Chief Marketing Officer, Ambience Healthcare

B.A., History 1992, M.B.A., Harvard, 2000

What role do you play in the entrepreneurial ecosystem?

I’m the CMO of a growth-stage healthcare AI startup funded by OpenAI, A16Z, and Kleiner Perkins. Previously, I served as the CMO (and later CRO) of Redox, a healthcare data exchange startup with $100M in funding from Battery Ventures and RRE. I also advise healthcare

startups on go-to-market strategy.

What are some of your best memories of your time at Clemson?

The energy on campus and around town during home football games was awesome. I caught the tail end of the era of huge game day parties at the fraternity quad. I also made lifelong friends and have great memories of playing pick-up sports, debating all manner of topics, jamming on acoustic guitar, and exploring the nearby lakes and trails.

What were the key inflection points in your career after you left Clemson?

The first was recognizing the Web 1.0 wave as it was building. I co-founded a company in 1996 that we sold to CitySearch. Within 30 months, we grew CitySearch from 20 employees to 600 employees and took it public. It was a wild ride. The current AI wave feels even bigger. I'm making a similar career bet with Ambience Healthcare, which has assembled some world class AI talent and enjoys a collaborative working relationship with the team at OpenAI.

What are your personal and professional dreams?

Personally, I am a husband and father, and my wife and I have always made family

our priority. Before we had children, we lived in both Boston and California, but ultimately made the intentional decision to stay close to our extended families in North Carolina, a choice we have never regretted. I strive to stay active as I grow older and to cultivate a family environment that serves as a rock and a source of joy for everyone.

Professionally, my dream is to help transform healthcare via AI. Healthcare in this country could be much better.

What would you recommend students do to maximize their remaining time at Clemson?

Academically, pursue what genuinely sparks your curiosity. Take advantage of courses outside your major that broaden your perspective or help you develop new skills. Clemson offers a wealth of resources, so don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and explore interdisciplinary subjects. Seek out professors and mentors who can guide you beyond the classroom, whether through research projects, internships, or discussions that expand your thinking.

Socially, make meaningful connections. Build strong relationships with classmates, faculty, and alumni, as these connections can last a lifetime and be incredibly valuable both personally and

professionally. Join clubs, organizations, or intramural sports teams o further immerse yourself in the campus community. These experiences will help you grow as a person and often lead to lifelong friendships.

What else should we know about you?

Over the last decade or so, I've coached youth baseball, soccer, and flag football. It's been a blast. I highly recommend getting involved in coaching if you have the time and interest!