WHO ARE WE

President/Founder

Chace Torres is a 15-year biomedical equipment technician, U.S. Army veteran, and nationally recognized leader in healthcare technology management. As founder of the Ohm’s Law Foundation, he is driving a movement to address the growing shortage of biomedical technicians through scholarships, certifications, outreach, and mentorship. Chace is also the host of the Bearded Biomed podcast, author of Ollie the Biomed, and the 2024 AAMI & GE BMET of the Year, recognized for his commitment to elevating the profession and inspiring the next generation of HTM professionals.

Vice President

With over 30 years in Healthcare Technology Management, Bryant Hawkins is a respected leader, mentor, and advocate for equity in the HTM field. He is the founder of Elevate HTM, a nonprofit focused on expanding access and representation for underserved communities. Bryant also hosts the HTM On The Line podcast and is the author of Voices of Medical Equipment and Dare to Be Great, both celebrating the stories and impact of professionals in the field. His work continues to inspire and uplift the next generation of biomeds.

Director of Community Outreach

Rhiannon Thurmond brings nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare technology management, specializing in medical device safety and field service across multiple vendors and modalities nationwide. She is recognized for her leadership, advocacy for the HTM field, and dedication to connecting professionals with resources that support their growth. At Ohms Law Foundation, Rhiannon focuses on building relationships, expanding awareness, and creating opportunities for the next generation of biomeds through scholarships, education, and community engagement.

Director of Mentorship

Jake Powell is the founder and CEO of iMed Biomedical, a national service organization he launched in 2014 to address critical gaps in medical device support. A U.S. Army veteran and experienced biomedical technician, he leads a team that serves clients in over 20 states, offering services such as depot repairs, project management, and compliance consulting. His leadership centers on flexibility, precision, and a strong commitment to patient safety. Beyond his work at iMed, Jake is a passionate advocate for developing the next generation of HTM professionals. He leads initiatives within the Ohm’s Law Foundation to establish a national mentorship program, providing early-career biomeds with the guidance, training, and support they need to succeed. His philosophy is simple: learn, earn, and return.

Director of Education

Jemal Nelson is the Program Director for the Biomedical Engineering Technology program at St. Philip’s College in San Antonio. He leads a state-of-the-art training facility that includes dedicated labs for physiology, biomedical IT, cybersecurity, and medical instrumentation. Under his leadership, the program prepares students for real-world roles in healthcare technology through hands-on experience and advanced technical instruction. Jemal also oversees initiatives like the Extended Reality summer research program, which introduces students to immersive technology applications in biomedical and allied health education.

Director of Business Development

Sydney is dedicated to supporting Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) professionals, not just as a career but as a personal passion. Having built a career in the industry she loves, she partners with biomeds and HTM leaders to provide the tools, resources, and solutions they need to keep hospitals running and patients safe.

For Sydney, the work goes beyond delivering results. It is about advancing the profession, advocating for the remarkable individuals behind the technology, and helping to build a stronger future for HTM. That future holds even deeper meaning now, as her own son is pursuing his education in this field.

She takes pride in contributing to the growth, recognition, and success of HTM teams nationwide, having witnessed firsthand the impact they make every single day. Recognized as a TechNation 40 Under 40 honoree and connected to a network of over 10,000 HTM professionals, Sydney is committed to using her platform, expertise, and relationships to drive innovation and elevate the profession she is proud to call home.

Director of HTM Initiatives

Matthew Lau brings over 20 years of experience in healthcare technology management, with a career spanning military service, biomedical equipment training, and business leadership. He has specialized expertise in the dental industry, building deep connections that strengthen the foundation’s ability to support this critical but often underserved side of healthcare technology management. Matthew applies his background in technical education, operations management, and strategic development to expand Ohm’s Law Foundation’s reach, create impactful partnerships, and drive initiatives that ensure both medical and dental equipment professionals are prepared to meet the growing demands of patient care.