Powering Progress: BioForward Wisconsin Strengthens Board to Build on Wisconsin’s Biohealth Momentum
BioForward Wisconsin, champion for Wisconsin’s thriving biohealth industry, proudly announces the appointment of new leaders to its Board of Directors as it builds on a transformative year for the state’s biohealth ecosystem.
Momentum and Milestones
2025 marked a year of unprecedented collaboration and progress for Wisconsin’s biohealth community. From the release of the inaugural Wisconsin Biohealth Investor Portfolio Report—showcasing the strength and investability of the state’s emerging companies—to the publication of the Wisconsin Onshoring Report by Alliant, BioForward continues to position Wisconsin as a national leader in innovation, talent development, and biomanufacturing.
“Our industry has proven that collaboration is Wisconsin’s competitive advantage,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of BioForward Wisconsin. “With these new leaders joining our board, we are deepening our collective commitment to growing Wisconsin’s impact on global health, advancing commercialization, and ensuring this industry continues to drive meaningful economic and societal value.”
Welcoming New Board Members
BioForward is pleased to introduce seven new leaders to its Board of Directors, representing a diverse cross-section of Wisconsin’s biohealth excellence—from diagnostics and pharmaceuticals to software, HR, and legal innovation:
• Alison Hess, VP, Finance, NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes
• Brittany Long, HR Strategic Business Partner, Eli Lilly & Company
• Shawn Honeyager, Vice President, Global Operations, Exact Sciences
• Kevin Meech, Chief Executive Officer, Yahara Software
• Justin Koepsel, PhD, MBA, Senior Director, Commercial Operations, Catalent
• Jessica Lewis, Associate General Counsel, Aldevron
• Carolyn Pettersson, Senior Director of Manufacturing and Site Leader, Illumina
“These new board members bring strategic insight, energy, and vision from across Wisconsin’s dynamic biohealth ecosystem,” said Nicolas Paris, CEO of Gilson and Chair of the Board. “Their leadership will help us accelerate innovation, strengthen collaboration, and expand Wisconsin’s position as a global biohealth powerhouse.”
Executive Committee
• Board Chair: Nicolas Paris, CEO, Gilson
• Board Treasurer: Sarah Duellman, Global Strategic Business Lead, Biotech, Promega
• Board Secretary: Edward Ladwig, VP of Chemistry Operations, Eurofins
• CEO: Lisa Johnson, BioForward Wisconsin
Continuing Board Members
• Adam Kujath, Executive Vice President & Site Head, Sterling Pharma Solutions
• Anjon Audhya, Senior Associate Dean for Basic Research, Biotechnology, and Graduate Studies, UW School of Medicine and Public Health
• David Katzmann, Ph.D., Senior Research Fellow, Biology, Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals
• Deena Ensenberger, Vice President, PPD, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
• Jenny Fong, Site Head, Madison/Verona, MilliporeSigma
• Mara Lord, Senior Vice President, University Engagement & Strategic Planning, Medical College of Wisconsin
• Pam Gabris, VP, Global Head, Development Strategy and Study Management, Labcorp
• Manuela Govin, Executive, GE HealthCare Wisconsin Academics
• Brad Pietz, Executive Vice President and Chief Laboratory Officer, Versiti
Looking Ahead
As BioForward prepares for another year of impact—including continued initiatives, the expansion of member programs, and progress on the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub—the organization remains focused on uniting Wisconsin’s innovation community to create a stronger, more resilient biohealth future.
“With this exceptional board, we are positioned not only to tell Wisconsin’s biohealth story—but to shape its next chapter,” Johnson said.
For more information about the Board of Directors and BioForward Wisconsin’s 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, and medical device, and diagnostics. It is an action-oriented association that focuses on initiatives to strengthen the state’s biohealth industry. 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
