For the past decade Lance Fors has focused on transformative leadership for social change.
He has concurrently been the long-time board chair of the global network of Social Venture Partnerships (SVPs), Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund (SV2), New Teacher Center, Reading Partners, Silicon Valley Childrens Fund, and Strive Together (vice chair), helping each transition from a start up to the leader in their field. Lance is also a board member of Enterprise Community Partners and FSG, and a thought partner with other nonprofits, social enterprises, and venture philanthropy funds, as they re-imagine how to catalyze greater impact in their local, national, and/or global ecosystems.
Previously, Lance was the founder and CEO of Third Wave Technologies, building it into a leading biotechnology company, which made products that enabled the early detection and treatment of cancer.
Lance received his BA from the University of California at Berkeley and his PhD from the California Institute of Technology in molecular biology. He is an inventor of dozens of patents, received an Ernst and Young entrepreneur of the year award, and is a social entrepreneur in special needs housing. Lance is also an avid tennis player and swimmer, and writes and speaks on the potential of individuals, teams, organizations, and networks to provide transformative leadership.