BIG News

Kansas State University President Richard Meyers Joins TechAccel Board of Directors

TechAccel, an Overland Park-based technology and venture development company, added Richard B. Myers, president of Kansas State University and the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to its board of directors.

“We are honored to welcome President Myers to TechAccel,” said Michael Helmstetter, president and CEO of TechAccel. “From my past experience working with Myers on the board of MRIGlobal, I know he will bring invaluable leadership as an advocate for the advancement of technology in agriculture and animal health.”

The addition strengthens TechAccel’s focus on agriculture and animal health sectors. The company, which sources, invests in and acquires early-stage innovations, was founded in 2014 by Kansas State University with Helmstetter and the Bicknell Family Holding Company.

“The company is delighted to have the backing of the Kansas State University president,” said board chairman Terry Dunn. “We’ve already been partners with K-State researchers supporting several TechAccel programs. This affirms our business model while cementing a strong, forward-looking relationship.”

Myers’ depth of experience and leadership spans academia, institutional fundraising and service in the armed forces. He is a K-State Foundation professor of military history and leadership. He and his wife serve as co-chairs of the Kansas State University Innovation and Inspiration Campaign to raise $1 billion. He also served as the 15th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and was the principal military adviser to the U.S. President, Secretary of Defense and the National Security Council.

As a member of TechAccel’s Board of Directors, Myers enhances the university’s ongoing collaboration with the private sector to bring innovation products and services to market.

“K-State and TechAccel have proven to be powerful collaborators in identifying innovations in agriculture and advancing them toward market,” Myers said. “K-State has depth of ag expertise that aligns beautifully with TechAccel’s investment capital and research management. We share the common goal of advancing agriculture and animal health tech innovations.”

Myers joins an elite board of founding investors: Marty Bicknell, CEO of Mariner Holdings; Paul DeBruce, CEO of DeBruce Cos.; Gary Forsee, former CEO of Sprint; Greg Graves, former CEO of Burns & McDonnell; Cliff Illig, vice chairman of Cerner; Roshann Parris, CEO of Parris Communications; and John Sherman, CEO of MLP Holdings, in addition to Chairman Dunn, CEO of JE Dunn Construction and Helmstetter, former President and CEO of MRIGlobal.