BioForward Wisconsin Announces CEO Lisa Johnson’s Planned Retirement
Leadership transition to build on more than a decade of growth and statewide impact
BioForward Wisconsin, the unified voice and champion for Wisconsin’s thriving biohealth industry, announced that CEO Lisa Johnson will retire at the end of 2026 following 11 years of transformative leadership. The announcement was shared with members at the Annual Member Meeting on April 16 at Monona Terrace.
A Decade of Leadership and Impact
Since joining BioForward in 2015, Johnson has played a pivotal role in strengthening Wisconsin’s biohealth ecosystem—uniting industry, academia, and government partners to accelerate growth, expand visibility, and drive measurable impact across the state. Under her leadership, BioForward has expanded advocacy efforts, grown its membership, advanced strategic initiatives, and helped secure significant investments supporting innovation, workforce development, and industry expansion.
Johnson has been instrumental in positioning Wisconsin as a national leader in biohealth, elevating the state’s profile through key reports, partnerships, and initiatives that highlight its strengths in research, biomanufacturing, and collaboration.
Today, Wisconsin’s biohealth industry is a powerful economic driver—supporting more than 141,000 jobs and generating $37.7 billion in total economic impact annually. With nearly 58,000 direct jobs and continued growth outpacing state and national averages, the industry reflects the strength of a highly collaborative ecosystem spanning companies, researchers, healthcare systems, and public and private partners across the state.
Leadership Transition and Search
BioForward’s Board of Directors Executive Committee will begin a search for the organization’s next CEO in the coming months, with the hiring process anticipated to conclude in Fall 2026. Johnson will remain in her role through the end of the year to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition.
“Lisa’s leadership has helped shape Wisconsin’s biohealth industry into what it is today—collaborative, growing, and nationally recognized,” said Nicolas Paris, CEO of Gilson and Chair of the BioForward Board. “Her vision, dedication, and ability to bring people together have created lasting impact across our ecosystem. On behalf of the Board, we are deeply grateful for her leadership and the strong foundation she leaves for the future.”
“I am not sure where my next journey in life will take me but as I reflect back on my 37 year career in Wisconsin’s biohealth industry, from entrepreneurial experience to international business development to then supporting this industry through BioForward these last 11 years, I am proud to have experienced and witnessed the profound impact of Wisconsin’s biohealth industry,” said Lisa Johnson. “I have been privileged to work with amazing team members throughout my career, and I leave BioForward at year end knowing it will continue to deliver major value and support to Wisconsin’s biohealth industry.”
Looking Ahead
Following the announcement at the Annual Member Meeting, BioForward will continue engaging members and partners throughout the transition process. The organization remains focused on advancing key initiatives, supporting its members, and strengthening Wisconsin’s position as a global destination for biohealth innovation, investment, and talent.
With a strong board, engaged membership, and a clear strategic direction, BioForward is well positioned for its next chapter.
For more information about BioForward Wisconsin and its initiatives, visit www.bioforward.org.
About BioForward Wisconsin
BioForward Wisconsin represents more than 250 member organizations across an integrated network of health solution leaders, including research institutions, biotech and biopharma, digital health, healthcare systems, medical device, and diagnostics. BioForward unites the ecosystem, elevates members, advocates for their interests, and promotes Wisconsin as a global destination for biohealth innovation, investment, and talent. Learn more about BioForward Wisconsin at www.bioforward.org.
Media Contact:
Rissa Guffey (she/her)
Senior Director of Marketing & Communications
rguffey@bioforward.org
(608) 236-4693
