John D. Cooper joined the firm at the launch of the venture fund, building on his deep healthcare and financial expertise with leading health systems, where he led strategic investments, mergers and acquisitions, and healthcare-focused venture capital initiatives. Today, John D. leads a talented team of analysts and investors seeking breakthrough startups and ideas shaping the future of healthcare.
Moses Ike draws on over a decade of experience as an investment and finance executive within a variety of healthcare organizations. Moses specializes in early-stage health-tech and services startups and has led a few companies from seed stage to exit as both an investor and operator.
Lauren brings nearly two decades of experience across wealth management and early-stage startup investment. At Catalyst, she has led investments from Pre-Seed through Series B, backing companies that are shaping the future of care. Those companies range from clinical data orchestration and pediatric cardiology diagnostics to behavioral health, hospital robotics, and next-generation medical devices.
Lori Westphal brings more than 20 years of research and evaluation experience to Catalyst’s venture team, where she plays a key role in due diligence on prospective investments. She applies rigorous research methods to evaluate each company’s market, product, and potential impact on patient care. Before joining Catalyst, Lori led human-centered design research for Fortune 500 companies, health systems, and health-tech startups, and served as a senior epidemiologist and bureau chief at the Florida Department of Health.
Patric Rayburn leads marketing, communications, and ecosystem engagement. He draws on his corporate communications, marketing, and brand experience to ensure that the startup investments of Catalyst are highlighted to benefit the healthcare industry and attract other breakthrough startups to partner with Catalyst.
Domoniqiue Rogers adeptly navigates and maintains all aspects of Catalyst’s administrative functions and oversees the Catalyst Innovation Center operations. Domonique also supports venture research and analysis drawing on her 10+ years of healthcare administration experience.
Cora is a member of Catalyst by Wellstar’s venture team, where she sources and evaluates digital health and health tech startups and supports the firm’s portfolio companies. Her background in public health and research informs how she assesses clinical need, market opportunity, and a company’s potential impact on patient care. She is pursuing her MPH in Health Management & Policy at Georgia State University.
Wellstar Health System is one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the Southeast. Guided by its PeopleCare culture, Wellstar's 35,000 team members and 13 hospitals serve communities across more than 400 care locations, delivering more than 7 million patient experiences each year across 40+ specialties. Through clinical trials and partnerships including Augusta University's Medical College of Georgia, Wellstar advances discovery and brings new treatments to patients.
Learn more at wellstar.org.
