Latest news with #ChrisBurns
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aureon Realigns Leadership Team Around Market Position and Customer Focus
Seasoned Leaders Step In to Accelerate Integration and Enterprise Capacity WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, June 25, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aureon, a trusted provider of connectivity, managed IT, consulting, and contact center services, today announced a strategic executive realignment with the appointment of three key leaders: Chris Burns as Chief Operating Officer, Holly Veeder as Chief Transformation Officer, and Aric Birchmier as Chief Revenue Officer. Together, they form a unified leadership team focused on delivering integrated services and accelerating companywide transformation. These latest changes build on the appointment of George O'Neal as CEO in January 2025 and reflect his plan to integrate Aureon Network Services, Aureon Consulting, and Aureon Contact Center into a single, agile organization. The realignment simplifies internal structures, enhances efficiency, and strengthens the company's ability to meet growing demand across Iowa and the Midwest. "We're building a company that's not just keeping up with change, but driving it," said George O'Neal, CEO of Aureon. "This leadership team represents a deliberate step forward as we simplify how we operate, unify our offerings, and deliver comprehensive solutions for the businesses and communities we serve." Meet the New Executive Team Chris Burns, Chief Operating Officer: Burns brings more than 23 years of hands-on experience in the telecommunications industry, most recently serving as Vice President of Operations at GCI in Anchorage, Alaska. His background spans large-scale network operations, technology strategy, and organizational leadership. At Aureon, he is responsible for overseeing the Contact Center, Connectivity, Managed Services, and Customer Implementation, ensuring operational excellence and a seamless customer experience. Holly Veeder, Chief Transformation Officer: Veeder previously served as President of Aureon Consulting and has played a key role in guiding the company's strategic direction. In her new position, she leads corporate strategic planning, product management, and project management, and is the company's lead on merger and acquisition initiatives. Her focus is on driving cross-functional innovation and ensuring alignment across all growth efforts. Aric Birchmier, Chief Revenue Officer: Birchmier, formerly President of Aureon Contact Center, now leads all sales and marketing functions across Aureon's portfolio. He is charged with executing a unified go-to-market strategy that supports brand awareness, customer acquisition, and long-term revenue growth. His leadership ensures that every customer interaction reinforces Aureon's value as a trusted technology partner. The move reflects O'Neal's vision to eliminate internal silos, simplify operations, and build a more agile organization that is primed for scale. By aligning core business functions, operations, transformation, and revenue, the company is better positioned to meet evolving customer needs and strengthen its role as a leading technology provider across Iowa and the Midwest. To learn more, visit About Aureon Aureon provides business enhancing solutions through connectivity, managed IT, consulting, and contact center services, improving productivity and efficiency, backed by robust, scalable offerings to meet diverse business needs. A suite of services including unified communications, internet, data center, cloud, business continuity and security, are supported by strong customer focus and dependable network infrastructure. Over four decades of expertise, and a dedicated Iowa-based customer support team, enables Aureon to closely align with client goals, fostering efficient and advanced technological environments. Their exceptional service, combined with a commitment to community and client success, solidifies Aureon's position as a premier technology partner in the Midwest. Recognized with accolades like the 2024 Best of the West awards, Aureon's influence spans from its West Des Moines headquarters nationwide, exemplifying a legacy of excellence in technology and community development. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: iMiller Public RelationsBre BarreraTel: +1.210.383.2582Email: aureon@ Sign in to access your portfolio
BBC News
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
BBC Radio Bedfordshire marks 40-year anniversary of launch
