Liridon Rrushaj | Pekin, Illinois

Liridon Rrushaj, Director of Venture Investments for OSF Ventures, was captivated by chemistry as a child and aspired to become a pharmaceutical drug developer. He remembers, “I envisioned a future where I could contribute to groundbreaking research and discovering new medicines that could help those in need.” Overcoming the challenge of moving to a new country without knowing the language, today, Rrushaj brings a long track record of expertise across the healthcare industry from both startup and corporate settings to OSF Ventures in the central Illinois community.

Before joining the OSF Ventures team, Rrushaj was a healthcare strategy consultant, helping the C-Suite of Fortune 500 companies transform their companies amidst the evolving healthcare landscape and re-imagine the possibilities for a new, improved healthcare industry.

Rrushaj recognizes a leader as one who has “the ability to serve others and promote new learnings and opportunities for their team.”

Outside of work, Rrushaj and his wife Iliriana, enjoy the central Illinois restaurant scene, especially his favorite restaurant, Mike's Cobbler Corner.

In his volunteer work, Rrushaj promotes entrepreneurship in central Illinois through serving as an Investor Swarm Advisor for the local gBETA Distillery Labs cohorts, serving as a judge for Bradley University's Big Idea Challenge, and judging the University of Illinois’ Cozad New Venture Challenge. Rrushaj also serves with Boys and Girls Club as President of the Board and sits on the Economic Development Council of Pekin.

Rrushaj is particularly impacted by his work with Boys and Girls Club of Pekin explaining, “I see the impact that an organization like the Boys and Girls Club can have on kids in terms of giving them somewhere to go after school, supporting them in their development, promoting them to be active through sports, and offering team-based activities. It truly is a positive place for kids.”