Serving innovators. Transforming lives.

To lead the advancement and growth of life science, biotechnology and digital health innovation resulting in corporate success and economic development for South Carolina and the Southeast Region. 

The "Sphere" will be the regionalized magnet that fosters and nurtures each company towards commercialization and translation of new products to clinical practice thereby improving health outcomes and equity across the region.

Our Vision

At Palmetto InnovaSphere, we exist to eliminate obstacles and fuel forward momentum for life science start-ups and scale-ups.

Who We Serve

Life Science Start-Ups

Life Science Scale-Ups

Medical Technology Innovators

Meet Our Executive Team. Experience matched only by enthusiasm.

Extensive, laser-focused expertise. A broad network of connections. A relentless optimism for improving lives. Only in the Sphere will you find a leadership team so precisely equipped to empower life science entrepreneurs. Meet our family of visionaries below and connect with them through LinkedIn.


  • CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

    Cecilia is a founder, an entrepreneur, and an executive. She has held leadership positions in strategy, joint venture, startup development, and program administration, and has experience with mergers and acquisitions. Her career spans more than 30 years in life science/biotechnology and the healthcare industry. Cecilia started her tenure as a strategic planner under the direction of Dr. Robert Day, then President of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research in the early 1990s. She then became the Division Program Administrator for the Molecular Pharmacology, Clinical Research Division under the leadership of Dr. Lee Hartwell and Dr. Stephen Friend. Cecilia also held the position of Director of Strategic Development. As the Director of Affiliate Network and Strategic Outreach, she oversaw all clinical research partnerships with community cancer centers in Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Hawaii. In the summer of 2017, Cecilia decided to return to her life science and biotechnology roots and started a new company, 3rdEyeBio, LLC as one of the Managing Partners. 3rdEyeBio, LLC is an accelerator group providing life science/biotech startups the infrastructure to support overall growth from scientific advisory to investment raise. She has also held the role of CBIO for Vyrty Corporation dba Sync.MD, a multidimensional technology company, located in Anderson, South Carolina.

    She is the founder and executive director of Women, Life and Science, Inc., and is a board member of the Luskin Family Foundation.


  • CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

    With over 25 years of experience in the life sciences industry spanning both profit and non-profit sectors, Lillia is known for utilizing her scientific research foundation to benefit companies with complex operations. Her commitment to advancing healthcare innovation and improving patient outcomes is fueled by her passions: growing life science companies (especially in South Carolina), oncology and blood donation.  Most recently, Lillia served as the Chief Operating Officer of Kiyatec, where she played a pivotal role in execution of corporate strategy along with oversight and expansion of operations to establish their CLIA certified laboratory leading to clinical studies and subsequent commercial availability of their functional precision oncology diagnostic.  Her multifaceted experience in prior positions at The Blood Connection, the Oncology Research Institute of Greenville Hospital System and Greenwood Genetic Center developed her operational skills and regulatory affairs expertise which enabled her to become a trusted leader known for quality management and operational efficiency. She holds a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences from East Tennessee State University and is a Board Member of Women, Life and Science.


  • CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (FRACTIONAL)

    A big-picture strategist with an eye for details, Wes brings an ideal blend of deep experience in both financial management and the life science industry to his role at InnovaSphere. With a B.S. in Accounting from Bob Jones University and a Master of Business Administration from Clemson University, Wes started his professional career as an auditor for Ernst & Young, LLP, before moving on to serve renowned firms such as W. Carr & Co. and Worthwhile. With a resume boasting 20 years as a Controller and CFO roles for diverse companies, Wes helps businesses of all sizes improve their processes, refine their auditing, and build sustainable financial futures. As a fractional CFO, Wes supports the InnovaSphere team and our clients with flexible management accounting services that range from controller to staff accountant, as well as business operations support within IT/software implementation, marketing, and limited HR. He is currently a Partner at Ethan Rivers Firm in Greenville, SC.

Want to change the world? Come work with us.

We’re always looking for the best and brightest to grow our Sphere of influence. Inquire about open or potential positions using the contact form or pitch your value as a team member by sending your resume and cover letter.

Email us