Broadcasters involved with the launch of BBC Radio Bedfordshire have been celebrating its 40th station, founded on 24 June 1985, covered major events including a failed IRA bomb attack in St Albans in 1991 and Luton Town winning the Littlewoods Cup in serving parts of Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, it rebranded as BBC Three Counties in 1993 to reflect the wider Gibbons, the managing editor who oversaw the launch, said: "The target was get on air and get on air well - that was the most important thing." Gibbons' voice was the first heard on air as he welcomed new listeners, followed by the news bulletins and then breakfast presenter Gareth O' on that first day, Gibbons said: "On that morning, we were all in early and there was an air of anticipation before we started." "We were really, really pleased with the response we got from the audience that day," Gibbons continued."It all went well, the technology held up and we were really grateful to be there." Chris Burns, who was the first afternoon presenter, said she and her colleagues had five weeks of training before launch carried out countless dummy runs and delivered leaflets to people advertising the station."There was a real feeling of camaraderie around the station," Burns said."I think it immediately struck with listeners because that hadn't been there previously." Staff involved in the station's first day met in Clophill, Bedfordshire, on Sunday, to mark the included John Terrett, who went on to become the BBC's business correspondent in New York, US, after leaving Radio Bedfordshire."In those days, having a good voice was pretty much everything," he explained. "It was almost the number one consideration." Terrett once recorded his Back Home show while onboard a flight from Spain to Luton Airport."A friend of mine who lives in Stopsley, right under the flight path, said to me 'I was looking out for that plane and it never came over', and I said 'That's because we recorded it three days earlier'," he added. Another of the major stories covered by the station came in 1987, when campaigners fought to stop nuclear waste being stored at Elstow in it came to sport, commentator John Smith had no fonder memory than Luton's triumph over Arsenal in spent three nights holed up in the Hastings Street studio as Wembley fever swept through the town. "The whole energy and enthusiasm of the public in Luton, it was like you were being held up by a bubble of enthusiasm," Smith recalled."We were a local radio station and we had the most incredible team." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
News.com.au
21-06-2025
- General
- News.com.au
Hutt St Centre planning to open dedicated women's shelter as domestic violence crisis deepens
South Australia's housing crisis remains at breaking point, with one of the biggest homeless shelters fearing it could be forced to turn away clients as it hits capacity within years. The Hutt St Centre is even planning on opening a dedicated shelter, just for women and kids, as it fights to keep with a concerning rise in families being forced onto the streets. The charity had almost 43,000 visits from South Australians doing it tough in the past 12 months - the most in its 70-year history. It also handed out more than 22,000 pieces of material aid, such as clothing and personal hygiene, and served over 47,000 meals. Staggeringly, there has been a 116 per cent increase in visits to its Wellbeing Centre since 2020/2021. Women are the fastest growing group experiencing homelessness in SA, with the centre experiencing a 38 per cent jump in females accessing assistance this financial year compared to 2020/21. There has also been a nearly 50 per cent rise in people who had never previously experienced homelessness visiting the centre over the same period. It has also seen a reduction in clients with a criminal history or drug and alcohol problems. Hutt Street chief executive Chris Burns feared demand would only increase in the coming years, with the cost-of-living, domestic violence and housing crises pushing more people out -of-stable accommodation. 'The face of homelessness is changing; you're reminded of (that) every day,' Mr Burns said. 'People with great jobs and brilliant qualifications can still become homeless and we've got former senior public servants, high school teachers, people very high up in business who are now accessing our services. 'We've all got to remember, this could happen to you, or someone you love or someone very near to you in a heartbeat, it just takes one bad event. 'We can't see what is going to abate the cost-of-living crisis … the number of houses needed are decades away.' The Hutt Street Centre recently underwent a $2.2 million upgrade, boasting a new private retreat for families, medical treatment rooms, creative hub and all-weather outdoor courtyard for dining and group activities. Despite the fresh facilities, the welfare centre is set to reach its capacity - 71,500 visits a year - by late 2028. Mr Burns said the centre may have to turn away clients, without another significant expansion or government support. They are now considering opening another centre just for women and children due to the concerning rise in clients experiencing domestic violence. 'For every woman that comes to us for help, there's probably another one who doesn't want to come into the centre because there's men there,' he said. 'If we don't do something between now and December 2028, we're going to get to the point where we will have to turn people, which is totally against our ethos.'
