.

“Being recognized by the accessibility community reinforces our commitment to innovative technology,” said Dhaval Patel, CEO of Lotus. “The Lotus Ring has a profound impact on daily life, and we’re excited to continue pushing accessibility forward and make this product widely available.”

Vista Center’s Startup Pitch event is part of a broader initiative to promote innovation in accessibility technology.

“Our goal is to support companies creating technologies that improve independence for the visually impaired community. The recognition of Lotus is well-deserved, and we are excited to have them take the stage at our Sight Tech Global (STG) conference in December.”

Sight Tech Global, now in its fourth year, is a premier global virtual conference that brings together technology pioneers who are creating new approaches to barrier-free navigation, human interaction, and equitable access to information. Free for anyone to attend, STG advances technologies supporting accessibility.

About Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

For over 75 years, Vista Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has empowered individuals with vision loss to embrace life to the fullest through evaluation, counseling, education, and training. With low-vision clinics in Palo Alto and San Jose, California, Vista Center provides essential support through various comprehensive rehabilitation programs and services. By fostering collaboration with technology companies. Vista Center continues to champion innovations that enhance the independence and quality of life for people with vision loss.

About Lotus

Founded in 2021 and based in Silicon Valley, Lotus creates accessible home automation solutions that eliminate the need for rewiring or apps. Partners include the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the State of New York, and the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL). With over 1 billion people globally living with disabilities, Lotus’s innovative product, the Lotus Ring, has the potential to transform the lives of millions by providing greater independence and ease of use.

Media Contact

Jennifer George, Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 1 4083149833, jennifer@jgmmc.com, www.jgmmc.com

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SOURCE Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Chris Bradford is acknowledged as an Inner Circle Lifetime for her contributions to Leading Innovation in Seafood Traceability.

Chris Bradford, a dynamic leader in the software industry, continues to make waves with Trace Register, a global pioneer in seafood traceability solutions. With an impressive track record and a commitment to excellence, Chris is transforming how the seafood industry manages sales, marketing, and customer success through cutting-edge software.

Trace Register, under Chris’s leadership, offers a comprehensive suite of software solutions designed to enhance seafood traceability. These solutions cover sales management, marketing, customer success, social media management, and website development, catering to an international clientele. Chris’s expertise lies in leveraging customer insights to drive sales and growth, reflecting her deep understanding of the market and customer needs.

Chris Bradford holds an MBA from the University of Arkansas, class of 2006. Her career is marked by several notable accomplishments, including securing a landmark $100 million project with Walmart, showcasing her strategic and sales expertise. Chris is particularly proud of her role in advancing her team members’ careers and witnessing the success of her two children, highlighting her dedication to both professional and personal achievements.

In addition to her professional success, Chris is deeply committed to community service. She is involved with Next Up and engages in charitable work supporting the homeless, reflecting her dedication to giving back to the community.

Chris’s career is adorned with numerous honors and awards, including being selected as a member of the Department Leadership Team in 2020 to drive organizational change, and being a Soderquist Executive Leadership Supplier Circle Cohort Member in 2016-2017. She has also been recognized as one of the Top 20 Young Professionals in NWA in 2012 and received the Contribution Leadership Award in 2015 and 2010. Her accolades further include the Best Performance in a Supporting Role Award in 2009.

An avid traveler and outdoor enthusiast, Chris is driven by values of perseverance and determination. She embraces her passion for innovation and lifelong learning, often describing herself as a self-proclaimed nerd. Looking ahead, Chris aims to grow Trace Register by threefold or more by 2026 and is interested in joining the NEA to network with executives and further her career.

Contact:
Katherine Green
516-825-5634
editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle