Introducing NMBio’s Leadership Team for 2019 At the New Mexico Biotechnology & Biomedical Association’s annual board meeting in late January, Richard VanNess was selected to succeed Elizabeth “Lisa” Kuuttila as President. Richard is Director, Product Management TriCore Reference Labs. He works integrally with TriCore’s team responsible for building and releasing its new business, Diagnostic Optimization. TriCore is attempting to redefine its position in the healthcare market and Richard is an essential member in assuring the right products are brought to market to assure customers find it valuable, useful, and assists the volume to value shift within healthcare. He evaluates new opportunities, directs the strategy, and ensures overall product success by working closely with customers and team members. Lisa, who served two years as president of the association, will remain on the association’s executive committee as one of three vice presidents. Lisa joined STC.UNM (STC), the University of New Mexico’s technology-transfer program, as President & CEO in 2003. She is currently CEO & Chief Economic Development Officer of the organization. She works with the STC.UNM Board of Directors in developing strategies for implementing STC’s vision to play a vital role in New Mexico’s economic development and to be a leader in technology commercialization. Under her leadership, STC.UNM is substantially growing its program using the Rainforest model to develop an innovation ecosystem in New Mexico. In 2013, STC.UNM was tasked by the University with implementing its economic development initiatives under Lisa’s leadership. The association expanded its executive committee from four to six members. Returning members include Janeen Vilven-Doggett, a Partner at Peacock Law. P.C. and Michael Vickers, Director of Operations, Maas Biolabs. Janeen, who is nationally recognized and well known and experienced intellectual property practitioner, serves as the board’s Secretary. Prior to becoming an attorney, she spent almost 13 years as a research scientist at both Baylor College of Medicine (Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics), and the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (Department of Pediatrics and Department of Pathology). Michael, the association’s Treasurer and a graduate of UNM’s Anderson Schools of Management, oversees the day to day operations for Maas Biolab, LLC and oversees the company’s several ongoing drug development projects. Board Members Wayne Savage and Darlene Harbour were elected to the Executive Committee as Vice Presidents. Darlene, BSN, RN, CCRC, is President of Lovelace Scientific Resources, Inc. LSR is the Clinical Research Division of the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute. She is a Registered Nurse who has been working in clinical research and in multiple health disciplines for over 25 years. She also serves as program manager on clinical research projects for the military, sponsored by the Federal Government and research projects sponsored by the State of New Mexico. Wayne is the Executive Director of the Arrowhead Research Park at New Mexico State University, a 175-acre facility currently in development of a healthcare and medical technology industry campus centered around NMSU’s medical research capacities, the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Arrowhead Park High School Medical Academy, and a number of tenant partners. The park is a major component of NMSU’s economic development mission.
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