Bran Ferren

Bran Ferren is "a designer and technologist working in entertainment, product development, engineering, architecture and the sciences. He is former President of Research & Development and Creative Technology for Walt Disney Imagineering.

"Previously, he was President of, and Senior Designer for, Associates & Ferren, which Disney acquired in 1993. He recently left Disney to start Applied Minds Inc., with partners Danny Hillis and Doug Carlston, and is currently Co-Chairman and Chief Creative Officer.

"Ferren is a board member of The International Design Conference in Aspen (IDCA) and a senior advisory board member for science, advanced technology, and innovation management to seven US Government agencies and the US Senate. Currently held positions include National Security Agency Advisory Board, National Reconnaissance Office Technical Advisory Group, Army Science Board Member, Defense Science Board member, Chief of Naval Operations Executive Committee, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Technical Advisory Group, Securities and Exchange Commission Advisory Committee on Technology, Federal Communications Commission Technological Advisory Committee, National Imagery and Mapping Agency Advisory Forum.

"The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences gave Mr. Ferren Technical Achievement Awards for the Computer-Controlled Lightning Effects System and Laser Synchro-Cue System, as well as the Scientific and Engineering Award for an Advanced Concept Optical Printer, used for special effects cinematography. Recent awards include the 1998 Wally Russell lifetime achievement award for lighting design and a 2000 Kilby Award for significant contributions to society. A popular guest lecturer, Mr. Ferren has addressed over 100 professional groups in the entertainment, business and scientific communities."

• Strategic Advisory Group, Paladin Capital Group