TMCnet News
BIOforward Announces New LeadershipMADISON, Wis. --(Business Wire)-- BIOforward, the member driven, Wisconsin affiliate of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), PhRMA, and Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) today announced it has hired Laura Bray as its new Chief Executive Officer. For the last decade, Laura has served as the Executive Director of the Menomonee Valley Partners, Inc. She will assume the CEO position on November 17. Ms. Bray has an established track record of aligning multiple partners around a common vision, mission, and implementation strategy. Since 2004, she has led a public and private partnership to create the conditions for economic development and ecological restoration in the Menomonee River Valley, which spans from Miller Park to the Harley-Davidson Museum. Under her leadership, the redevelopment efforts have yielded $200 million in public sector commitments, 5,100 new jobs, and more than $820 million in new private investment. "Laura's enthusiasm and energy are contagious and she has set a very positive tone for the many and varied participants in our revitalization efforts in Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley. Wisconsin's life science community will benefit from her leadership, collaborative nature, and creative approaches to resolving challenges," said Mick Hatch, Board President of Menomonee Valley Partners, Inc. and Partner at Foley & Lardner LLP. "While we have made tremendous progress, there s more work to be done. We will soon announce our process to select a new executive director," Hatch added. "I am honored to join BIOforward to work with life science companies, entrepreneurs, researchers, university partners, civic leadership, and the public sector to advance Wisconsin's position as a leading life science community," Bray said. "Wisconsin has a tremendous base of assets to build upon to achieve this vision. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and building value for our members, our industry, and our state." BIOforward's office will continue to be located at 214 N. Hamilton Street in Madison. The Association aspires to add an office in the Milwaukee area in the near future to best serve its membership and the life science community. "A broad coalition of stakeholders from Madison and Milwaukee, as well as strong relationships throughout the state, will be essential to strengthen Wisconsin's position as a life science industry leader," said Joe Hammer, CEO Search Committee Co-Chair and Board President-Elect. "Laura's skillset will be invaluable as we look to implement and enhance our five-year strategic plan. The Directors and I are elated to have Laura join our efforts to deliver tangible value to our existing and new membership." About BIOforward: BIOforward was founded in 1987, as the Wisconsin Biotechnology Association, a partnership among leaders in Wisconsin's emerging biotechnology industry. The association joined forces in 2001 with the medical device manufacturers, and became the Wisconsin Biotechnology and Medical Device Association. The organization was rebranded in 2009 as BIOforward. Members include life science companies, universities, nonprofits, and service providers. As an advocate for advancing Wisconsin's position as a leading life science community, BIOforward brings together the collective strengths and experience of Wisconsin's life science innovators, providing the resources to create develop and deliver products to improve the lives of people around the world. The BIOforward Vision Summit on October 8 at the Monona Terrace in Madison provides an opportunity to learn more about the association, to meet the highly enthusiastic Board of Directors and dedicated staff and to network with like-minded individuals to advance life sciences in Wisconsin.
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