RICHMOND, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)—-Virginia Bio, the statewide non-profit trade association for the life
science industry, announced today that after seven years of service Jeff
Gallagher CEO will step down from his position as CEO later this year,
then will continue to serve the association on select special projects.
A national search for a new CEO will begin immediately, conducted by the
Virginia Bio Board of Directors.
Under Mr. Gallagher’s leadership, Virginia Bio has prioritized service
to its many members, built important new collaborations, woven together
the state’s diverse and dynamic industry, and provided a vision for the
growth and development of the industry in all corners of the state and
across its many domains. “It’s been a great honor to help our members
and stakeholders grow life science innovation,” said Mr. Gallagher, “as
they tackle the extraordinary challenge of developing discoveries into
real products and services available in the clinic and marketplace. And
it’s been a joy to see the fruits of their work – new cures and
treatments, new ways to promote health and avoid illness, breakthroughs
in agriculture, industrial processes and environmental care, new
companies and great jobs.”
During his tenure Virginia Bio broadened its membership base, expanded
its offering of services to members, and increased the range of
educational programs and networking events. Virginia Bio worked across
Administrations and General Assemblies to spark statewide strategic
initiatives and advocate for improved public policies, then helped
implement those programs. Virginia Bio convened first-ever statewide
meetings in Ag and Industrial Bio, Big Data and Bio, Virginia
Innovations impacting Military and Veterans Health, the Life Science
Innovation Workforce, the Medical Device and MedTech sector, the
recognition and development of women leading the life science industry,
and championed regional collaboration with colleagues in North Carolina,
D.C., Maryland and through the BioHealth Capital Region initiative.
Testimonials
Jeff set a very high bar for the organization and helped to bring
national prominence to the Commonwealth’s life science industry. His
integrity, passion, and intimate knowledge of the industry allowed him
to be a great connector, an honest broker, a creative thought leader and
a driving force for positive change. Because of Jeff’s tremendous vision
and his consistent leadership over the last seven years, Virginia Bio,
our members and our entire state have benefited greatly.
– Andrew Krouse, Chairman of the Board Virginia Bio, CEO Cavion, Inc.,
Charlottesville, VA
Virginia Bio, under Jeff’s leadership, has set and made great
progress toward important priorities: increasing access to
capital including a Virginia Reception at the famed JP Morgan Healthcare
week in San Francisco; workforce, including STEM, internships and
diversity, highlighted by the unique regional Women Building Bio annual
conference; unlocking the promise of Virginia’s global leading resources
in data science for the life sciences and medicine; agricultural and
industrial bio; and helping life science innovation companies meet the
needs of our military and veterans.
-Crystal Icenhour, Immediate Past Chair Virginia Bio, CEO of Aperiomics,
Ashburn, VA
Virginia Bio is a critical partner to the translational research
universities in the state and to the Catalyst. Jeff is not afraid
to roll up his sleeves, and he’s not afraid to take a leading role. He’s
helping our research universities optimize how they create and nurture
innovation, and our industry learn how better to work with our
universities, ultimately creating companies, investment and jobs in
Virginia.
– Michael Grisham, CEO, The Catalyst (Virginia Bioscience Health
Research Corporation (VBHRC)), Richmond VA
Thanks to Jeff’s strategic leadership and vision, Virginia Bio has
become a broader, stronger and mutually supportive community, a
sustainable platform to continue to grow and help our members and the
Commonwealth achieve a brighter future. Virginia Bio members embody a
deep knowledge of life sciences R&D, commercialization,
innovation, entrepreneurship, economic development, access to health
care, specialized professional support and more. Virginia
Bio is poised and willing to be the honest broker, trusted voice,
dependable support and collaborative leader for the life sciences
industry in the state.
-Alan Connor, Vice Chairman Virginia Bio, CEO Cadence, Staunton, VA