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tyrell Hatton punching putter leaves U.S. Open fans in stitches
The post Tyrell Hatton punching putter leaves U.S. Open fans in stitches appeared first on ClutchPoints. Tyrell Hatton has long been known in the golf world as one of the most colorful players on the course. That reputation has only been exacerbated after he left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf alongside Jon Rahm. This week, Hatton is at Oakmont Country Club for the 125th U.S. Open. Advertisement Through three rounds, Hatton sits tied for sixth at 1-over. You read that right, he is in sixth at +1. That is how difficult Oakmont is playing this year. But just because he is in the mix, it does not mean Hatton's demeanor changes on the course. In fact, he was seen yelling at and punching his putter on the par-3 16th. Hatton just missed a 12-foot birdie putt coming up the hill, prompting some frustration. That would have been a great bounce back after carding a double bogey 6 on the par-4 15th. As video of the incident hit the internet, fans could not contain themselves. 'That putter's lucky Hatton didn't ask it to step outside,' one fan wrote. But Hatton's on-course behavior has drawn criticism, and earned him quite a few haters. Advertisement 'If there were any justice the putter would snap back up and smash his effing teeth in. Absolute cretin,' X user Chris Burns wrote. 'Tired of Tyrell Hatton!' chimed in another golf fan. Related: Scottie Scheffler's 'sorcery' leaves door open at U.S. Open Related: Scottie Scheffler visibly frustrated with swing coach after poor Friday US Open round
News.com.au
26-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Dr Boreham's Crucible: This pancreatic cancer tackler has faith its ‘good science will prevail'
With some common types of cancers including breast and lung, therapies have developed at a rapid clip. The same can't be said for pancreatic cancer, which is not among the most common tumours but ranks number one as the deadliest. Only 12% of patients will survive five years, compared to 21% for liver cancer and 23% for lung cancer. Pancreatic cancer is hard to treat because it is diagnosed late and the tumours are hard to access. About 80% of tumours are found at the advanced stage. In the barren drug development landscape, Amplia Therapeutics (ASX:ATX) is making strides with its candidate that works on the anti-fibrotic path to tackling the disease. Last week, Amplia shares surged up to 76% after the company reported encouraging results from its key, ongoing phase Ib/IIa pancreatic cancer trial (see below). Amplia CEO Dr Chris Burns notes some interesting emerging patient trends. For unknown reasons, more under-50s are being diagnosed. The condition is rare in China, but increasingly common in South Korea. So, blame the ageing population, or the kimchi. Burns says pancreatic cancer is challenging to treat because of chemotherapy resistance caused by the presence of fibrous tissue that prevents the chemo from penetrating. 'There are a lot of different angles to it.' Facts about FAKs Amplia's lead compound AMP-945 (narmafotinib) is a focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitor over-expressed in pancreatic cancer. Most cancer treatments are designed to attack tumours directly by either poisoning them or starving them of nutrients. AMP-945 – discovered at the former Cancer Therapeutics Cooperative Research Centre – works by suppressing a bodily agent suspected of fostering the spread of tumours and fostering fibrosis, removing the protective shields and rendering the tumours more responsive to chemotherapy. True to the 'cooperation' angle, the effort involved scientists from Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Services, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and the CSIRO. Burns says the science around pancreatic cancer and FAK is strong: patients with higher FAK do worse than those with lower FAK. 'We know FAK is involved in the fibrosis pathway.' AMP-945 has US Food and Drug Administration fast-track and orphan drug designation. Innate-ly interesting history Amplia stems from Innate Immunotherapeutics, which failed miserably with a phase II multiple sclerosis (MS) trial. Innate had a Trumpian angle, in that major shareholder Chris Collins was Donald Trump's congressional liaison during Trump's first spin in the White House. Mr Collins was sentenced to 26 months' jail after pleading guilty to tipping-off his son that the MS trial was a dud, but Trump eventually pardoned him … of course. Innate eventually acquired Amplia, owned by parties including Telix founder Dr Chris Behrenbruch and Burns. Amplia owns the FAK inhibitor program on which the company's trials are based. 