BIO Appoints New President and CEO After Greenwood Retires

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), a science and public advocacy organization, announced on May 14, 2020 that Michelle McMurry-Heath, MD, PhD, will assume the role of BIO president and CEO on June 1, 2020 after Jim Greenwood, who has led the organization since 2005, retires from the positions.

McMurry-Heath previously served on the Obama administration’s science transition team before accepting a scientific leadership role at FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health from 2010 to 2014. Since then, McMurry-Heath has held several senior leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson, including vice-president of External Innovation and global leader for Regulatory Science.

“As these clarifying times have shown, society will rise or fall on the ingenuity of our scientists, the vibrancy of our innovative ecosystem, and the personal courage of the men and women working day and night to bring cures to patients, food to tables, and relief to our environment,” said McMurry-Heath in a company press release. “I want scientists, clinicians, and innovators to hold their heads high knowing they are addressing the most important issues we face today. BIO represents these everyday heroes and sheroes, and I couldn’t be prouder for this opportunity to support their work and shout their message from the rooftop.”

“Science matters, now more than ever,” added Greenwood in the press release. “Michelle’s record of scientific leadership commands attention and respect among policymakers across the world. Michelle has been at the forefront of turning legislative victories into real-world realities for patients whose lives depend on biomedical innovation. Her experience as an innovator, a doer and a bipartisan collaborator will be great assets to BIO and the companies who depend on us to advocate on their behalf. I look forward to handing over BIO to her on June 1st. She will be a great leader.”

Source: BIO