This year the Atlanta Chapter welcomed five outstanding new members.

After reading a little about our new members below, I know you’ll agree how lucky we are to have them join us in our work, helping fund scholars in the science, engineering and medical fields.

Erin Boorn

Erin’s professional background is in donor relationships and family philanthropy, having worked in the field for more than 20 years.  She is currently the Executive Director of The Fraser-Parker Foundation and Courts Foundation. Previously, she was the Director of Philanthropic Services for The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, where she focused on sustaining donor relationships by connecting donors with fitting community needs. In addition, Erin has been active in a volunteer capacity with First Presbyterian Church, Berry College and the United Way.

Meredith Carpenter

Meredith is Head of Scientific Affairs at Quantum-Si and a scientific advisor/board member at Etalon Diagnostics. She has previously held roles as Sr. Director of Strategic Alliances at Cantata Bio and Director of Assay R&D at Arc Bio. With a BS in biology (Emory), a PhD in molecular and cell biology (UC Berkeley), and a postdoctoral fellowship in genetics (Stanford), Meredith’s career has focused on developing new genomics tools and creating alliances in the scientific arena. A Georgia native, she is eager to support the Atlanta STEM and biotech community and mentor young scientists. In addition, Meredith is active in the Atlanta community with Angels Among Us Pet Rescue.

Ashley Cornelison

Ashley is the Executive Director of Portal Innovations, a venture capital firm that provides equipment, lab, and office space to life sciences startups.  With more than a dozen years of experience in the biotech sector, she works closely with local startups, biopharma partners, and universities to help grow the Atlanta life sciences ecosystem at Science Square.  For 12 years prior, she worked for the Georgia Research Alliance and with research universities in Georgia to increase research efforts and convert intellectual property into start-up companies.  In addition, Ashley serves on the board of several local non-profit organizations, including Georgia Bio, Global Center for Medical Innovations, and the Georgia Intellectual Property Alliance.

Barbara Bing Pliner

Barbara is an active community volunteer, recently serving on the board of the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta and the Atlanta Ballet.  She has a wealth of experience in the luxury media and publishing business.  Most recently, Barbara spent 4 years as publisher of the “start-up” Garden & Gun magazine.  Previously, she was the founder and president of The Media Company, managing brand development, sales, and marketing for highly acclaimed luxury publications that included Esquire, Gourmet, GQ, The New Yorker, and Vanity Fair.

Sallie Topfl

Now retired, Sallie previously held a variety of technology positions at Accenture and BellSouth, working as a programmer, an application architect, and a project manager.  An active volunteer, Sallie has been a Girl Scout Leader, a past PTA President at E. Rivers Elementary School, the President of the Chamblee Star Quilters, and a member of the Brookwood Hills board.