Dr. Chris Russell, M.D.
Founder & Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Russell brings extensive and unique experience in the practice of medicine and the software industry. He received a BS in Information and Computer Science from Georgia Tech in 1987 and an MD from Emory University, School of Medicine in 1994. He completed his neurology residency at Emory University in 1998, where he was Chief Resident his final year. Since 1998 he has been in private practice with Peachtree Neurological Clinic in Atlanta, GA.

In addition, he practices at the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Atlanta. He also worked as a software engineer from 1984 to 1991 for Command Control Inc. in Atlanta, GA on a variety of commercial and government projects. He is board-certified in Neurology.

Steve Kirby
Board Member

Steve Kirby is a founding partner of Bluestem Capital Company. He is a graduate of Arizona State University with a BS Degree in Political Science and a graduate of the University of South Dakota School of Law with a Juris Doctorate Degree. Mr. Kirby was secretary and senior claims counsel for Western Surety Company, a national surety bond company, from 1977-1992. He was the 35th Lieutenant Governor of the State of South Dakota from 1993 through 1995. He was also a candidate for Governor of South Dakota in 2001-2002. Mr. Kirby is a member of local, state and national Boards of Directors. He is a speaker at various entrepreneurial and college forums. In 2007, Steve was recognized with the Spirit of Enterprise Award from South Dakota’s Enterprise Institute for his commitment, dedication and achievements in entrepreneurship. Steve has also been awarded the 2007 Spirit of Sioux Falls in recognition of his leadership and economic development in Sioux Falls. In 2010, he received the USD Financial Management Association’s Outstanding Financial Executive award.

Sandy Horst
Board Member

Sandy Horst, Partner and CFO of Bluestem, graduated magna cum laude from the University of South Dakota in 1987 with a BS degree, majoring in accounting. Upon earning her CPA license, she began her career with McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, the 7th largest national certified public accounting firm, in Moline, Illinois. She later transferred to Sioux Falls where she was promoted to Senior Manager in the Tax Department. In 1998 she joined Bluestem, taking responsibility for financial reporting, SBIC compliance, asset/liability management, taxation, budgeting, treasury/cash management, corporate profitability accountability and risk management. Sandy plays a key role in driving the financial management, planning and controls throughout the organization and is an integral part of Bluestem’s on-going success. Sandy’s son, Michael, attends the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Wayne Crandall
President & Chief Executive Officer

Wayne’s 30-year career in technology spans sales, marketing, product management, strategic development and operations. Prior to joining enChoice, he was the president and CEO of CYA Technologies, which he sold to enChoice in 2009. In addition, he was co-founder, executive officer and senior vice president of sales and business development at Nuance Communications (formerly ScanSoft, Inc.), and was responsible for growing the company to over $120M. Before Nuance, he was the European managing director of Xerox Imaging Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Xerox Corporation, where he established them as the market leader in document recognition software throughout EMEA and the Pacific Rim. Wayne’s other career successes included Kurzweil Computer Products, Philips Information Systems, NV, Lexitron (a division of Raytheon Data Systems), and Savin Business Machines.

 

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