BioNTX, the bioscience and healthcare innovation trade organization serving North Texas, is pleased to introduce D. Jeff Keyser, RPh, JD, PhD as the recipient of the 2024 Dennis K. Stone Award. The award recognizes an individual’s contributions to the North Texas biotechnology industry, and the recipient is introduced at the annual iC³® Life Science & Healthcare Innovation Summit. This year, Dr. Keyser will be acknowledged as the recipient at the Summit on Thursday, October 3 at 5:25 p.m. The 10th Annual iC³® Life Science & Healthcare Innovation Summit will take place on October 3-4, 2024, at the Loews Arlington Hotel & Convention Center at 888 Nolan Ryan Expressway, Arlington, TX 76011. Registration for the Summit can be completed here. 

Dr. Keyser is a veteran of the pharmaceutical industry with 40 years of leadership experience in developing and commercializing new medical therapies. He currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer for Renibus Therapeutics and Chairman of the Board for Lantern Pharma. Throughout his career, Dr. Keyser has invented products leading to significant improvements in patient care and has numerous patents issued by the USPTO in healthcare. He has a track record of success in developing new companies from start-up, through IPO and M&A exits. 

Dr. Keyser is President and CEO of Renibus Therapeutics, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to treating, improving, and extending patients’ lives by developing products to prevent disease progression, improve outcomes and protect against organ damage associated with cardio, renal and metabolic diseases. He also co-founded ZS Pharma, which was acquired by AstraZeneca in 2015 for $2.7 billion. He invented the Mucinex product line for Adams Respiratory Therapeutics and developed and executed the R&D and Regulatory strategy for Adams Respiratory Therapeutics as Vice President of Development and Regulatory Affairs. 

“Jeff has been a steadfast and energetic leader and mentor for our industry and for the teams that have been fortunate enough to work alongside him,” says Panna Sharma, CEO of Lantern Pharma. “His energy and productivity in biopharma is contagious and inspiring, and many of the milestones at Lantern would not have been possible without his guidance and acute insight. The bioscience community in North Texas is grateful to him for the impact he has made on the industry.”

Dr. Dennis K. Stone was an accomplished scientist and pivotal figure in biotechnology development at UT Southwestern and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. His leadership in life sciences, commitment to training physician-scientists, and transformative work continues through his wife and colleague, Dr. Helen H. Hobbs, who shares his dedication to advancing the field. Every year, BioNTX honors Dennis K. Stone’s memory and work by awarding an individual who has positively affected the North Texas biotechnology industry and contributed awareness and funds to life science research.

For more information about the Dennis K. Stone Award and iC³® Life Science & Healthcare Innovation Summit, visit biontx.org.

Event Benefits The Children's Tumor Foundation and Children's Advocacy Center

Porsche afficionados had a rare treat recently when Park Place Porsche Dallas hosted a Porsche Exclusive event featuring artist Costa Christ’s fine art photography printed on vintage Porsche hoods. Costa Christ is a Porsche Dallas client and his magnificent black Porsche 911 Carrera 4S was also on display alongside his art.

Costa Christ’s artworks included classic and modern Porsches in front of everyday locations such as a convenience store and McDonald’s and In-N-Out Burger restaurants. He also showcased Porsches in front of iconic Dallas landmarks like Campisi’s Restaurant. Guests even had the opportunity to commission custom artwork by Costa Christ with sales benefitting The Children’s Tumor Foundation and Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center.

The event featured exquisite cuisine and fabulous cocktails from Thompson Dallas Chef Jeramie Robison and his team who created a delicious charcuterie bar with crudites, pickles, olives, shaved broccoli slaw, tabbouleh, grilled garlic-herb pita, lavash, hummus, baba ganoush, and tzatziki ranch. An ice sculpture seafood display offered poached shrimp and crab claws, with ceviche sauces: remoulade, cocktail sauce and mignonette. On the service drive, guests enjoyed a Yakitori grill cooked up cumin-chile lamb lollipops, Zatar filet tips and Harissa chicken.

Meanwhile, the dessert station offered an array of sweet delights including Pomelo Rosemary Shortbread Sandwich Cookies, Chocolate Pot de Crème, and Pistachio, Mango and White Chocolate Macaroons. Guests also enjoyed custom Socorro margaritas and sampled Soledad Tequila.

Porsche Dallas gifted each guest with a leather mousepad embossed on-site with the iconic Porsche logo and a swag bag with Porsche and Costa Christ branded items.

