Luna Labs Strengthens Executive Team with New Chief Commercialization Officer

We are pleased to announce that Drake Goolsby has joined Luna Labs (“Luna” or the “Company”) as its Chief Commercialization Officer. Drake will lead the Company’s strategy to monetize an expansive portfolio of medical device and training products, pharma technologies, protective coatings, and corrosion management systems, as well as bring many more solutions to diverse markets.

Drake comes to Luna with extensive commercialization experience, most recently with Battelle where he was VP for Commercial Strategy and Business Development. In this role, he led Battelle’s global commercial business to build long-term pipeline value and revenue. He also served as Battelle’s Director of Intellectual Property Commercialization focusing on developing high-value commercial pathways across Battelle’s portfolio of technology and intellectual property.  

Drake earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from Louisiana Tech University, an MHA in Healthcare Administration from Trinity University, and is a graduate of the Stanford University Executive Program.

We look forward to the impact Drake will have in driving positive outcomes in the commercialization of Luna’s robust technology and product portfolio.

SCOTTIE MILLER

ASSOCIATE

Prior to Mereo, Scottie was an Investment Banking Analyst in the Global Healthcare Group at Jefferies, where he executed on various mergers and acquisitions and capital raising initiatives. Notably, his deal experience includes the sale of Dental Care Alliance, a leading multi-specialty dental support organization, to Mubadala Investment Company.
Scottie graduated summa cum laude from Bucknell University with his BS in Accounting and Finance.

JOHN MATTHEWS

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

John worked most recently at Hamilton Lane as a Direct Investment Analyst, evaluating equity and credit co-investment opportunities. John previously interned for Susquehanna Private Capital and LMZ Partners. John received his BBA from Temple University.

ADAM BOWIE

PRINCIPAL

Prior to Mereo, Adam worked for L2 Capital Partners executing control investments across a variety of industries in the lower middle-market and supporting portfolio companies on high-impact strategic initiatives. Previously, Adam was an investment banker covering diversified industrial companies in Citigoup’s Global Industrials Group. Before transitioning to a career in finance, Adam served as a Ground Intelligence Officer in the United States Marine Corps. Adam earned his MBA in finance and management from NYU Stern and his BBA from Temple University.

GIORGIO BOERO

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Giorgio most recently served as CFO of Silver Star Opportunity Partners and as a consultant for Financial Advisers Partnership. Previously, he worked at Silvermine Capital Management as the firm’s CFO. Prior to Silvermine, Giorgio was the CFO of TCW Advisors, Inc. Private Equity Fund, specializing in Latin American middle-market companies. Giorgio received his Master’s in Professional Accountancy from the University of Buenos Aires.

JOHN O'HARE

CO-FOUNDER, PARTNER

Prior to Mereo, John was a senior professional at Tortola Advisors, where he provided operational turnaround services to middle-market companies. Previously, John was Co-Portfolio Manager at Saybrook Corporate Opportunity Funds. While at Saybrook, he served on the boards of directors of six portfolio companies. John received his BA from the University of Illinois and his MBA from Vanderbilt University.

RICH KURTH

CO-FOUNDER, MANAGING PARTNER

Rich most recently served as Co-Head of the Man Group’s Leveraged Credit strategy. Rich previously sold Silvermine Capital Management, a credit hedge fund he co-founded, to the Man Group. Prior to founding Silvermine, Rich was founding member, portfolio manager, and head trader of TCW’s Senior Loan and Bank Debt Group. Rich received his BS in Business Administration from The Citidel, The Military College of South Carolina.

LEO HELMERS

CO-FOUNDER, MANAGING PARTNER

Leo is the founder of three investment strategies: Susquehanna Private Capital, a middle-market buyout fund; LMZ Partners, a family office focused on lower middle-market control buyouts; and Carlyle Mezzanine Partners, the mezzanine funds of The Carlyle Group. Previously, he worked at Crescent Capital, the Mezzanine investment platform of TCW. Leo has recently served on the boards of several portfolio companies, including McNally Ind., SPC Dermatology, Sunrise Transportation, LeverPoint Management and Long Island Veterinary Specialists. Also, Leo was recruited to chair the board of Plews, Inc. in a successful turnaround.