Richard B. Myers, president of Kansas State University and the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has joined the Board of Directors of TechAccel LLC, effective immediately.

TechAccel, based in Overland Park, Kansas, is a technology and venture development organization focused on agriculture and animal health sectors. It was founded in 2014 by Kansas State University with Michael Helmstetter, Ph.D., and the Bicknell Family Holding Company.

“We are honored to welcome President Myers to TechAccel,” said Michael Helmstetter, Ph.D., President and CEO of TechAccel. “From my past experience working with Myers on the Board of MRIGlobal, I know he will bring invaluable leadership as an advocate for the advancement of technology in agriculture and animal health.”

“The company is delighted to have the backing of the Kansas State University President,” said Board Chairman, Terry Dunn. “We’ve already been partners with K-State researchers supporting several TechAccel programs, and this affirms our business model while cementing a strong, forward-looking relationship.”

“K-State and TechAccel have proven to be powerful collaborators in identifying innovations in agriculture and advancing them toward market,” Myers said. “K-State has depth of ag expertise that aligns beautifully with TechAccel’s investment capital and research management. We share the common goal of advancing agriculture and animal health tech innovations.”

Myers joins an elite board of founding investors: Marty Bicknell, CEO of Mariner Holdings; Paul DeBruce, CEO of DeBruce Cos.; Gary Forsee, former CEO of Sprint; Greg Graves, former CEO of Burns & McDonnell; Cliff Illig, vice chairman of Cerner; Roshann Parris, CEO of Parris Communications; and John Sherman, CEO of MLP Holdings, in addition to Chairman Dunn, CEO of JE Dunn Construction, and Helmstetter, former President and CEO of MRIGlobal.

Myers is a native of Merriam, Kansas, and holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from K-State. He joined the Air Force through K-State’s ROTC program, and retired as a four-star general.

As a command pilot, Myers logged more than 4,100 flying hours, including 600 combat hours. His significant commands included North American Aerospace Defense Command; U.S. Space Command and Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado; Pacific Air Forces at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii; and the 5th Air Force at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

He was appointed Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff by President Clinton in 2000, and from 2001-2005, he served as the 15th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was the principal military adviser to the U.S. President, Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council. In addition, he has received numerous awards and decorations for his service, which include Legion of Merit, French Legion of Honor, and Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Myers also is a K-State Foundation professor of military history and leadership. K-State named the military science building, home of the Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC programs, Gen. Richard B. Myers Hall, in honor of his service and dedication. He and his wife, Mary Jo, serve as co-Chairs of the Kansas State University Innovation and Inspiration Campaign to raise $1B.

About TechAccel

TechAccel, LLC, was founded in 2014 as a first-of-its-kind venture and technology development company in the agriculture, animal health and food sectors. TechAccel sources, invests in and acquires early-stage innovations. Through collaborations with universities and research institutions, TechAccel conducts advancement and de-risking research and development to ready technologies for commercialization. For more information, visit www.TechAccel.net or follow @Tech_Accel.