Leadership Team

Laura Schrader
Laura Schrader is the Managing Partner of XMA. She has lead companies and business divisions for over 25 years with a focus in the life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and retail sectors. She spent nearly a decade working in M&A at EMA Partners, an investment bank, before founding XMA Advisors following the retirement of the firm's founders. Before joining EMA, she was President and CEO of a preclinical laboratory product startup for several years. Prior to this, she worked for many years as a senior business consultant at a medical device consulting firm, following the sale of her own retail sector company. Earlier in her career, Schrader was involved in economic development at regional, state, and national levels, facilitating technology spinout collaborations between the U.S. government and the private sector and managing a federally funded revolving loan fund. She attended Olivet College on a basketball scholarship, graduating cum laude with a BA in Business and Economics. Additionally, she holds a product development certification from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.


Andrew Raeder
Andy Raeder is an advisor for XMA. He spent over 20 years advising middle-market clients on numerous transactions across various industries, including life sciences, medical devices, specialty manufacturing, healthcare IT, and consumer products as the co-founder of EMA partners before retiring. Prior to running EMA, he specialized in lower middle-market mergers and acquisitions for various firms and managed privately held companies in the consumer products and medical device industries, ultimately selling both to larger competitors. Raeder graduated from Princeton University with a BA in English and holds an MBA from the University of Michigan.

Aaron Crumm, Ph.D.
Aaron Crumm is an advisor for XMA. He founded Adaptive Materials Inc. (AMI), a fuel cell technology and manufacturing company, which he later sold to Ultra Electronics, a global player in the defense industry. Recognized for his exceptional leadership, he has received numerous accolades, including Executive of the Year. As a faculty member at the Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Michigan (UM), Crumm teaches innovation and shares his expertise in building successful businesses. He is a highly regarded speaker at various alternative energy symposiums and fuel cell conferences. Crumm holds a BS in nuclear engineering from Purdue University and a Ph.D. in material science from UM.


Jim Arthurs
Jim Arthurs is an advisor for XMA. He is a seasoned executive with experience in six startups across various industries, including medical diagnostics and software. His expertise encompasses fundraising support, developing customer-focused business and operating plans, startup formation, managing company growth, navigating regulations, and handling acquisitions. His previous executive roles include positions at grapeVINE Technologies (acquired by Netscape/SUN Microsystems), Comshare, Armune BioScience (acquired by Exact Sciences), and others. He is the founder and president of Quality Results Management Services, a business management consulting firm that provides interim CEO and other advisory services. Arthurs holds a BSEE from The Pennsylvania State University.


Katie Webster
Katie Webster is an advisor for XMA. She spent over 20 years with EMA Partners before retiring, advising clients across various industries such as life sciences, medical devices, specialty manufacturing, healthcare IT, and consumer products. Before joining EMA, she worked in consumer products marketing, focusing on brand management for several wine and spirits brands. Earlier in her career, Katie was in financial services, managing 401(k) plans for Manufacturers National Bank of Detroit. She holds a BA in Finance from Michigan State University and an MBA in Marketing and General Management from the University of Michigan.