Staff
Raman Chadha, Executive Director
Raman is Executive Director of the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center and on the faculty of DePaul’s highly ranked academic program in entrepreneurship, teaching Entrepreneurship Strategy, New Venture Management, and Innovation & Technological Change. Prior to joining DePaul, he ran his own consulting firm for eight years, through which he helped over 200 entrepreneurs start, grow, and manage their companies. Raman is a frequent contributor to online and traditional media outlets covering entrepreneurship and small business, and is very active in Chicago’s entrepreneurial community.He earned his MBA in Entrepreneurship and Marketing from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and his BA in Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 
April Lane (MBA ’06), Associate Director
Originally working at the Coleman Center as a MBA consultant, April received her MBA in Entrepreneurship in June 2006. In her new role, April is responsible for growing the consulting business, managing client relationships, and managing the MBA consultants while continuing to work with clients. April received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, and has a strong background in entrepreneurship and marketing. She is on the Associate Board for the Chicago Arthritis Foundation (CAF), and has chaired the CAF Arthritis Walk for the past two years.
Stephanie Furlan, Marketing & Outreach Manager
Stephanie is responsible for managing the Center’s marketing and communication efforts, planning and managing various events and programs, and building and maintaining the Coleman Center’s strategic partnerships. She is a current DePaul MBA student, and attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN where she received her bachelor’s degree in Communications. Prior to working for the Coleman Center, Stephanie was an Account Executive at the Chicago White Sox where she coordinated fundraising groups and other large group outings.
Amy Bretz, Administrative Assistant
Amy graduated from Augustana College in May 2007 with a double major in Public Administration and Political Science. She was active in the Chi Alpha Pi Sorority where she worked on many fundraising events such as “Relay For Life” for The American Cancer Society. She enjoys working in an environment like DePaul where “honesty, hard work, and integrity really matter.” Amy feels lucky to help make a difference in the lives of students and entrepreneurs in the area. She looks forward to continuing her work at the Coleman Center and eventually hopes to further her education as a graduate student at DePaul.
Sam Guren, Senior Consultant and Executive-in-Residence
Sam Guren has an extensive career in venture capital and private equity, and was an early investor in the retail industry - a focus that has continued throughout his career. He started in private equity with Continental Illinois Venture Corporation (CIVC), whose investments ranged from Apple Computers to Yoplait to Kohlberg, Kravis & Roberts. He co-founded and managed William Blair Venture Partners (WBVP), and made investments including the founding of The Sports Authority, the buyout of Sanford Corporation, and various technology, healthcare, and cable television companies. He also has managed the Baird Capital Funds I and II and Allied Capital. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and his MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.
Executive Consultants
Bruce Leech (MBA ‘81) founded CrossCom National, Inc. in 1981, a company that recently reached $100 million in annual revenues. CrossCom installs and services voice and data systems for large US retailers like Wal-Mart, Blockbuster Video, and TJ Maxx. In 2004, Bruce sold a majority interest in the firm to Goense/Bounds, a private equity firm, and continues to serve on the company’s Board of Directors. Bruce is a partner with BTA Enterprises and Evanston Advisors, companies that provide consulting services to business owners related to business transition and financial planning. Having been through this process himself, Bruce is able to provide insight into this very important area in the life of the business owner. Furthermore, he serves as an advisor to several companies and is involved with a number of non-profit organizations and educational institutions. Bruce earned his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, and an MBA from DePaul University.
David Jackson is Evanston Advisors’ Chief Operating Officer where he is responsible for strategic planning, operations, and relationship management. Prior to joining Evanston Advisors in 2001, he owned FirstChoice HealthCare, a middle-market home health care company. David’s business plan for rapid growth and significant competitive advantages led to a two-part sale of the business in 1996 and again in 1998. Since that time David has been an active business investor and professional business advisor sharing his knowledge and experience with other successful business owners. As a way to give back to the community, he continues to be involved with many non-profit and charitable efforts. David earned bachelor degrees in Business Administration and in Public Policy from Carthage Collage.
Dr. Harold P. Welsch (MBA ’68, COM ’66), Founder
Dr. Welsch has been active in entrepreneurship development for more than two decades as an educator, consultant, researcher, entrepreneur, author and editor. He is well known for his research into the privatization of centrally planned economies, entrepreneurship career paths, strategic planning, ethnic entrepreneurship, and problems encountered by small businesses. Dr. Welsch has held the Coleman Chair in Entrepreneurship at DePaul since 1989.
Marketing Intern
Amanda Hansen is assisting in the execution of the Coleman Center’s marketing, communications and programming efforts. She is a current DePaul MBA student specializing in Marketing Strategy & Planning and Brand Management. Amanda graduated from the University of Wisconsin where she received her bachelor’s degree in International Relations. Prior to joining the Coleman Center, Amanda worked as an Account Manager at PDI Global, Inc. helping accountants and attorneys grow and develop their niche practice areas. She also serves as Vice President of Public Relations for the Kellstadt Marketing Group, and is an active member of the American Marketing Association and Wisconsin Alumni Association.
Events Intern
Jennifer Broome assists in the execution of the many Coleman Center events and programs held throughout the year. She is a senior at DePaul majoring in advertising and public relations, and plans to earn a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications after graduation. Prior to working at the Coleman Center, Jennifer interned at Chicago’s Interfaith Worker Justice Center and DuSable Museum. Additionally, she is starting a DePaul branch of the National Black Public Relations Society on campus this year.
MBA Consultants
Andrew Deutschmann is an MBA student concentrating in Corporate Finance and plans to graduate in 2009. He received his B.S. in Finance from Miami University (Ohio) in 2002. Prior to returning to school, Andrew worked at Ogilvy & Mather as a Staff Accountant and Client Financial Coordinator. He’s excited to step back from the corporate world and focus on helping people navigate the challenging and rewarding realm of the Entrepreneur.
Justin Henderson is a full-time MBA student interested in developing innovative business models to address health care industry challenges. Before coming to DePaul, Justin was a project and program manager for clinical and technology research at several major academic medical centers in southern California. He earned his bachelor’s degree and Master of Public Health degree at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Ryan Ridge is an MBA student concentrating in Financial Analysis. Prior to joining the Coleman Center, he worked on the trading floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Ryan graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a bachelor’s degree in finance and real estate, and was also a member of Wisconsin’s men’s track team.