RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Virginia Biotechnology Association (Virginia Bio), the premier statewide non-profit trade association for life science industries, has named its interim executive director to the full-time position of chief executive officer.

With an extensive background in the law and non-profit sectors as well as the life sciences, Jeffrey Gallagher brings leadership and policy expertise to his newly defined role, where he will be responsible for developing and executing the associations strategic plans, prioritizing the organizations areas of advocacy and serving as a voice for the organization and its over 200 member companies.

Virginia Bio is thrilled to have someone with Jeffs breadth of experience, leadership skills and deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the life sciences industry, said Michael Grisham, chairman of the board at Virginia Bio. He will serve as an articulate and respected champion for our diverse member companies, particularly at a time when the life sciences throughout Virginia are emerging as an increasingly important growth sector.

Virginia Bio is on the vanguard of the rich life sciences industry throughout the Commonwealth. Not only does itserve its members andmaintain the pulse of this important business sector, but it helps to educate and provide context to many forward-looking issues related to Virginias future growth,innovationand competitiveness, says Gallagher. Ive admired this organization for many years and am now proud and pleased to serve as its new CEO. I look forward to servingour member companies,collaborating with others around the state,and working with policymakersat every levelto create jobs to Virginia and faster cures and better treatments to our citizens.

Gallagher was most recently with Lyotropic Therapeutics, Inc., based in Ashland, Va., where he served as Vice President & General Counsel. He helped establish and grow the small pharmaceutical company and was responsible for all legal matters, including regulatory compliance, personnel and intellectual property. Gallagher also has been involved with numerous non-profit organizations in various leadership roles.

One of the first priorities for Jeff as CEO is to lead the Virginia delegation at the Mid-Atlantic Bio Conference cohosted by Virginia Bio each year. Mid-Atlantic Bio, taking place this week in Bethesda, MD, brings together a critical mass of key industry stakeholders in a forum designed to improve the business climate and foster innovation. This years theme, New Alliances, New Opportunities reflects the addition of The North Carolina Biotechnology Center as a strategic partner, along with two special sessions, Best Practices for Working with the FDA and SBIR/STTR: Strategies, Program Changes and Opportunities. To view the complete program, please visit the conference website, http://www.midatlanticbio.org

About Virginia Bio

Virginia Bio is the premier statewide non-profit trade association for life science industries in Virginia. Celebrating its 20th year, Virginia Bio is an advocate for the biopharmaceutical and device industries among federal, state and local policy-makers. Virginia Bio is the official state affiliate of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). To learn more, visit http://www.vabio.org.

About Mid-Atlantic Bio

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Virginia Bio Announces New Executive Leadership