Porsche Dallas is the only Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur in North Texas which allows for unlimited personalization options for clients to build a Porsche that is unique to the owner.

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Plano and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. For more information, visit parkplace.com. 

EMPOWER is proud to introduce Dana Roberson as Permanency Director. Roberson brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role, having dedicated her career to child welfare and family services. 

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Roberson is a proud graduate of Dallas Independent School District’s Warren Travis White High School and Dallas Baptist University. Roberson began her career with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) in 2007, as an investigator. Her passion for the work was reignited when she transitioned to a conservatorship worker role in 2012, where she found her calling. Throughout her tenure at DFPS, Roberson excelled in various positions, including Conservatorship Supervisor and Investigations Supervisor. 

In March 2024, Roberson accepted the position of Navarro County Permanency Supervisor with EMPOWER. Her journey has been shaped by the guidance of great mentors, hard work, and professionalism. 

“Dana has a deep knowledge in child welfare service and an amazing dedication to helping others, and we are proud to have her on our team at EMPOWER,” says Shirley Dwyer, Chief Operations Officer at EMPOWER. “Her focus is always on providing the best services and resources to the children and families in our region.”

Roberson is deeply committed to educating those around her about the importance of encouraging others and making a difference in the lives of the children and families she serves. She begins each day with a powerful mantra, “No matter how good or bad your life is, wake up each morning and be thankful that you still have one.” This practice of morning gratitude helps her approach each day with a positive attitude and a kind spirit.

Roberson transitioned into the new role on August 12, 2024. 

“I am excited to transition into this new at EMPOWER and continue working towards making a positive, lasting impact on the lives of the children and families in the Metroplex East region,” says Dana Roberson, Permanency Director at EMPOWER.. 

EMPOWER is a nonprofit child welfare collaborative and the Community-Based Care contractor for the Metroplex East region in North Texas. EMPOWER provides foster care case management, kinship and reunifications services for all children and families in the region.

Many local children in foster care need a safe, loving place to call home. To learn more about how you can help these children in need, please visit www.3empower.org/fosterfutures/. 

Longtime, mission-oriented leader committed to providing services that empower individuals to lead independent lives

Calvin Moore, an experienced non-profit leader with a heart for serving others, has been named chief operating officer for Metrocrest Services, the award-winning social services agency on a mission to provide hope through programs that lead to self-sufficiency and foster independence.

 Moore is honored to serve alongside the committed professionals and volunteers of Metrocrest Services in his new role as COO, which he began August 26.

“The opportunity to work directly with programs that impact people’s lives is what attracted me to Metrocrest Services,” Moore noted. “My role as COO is to empower the great team that’s already in place, coming alongside of them to enhance their work through operations and programming, serving as a sounding board and providing leadership. Together, we will find new ways to innovate, meeting a need that grows every day.”

Moore, a Gulf Coast native, grew up on a farm in Mississippi, helping his family raise horses, grow their own food and sustain the family timber business. He attended University of Southern Mississippi, graduating with a bachelor’s in political science. He continued his education at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, earning a master's in finance and business administration with a concentration in non-profit management, as well as a master’s of divinity in theology. Moore also has served his country as a soldier in the U.S. Army Reserves, specializing in both heavy construction and military intelligence. 

"I always knew I wanted to spend my life in service to others," Moore said.

Professionally, Moore has a demonstrated history of advancing organizations as a dynamic and purposeful executive with experience in strategic leadership and growth. Previously, he has served as CEO of Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa, director of Tulsa Community College Foundation and development director of Oral Roberts University.

"Adding Calvin Moore to our team will help us meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, bringing our community together to help those who need the assistance and empowerment that Metrocrest Services provides,” said Tracy Eubanks, CEO of Metrocrest Services. “We are pleased to welcome Calvin to our team, and look forward to many exciting new initiatives we will all accomplish together."

Moore is now a resident of Carrollton, where he lives with his wife, Tangelia Sinclair Moore, a licensed therapist, who previously has worked in young adult ministry. The couple was married in Carrollton in 2000, and has fond memories of the community. Their daughter, Jessecca, is serving in the U.S. Air Force.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Moore is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, snowboarding and chess. He is also a big fan of movies and loves to travel.

Metrocrest Services promotes well-being and independence through programs for individuals, families and seniors that lead to self-sufficiency and foster independence. In 2023, to serve the growing need for services, Metrocrest Services opened its new home in the heart of Carrollton, at Belt Line Road and Josey Lane. Today, the 48,000-square-foot facility is a welcoming hub for all of the agency’s daily operations, including providing access to nutritious food, homeless outreach services, workforce development and financial literacy, rent and utility assistance, senior services and other programs for individuals, families and seniors that lead to self-sufficiency and foster independence. The campus also includes shared space for complementary service providers to support clients from one central location and a volunteer center offering greater access to opportunities for community engagement. 