'Chris Behrenbruch and I sat down and said why don't we start a company to actively develop the drug.' Burns said. Innate changed its name to Amplia in 2020 and Burns became CEO in December 2022. Done it before Burns has 30 years in drug discovery and development, including CEO positions at public and private companies. But his greatest claim to fame is co-developing the FDA-approved Ojjaara (momelotinib or CYT387), a so-called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor to treat myelofibrosis. His co-inventor was Prof Andrew Wilks, who founded the formerly ASX-listed Cytopia and now runs the biotech funding vehicle Synthesis Bioventures. Both received the 2024 Prime Minister's Prize for Innovation. To cut a long story short, Ojjaara eventually ended up in the hands of Glaxosmithkline in 2022, in a $US1.9 billion deal. The FDA approved Ojjaara in 2023. This was a historical moment, given the agency had only approved two Australian-made drugs previously. The others were Biota's influenza drug Relenza and – betcha didn't get this one – Hatchtech's Xeglyze for head lice. On trial (1) Dubbed 'Accent', Amplia's key trial is two-phase open-label combination study for first-line treatment of advanced metastatic or non-resectable (inoperable) pancreatic cancer. Taking place at five local and two South Korean sites, Accent combines AMP-945 with the standard-of-care generic chemotherapies gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane). Recruitment of the 55 patients has been ahead of schedule – a rare occurrence. Last week, Amplia confirmed a 'partial response' in 15 patients, 'a level of response sufficient to demonstrate that the combination of narmafotinib and chemotherapy is superior to chemotherapy alone'. A partial response means a tumour has shrunk more than 30%, with the benefit sustained for two months or more. The company says 15 of 50 patients would be enough to demonstrate efficacy 'with reasonable confidence'. The announcement followed a 'poster' presentation in late April to the American Association of Cancer Research's annual shindig in Chicago, in which the company presented an analysis of the first 29 patients. In short, AMP-945 was well tolerated, with 'promising signs of activity substantially better than chemotherapy alone'. The results? Eleven patients (37.9%) had a partial response, compared with a separate study in which 98 of 431 patients (22.7%) on chemo alone had a partial response. Twelve patients (41.4%) had 'stable disease', compared with 27% for chemo alone. This amounted to an overall disease control rate of 79% (23 patients) compared with 50% for the chemo group alone. Of the 21 patients showing reduced tumour size, 15 had a reduction of more than 30%. Amplia expects to release top-line data from the fully recruited trial in around October this year. Stop the growth The trial has not resulted in any complete response – that is, the cancer disappears – but that's not unusual for such virulent tumours. 'The most important thing with pancreatic cancer is not whether a tumour has shrunk 30% or 50%, but whether it has grown too much,' Burns says. 'If it grows too much, the patient is taken off the study. So, the amount of time on the study is a measure of how long keeping disease under control.' To date, the duration has been almost double that for chemo alone: almost 200 days compared with 117 days. 'That's what you care about as a patient: how long am I able to take these drugs to stop the disease progressing?' Burns says. On trial (2) Amplia also has FDA approval for a secondary program that lines up AMP-945 with Folfirinox, a combination treatment of four chemo drugs. The open-label, single-arm, phase Ib/IIa trial will be in two parts, focusing on the 'safety, tolerability, efficacy and pharmaco-kinetics of the combination in newly- diagnosed patients'. Folfirinox is a cocktail of folinic acid (leucovorin), fluorouracil (5-FU), irinotecan and oxaliplatin and is the preferred pancreatic treatment in the US and most of Europe. Folfirinox is fine in terms of efficacy, but toxicity is problematic. In effect, AMP-945 plus Folfirinox might offer the best of both words: longer survival with fewer side effects. 