BioForward Wisconsin, the collective voice of Wisconsin’s robust biohealth cluster and lead entity on Wisconsin’s successful Tech Hub Designation, announces a strategic augmentation to its Board of Directors, reinforcing its commitment to propel the state’s biohealth industry into a new phase of innovation and influence.
Under the leadership of CEO Lisa Johnson and Board Chair Nicolas Paris, BioForward has achieved significant milestones, culminating in the successful Phase I Tech Hub Designation. As the organization gears up for the Phase II application, the board is set to leverage its expertise to further position Wisconsin as a leader in personalized medicine, amplify manufacturing capabilities, and fortify the biohealth ecosystem.
The expansion of the Eau Claire office stands as a testament to BioForward’s dedication to fostering regional growth and collaboration within the biohealth community. Emphasizing the importance of this expansion, Johnson states, “Our commitment to regional expansion signifies our dedication to fostering collaboration and catalyzing innovation within Wisconsin’s biohealth landscape.”
Additionally, the addition of Millipore Sigma, a global leader in supplying solutions and services to the Life Science industry, further enriches the board’s expertise. Nicolas Paris, CEO of Gilson and Board Chair, remarked, “Millipore Sigma’s expertise adds depth to our collective knowledge, bolstering our efforts to pioneer breakthroughs in biotechnology and pharmaceutical drug therapies.”
New Board Members:
BioForward proudly welcomes three esteemed professionals to its Board of Directors, enriching the organization’s leadership with diverse expertise:
- Jenny Fong, Head of Operations, Millipore Sigma– Madison & Verona
- Mara Lord, Senior Vice President, University Engagement & Strategic Planning, Medical College of Wisconsin
- Angela Ryan, Vice President, Clinical & IVD Product Management, Illumina
Executive Committee:
- Board Chair, Nicolas Paris, CEO, Gilson
- Board Treasurer, Garrett Peterson, Principal/Chief Strategy Officer, Yahara Software
- Board Secretary, Sarah Duellman, Global Strategic Business Lead, Biotech, Promega
- BioForward CEO, Lisa Johnson
Continued Commitment:
- Anjon Audhya, Senior Associate Dean, Basic Research, Biotechnology, and Graduate Studies, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
- Jennifer Fitzsimmons, Senior Director, PPD/Thermo Fisher
- Pam Gabris, Head, Alliance Management, Strategic Planning & Study Direction, Labcorp
- Jessica Giffey, General Manager, SHINE Systems and Manufacturing Division
- Justin Krause, Vice President, Operations, Coordination and Strategy, Exact Sciences
- Adam Kujath, Executive Vice President & Site Head, Sterling Pharma Solutions
- Edward Ladwig, GM & VP of Chemistry Operations, Eurofins
- Leslie Lemke-Boutcher, Vice President Nonclinical Toxicology, Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals
- Tom Lynch, VP Client Services, Aldevron
- Brad Pietz, Executive VP and Chief Laboratory Officer, Versiti
- Eric Ruedinger, General Manager, Global Anesthesia & Respiratory Care, GE Healthcare
- Zachary Taylor, Senior Director of Operations, Catalent Pharma Solutions
The expanded board, comprising an array of industry leaders, positions BioForward to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. Johnson affirms, “Our collective expertise sets the stage for impactful advancements in biohealth, driving Wisconsin’s position as a global player in life sciences and medical breakthroughs.”
The organization expresses gratitude to departing members Josh Carson from Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, Cecilia Hillard from Medical College of Wisconsin, and Haiying Grunenwald previously with Illumina, for their pivotal role in shaping BioForward’s trajectory.
For more information about the Board of Directors, please visit https://www.bioforward.org/about/#team.
About BioForward
BioForward Wisconsin represents more than 230 member organizations across an integrated network of health solution leaders, including research institutions, biotech and biopharma, digital health, healthcare systems, and medical device, and diagnostics. It is an action-oriented association that focuses on initiatives to strengthen the state’s biohealth industry. BioForward was the lead consortium member on Wisconsin’s successful Phase I Tech Hub Designation Application. Learn more about BioForward Wisconsin at www.bioforward.org.
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Media Contact:
Rissa Guffey (she/her)
Director of Marketing & Communications
[email protected]
(608) 236-4693