Founded in 1971, Metrocrest Services, Inc., is dedicated to helping individuals, families and seniors navigate crisis situations and guide them on a path to self-sufficiency. To accomplish this, Metrocrest Services offers a wide range of services, starting with those that meet basic needs, including access to nutritious food, resources for homelessness, and short-term financial assistance. Other Metrocrest Services programs focus on helping clients build long-term economic stability through financial education workshops and employment coaching. In addition, Metrocrest Services is committed to enhancing well-being through nutrition education and healthcare guidance, and by providing specialized services to help seniors age in place with dignity and comfort. Seasonal Metrocrest Services programs include holiday gifting for families in need and for seniors to help them share in the joy of the season, and programs that address families’ additional food access needs during summer break from school. From its headquarters at 1145 N. Josey Lane in Carrollton, the award-winning non-profit agency services clients in the Metrocrest areas of Carrollton, Addison, Farmers Branch, Coppell, and residents of Dallas who live in Denton County (75287). Metrocrest Services, Inc. is dedicated to empowering individuals and families to overcome challenges and build a better future. For more information about our programs and how you can support our mission, please visit metrocrestservices.org or call 972.446.2100.

JumpShot Inc., a pioneer in basketball-themed entertainment, is poised to transform the eatertainment industry with the launch of JumpShot Live. This innovative entertainment venue combines a full-service restaurant, sports bar, and event offerings where basketball permeates every part of the experience. JumpShot Live allows every guest to feel like an All-Star, regardless of their basketball acumen.

The concept of a technologically superior basketball experience coupled with chef-driven dining and craft cocktails is one with a massive potential audience, both in the United States and abroad. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, 28 million Americans age 6 and up play basketball, making it one of America’s favorite sports to play. Furthermore, FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, reports that more than 450 million people around the world play basketball.

JumpShot Live locations are designed to span 50,000 square feet, though some venues may vary in size, accommodating approximately 50 custom-designed gaming bays. Each bay will accommodate up to 6 players. Guests can choose from a variety of games to customize their experience.

JumpShot Live utilizes patent-pending technology that allows the hoop and net to move dynamically along the 40-foot by 10-foot lane, which enables guests to shoot almost anywhere on the court without moving from their player bay. The bays and basketball lanes will be surrounded by projectors and LED screens creating a digitally immersive environment. Bays will be clustered into unique neighborhoods, creating connected experiences for groups, sporting events and other activations. 

JumpShot Inc. has compiled an exceptional roster of acclaimed corporate innovators to lead the start-up. CEO Derrick Mayes brings decades of experience in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and corporate development to JumpShot Inc. Additionally, Mayes played for the Green Bay Packers when they won Super Bowl XXXI in 1997 and was an All-American and co-captain when playing for Notre Dame. Mayes sees the growth potential of the JumpShot Inc. brand, which includes JumpShot Live.

Football legend and corporate innovator Derrick Mayes will serve as JumpShot Inc.’s CEO.

“This is one of the most innovative and technologically advanced entertainment experiences in the world,” notes Mayes. “We believe that JumpShot Live will redefine the industry and bring basketball fans something beyond their imagination.”

Additionally, JumpShot Inc. has secured Brian Birckbichler as President and COO. Birckbichler, who has an extensive portfolio of leadership and real estate development experiences with notable companies such as Atomic Golf, Topgolf, Drive Shack and Bloomin’ Brands, brings a wealth of global expertise. Having advised on numerous high-profile sports entertainment projects worldwide, he is recognized for delivering exceptional hospitality services, outstanding food & beverage concepts, and optimizing business operations for maximum efficiency and success.

JumpShot Live has ambitious growth plans, with its first location set to open in 2025, followed by three more in 2026. The company envisions a national expansion, targeting key markets for future openings. JumpShot Inc. will establish its corporate headquarters in Dallas, Texas.

About JumpShot Live:
JumpShot Live is the next generation of basketball entertainment, redefining experiential dining with top-tier hospitality and technology. Led by a team of industry experts, JumpShot Live combines basketball culture, cutting-edge design, curated cuisine and cocktails, and patent-pending technology to deliver unforgettable moments for guests.  Discover more at JumpShotLive.com.