'Any time for these patients is precious, but you must play that off with the toxicity that goes with it, especially for older patients,' Burns says. Non-Amplia studies suggest progression-free survival of 6.4 months compared with around 5.5 months for gemcitabine/abraxane. The overall survival benefit is more pronounced: 11.1 months, compared with about nine months. In March, Amplia said it was in the final stages of planning the trial, having signed up contract research organizations and manufactured 30,000 capsules. Enrolling up to 70 patients, the trial is expected to be carried out at five US sites and two local sites, with the first patient to be dosed by the middle of the year. Finances and performance Amplia reported a cash burn of $2.73 million in the March 2025 quarter, with available cash of $10.9 million. The company's coffers were refreshed in last year's placement and rights offer that raised $13 million at 11.5 cents a share, a 15% discount to the prevailing price. Subscribers also received options exercisable at 17.25 cents by October 2027. The placement raised $7.8 million, with the rights raising pulling in $5.2 million. In May 2024, Amplia raised $4.27 million in a rights offer at 5.5 cents a pop. Amplia enjoys decent institutional support, with Platinum Investment Management, Pengana Capital and Acorn Capital all gracing the register. Dr Behrenbruch resigned from Amplia's board in 2020 to focus on his Telix Pharmaceuticals, but he retains a 1.8% stake in Amplia. Over the last 12 months, Amplia shares have dawdled between 17 cents (in mid-September last year) to the late April 2025 nadir of five cents (also the record low). They surged from 5.4 cents to 9.5 cents after last week's trial results, but didn't hold most of the gains. In the post Innate era, the stock peaked at 27 cents in April 2021. In the Innate days, the stock got as high as $14, in January 2017 allowing for a 10-to-one consolidation in 2018. Sadly, no-one rang the bell to sell – except Chris Collins. What else is out there? Amplia is inspired by this month's FDA decision to grant accelerated approval for the Nasdaq-listed Varastem Inc's ovarian cancer treatment, based on a FAK inhibitor. The combination treatment is for a narrow indication of low-grade serous ovarian cancer, following previous systemic therapy. The approval was on the strength of a 57-patient trial that met its overall response rate with a 44% success rate. Verastem won approval despite 25% of patients having a long list of side effects. AS well as the usual nausea and diarrhoea, these included creatine phosphokinase, increased alanine aminotransferase, emesis, hyperbilirubinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, lymphocytopenia, dermatitis acneiform and thrombocytopenia. Consult your nearest medical dictionary! Burns says if the drug is approved, it will clinically validate FAK inhibition across broader cancer treatments. Amplia has done some preclinical work with ovarian cancer, but will seek collaborations to further the work. In other words: someone else needs to pay. Dr Boreham's diagnosis In a familiar refrain heard across the biotech landscape, Burns laments that investors don't appreciate Amplia's progress and are undervaluing the company. But he argues that good science will prevail. 'We have had nothing but good news, including recruiting our trial two months ahead of schedule,' Burns says. 'We have done a lot of good things, yet we don't get a lot of love from the market.' Burns says Amplia has been built on the same strong scientific grounding behind Ojjaara. 'Many companies tried to make a JAK inhibitor and failed along the way,' he says. 'We stuck to exactly what we did. We did it well, tested it in every possible way and it always came out strongly.' Of course, AMP-945 is not about a pancreatic cancer cure, but buying more quality time for the patient. 'Commercially, while it is challenging you don't have to do a lot for it to be meaningful,' Burns says. 'If you can turn nine months survival into 15 months that means something to patients, and it means something to the market.' At a glance ASX code: ATX Share price: 5.2 cents Market cap: $20.2 million Shares on issue: 387,952,669 Chief executive officer: Dr Chris Burns (co-founder) Board: Dr Warwick Tong (chair), Burns, Dr Robert Peach, Jane Bell Financials (March quarter 2025): receipts nil, cash outflows $2.73 million, cash balance $10.86 million, quarters of available funding 4.0 Identifiable major shareholders: Platinum Investment Management 10.3%, Acorn Capital 7.7%, Pengana Capital 5.6%, Blueflag Holdings 5.5%, Elk River Holdings (Chris Behrenbruch) 1.8%
