An adjunct professor at Merrimack College, Ralph Thurman teaches postgraduate students about financial leadership. He also conducts his own endeavors in private equity, acquiring and managing companies in the health-care technology sphere. Since 2008, Ralph Thurman has helped guide more than $2 billion worth of acquisitions, equity investments, and debt transactions in industries ranging from information technology to life sciences. At present, he serves as the executive chairman of Outlook Therapeutics and the director of TFF Pharmaceuticals.

Previously, Mr. Thurman worked for nearly a decade as the chairman and CEO of VIASYS Healthcare, Inc., a publicly traded private equity firm that he founded in the field of research-based medical technology. He led VIASYS to global revenues of more than $700 million before its sale to Cardinal Health. His other experience includes former posts as the CEO of Corning Life Sciences and the group president of Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Pharmaceutical, Inc.one of the world's largest research-based pharmaceutical companies.

Mr. Thurman spent the early years of his career in the United States Air Force as a combat pilot and instructor pilot. He earned several honors for his service, such as the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross.