• Arlene Chiu, PhD, has been appointed director of scientific programs and review for the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM; Emeryville, California). Chiu is a developmental neurobiologist who is currently associate director of the Office of Research Administration of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NINDS), one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH; Bethesda, Maryland). In 2004, Chiu received the NIH Director's Award for "outstanding contributions to the development of stem cell research at the NINDS and the NIH." CIRM was established in 2004 with the passage of Proposition 71, the California Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative, and will be responsible for disbursing $3 billion for stem cell research to the state's universities and research institutions over 10 or more years.

• Sheila DeWitt, PhD, has been named vice president of business development and strategic planning for EPIX Pharmaceuticals (Cambridge, Massachusetts). DeWitt most recently worked as a consultant to the biotech industry, including EPIX, leading the evaluation of strategic business initiatives. Prior to consulting, she was vice president of portfolio development at ArQule. EPIX develops imaging pharmaceuticals for the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease.

• Jared Bowlin has been named vice president of sales for the central region of MedSolutions (Nashville, Tennessee). He brings to this role more than nine years experience in the healthcare field, the last six in radiology benefits management. MedSolutions manages radiology services for managed care organizations.

• William Greene, MD, has been promoted to general partner of MPM Capital (Boston/San Francisco), a global investment management firm focused solely on healthcare investing. Greene joined MPM Capital in 2002 from Genentech, where he was a senior clinical scientist and epidemiologist.

• Donald Spence has been appointed president of the Homecare Division of Respironics (Murrysville, Pennsylvania), effective April 18. Spence will succeed William Post who has resigned his position. Most recently, Spence served as executive vice president, GKN Automotive. Respironics develops products and programs serving the sleep and respiratory markets.

• Spiralock (Madison Heights, Michigan) reported the hire and promotion of several senior executives, due to domestic and international expansion. Vice President of Sales and Marketing Jim Gillis has been promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer. Arlindo Marques Filho, formerly chief engineer and general manager of Spiralock Brazil, has been promoted to chief engineer of Spiralock Europe. Jose Starosta has been hired as the new general manager of Spiralock Brazil. Previously, Starosta was a partner in a strategic consulting and management company. Manufacturers in a range of industries – including medical devices – use Spiralock's alternative thread form, which addresses fastener loosening and stripping problems with resistance to shock, load, vibration and thermal extremes.

• Mark Meersman has been appointed CFO of Transcend Services (Atlanta). Meersman replaces Joseph Bleser who will continue with the company as an independent consultant. Most recently, Meersman, a certified public accountant, was the partner-in-charge of inProcess Consulting, a management consulting firm.