February 8, 2022 (Cambridge, MA) – MassBioEd, a nonprofit focused on education, training, and workforce development within the burgeoning Life Sciences sector, today announced the appointments of Wade Brown and Laurie Halloran to its Board of Directors. Brown is Head of Cambridge Strategy and Research Operations for Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), and Halloran is the President and CEO of Halloran Consulting Group.

A respected industry veteran, Brown has extensive experience in project and crisis management and life sciences research and development. At BMS, he plays a critical role in maintaining seamless Cambridge operations during the Covid-19 pandemic and is central to the expansion of the company’s regional footprint, including its new R&D facility under construction at Cambridge Crossing. Brown joined BMS following a 17-year tenure at Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research.

“For Massachusetts to maintain its leadership position in pharma, biotech, and healthcare, we need to have the most prepared and sustainable workforce, and this is MassBioEd’s singular focus,” said Brown. “In joining the Board, I look forward to supporting the organization’s efforts in workforce development, particularly in driving STEM education and in advocating for a diverse and accessible industry.”

Halloran brings significant leadership experience to her role. Her time as a pediatric ICU nurse had inspired her to start a company that helps move new therapies through FDA processes to get them into the hands of patients desperately in need. By providing a strategic development team, innovative start-up companies could have access to world-class expertise at a fraction of the cost. Since its humble beginnings, Halloran has grown into a successful consultancy of like-minded experts who are dedicated to improving human health by making life science companies better at what they do.

“Having worked with MassBioEd for decades, and especially in the past two years as we have collaborated on an inaugural launch of an Apprentice program with a large group of local companies to develop the next generation of clinical research experts, being appointed to the board is an honor. I look forward to sharing my insights to meet the future workforce needs in MA,” says Laurie.

Brown and Halloran join a growing Board that welcomed eight new members in 2021 whose background encompasses a range of experience in the Life Sciences industry and academia:

• Wynter J. Duncanson, Ph.D., Assistant Dean of Outreach and Diversity, College of Engineering, Boston University
• Amita Joshi, Senior Director, Alliance Management, Intellia Therapeutics, Inc.
• Lora Marden, Senior Director and Head of Patient Advocacy & Engagement, Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals
• Jay Mettetal, Senior Director, Early Oncology Bioscience, AstraZeneca
• Kendalle Burlin O’Connell, President & Chief Operating Officer, MassBio
• Shelley Seymour, Educator, Hampshire Regional High School
• Rita Smith, Director Business Human Resources, Abbvie
• Tom Snow, Global Franchise Head, Neurology and Immunology, Sanofi Genzyme

Over the past year, MassBioEd’s Vice Chair Lauren Celano, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Propel Careers, spearheaded recruitment efforts designed to diversify and strengthen the Board.

“I have enjoyed strengthening and diversifying MassBioEd’s Board to ensure that we have the expertise, leadership, perspective and insights necessary to accelerate MassBioEd’s growth and impact,” says Lauren. “As we evaluate and select new board members, we carefully consider how their experiences and expertise complement our existing Board. I am so impressed by the new Board members who joined in the last year and am so excited to see the impact they will make!” 

“It is paramount our Board provides differentiating expertise to guide the Foundation and respects the diversity and inclusivity of our staff and the industry we serve,” says Chris Murphy, Chairman of the MassBioEd Board. “We continue to make informed, strategic additions to our Board that provide insight into the communities we serve and represent all segments of our growing industry.”

Sunny Schwartz, CEO of MassBioEd, has worked closely with the Executive Board and Board members to drive this initiative forward, engaging new members who bring a breadth of experience and new perspectives to the organization.

View MassBioEd’s Board of Directors here: https://www.massbioed.org/about/board-of-directors/

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About MassBioEd Foundation

The MassBioEd Foundation (MassBioEd) is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization. Its mission is to build a sustainable life sciences workforce in the region through educational programs that engage and excite teachers, inspire and propel students, and illuminate the pathway from the classroom to careers with a focus on expansion, opportunity, and diversity.

MassBioEd Media Contact:

Name: Megan Schulz | Email: megan.schulz@massbioed.org | Phone: (617) 674-5137