Genome Canada Board Appoints New Chair

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct 12, 2012) - Genome Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Chair of the Board of Directors - Lorne Hepworth - who is assuming the position effective immediately. Hepworth brings to the role considerable vision and experience relating to industrial and economic development, private sector innovation, government and stakeholder relations, research management and more.

"Mr. Hepworth is a highly seasoned individual in matters relating to economic advancement based on innovations that are powered by science," said Pierre Meulien, President and CEO, Genome Canada. "We are very much looking forward to the contributions he will make as our Chair in advancing the role of genomics in the development of an emerging bioeconomy that impacts all Canadians."

"I am pleased to be part of an endeavour that holds so much promise for boosting Canadian innovation, productivity and competitiveness," said Hepworth. "I feel honoured that such a seasoned, accomplished Board has expressed their support for my leadership. Together, we will work hard to advance the power and promise of genomics."

Hepworth has, since 1997, served as President of CropLife Canada, the trade association representing developers, manufacturers and distributors of plant science innovations for use in agriculture, urban and public health settings. He has been a member of the Canadian Agri- Food Research Council, the federal government''s Pest Management Advisory Committee and National Biotechnology Advisory Committee. He is currently a Board member with CARE Canada and the Canadian International Food Security Research Fund (CIFSRF) Scientific Advisory Committee. He has been a director of Genome Canada''s Board since June 2010.

A graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan (1971), Hepworth was a practicing veterinarian in Alberta and Saskatchewan until 1982, when he was elected to Saskatchewan''s Legislative Assembly for the Constituency of Weyburn. He subsequently served nine years in Cabinet, during which time he was appointed Minister of Agriculture, Education, Finance, and Energy and Mines.

From 1993 to 1997, he held several executive positions with the Canadian Agra group of companies specializing in agri-food/feed production, processing and marketing of such diverse products as wine, apple juice concentrate, canola oil and dehydrated alfalfa. While there, he also led the development of the International Division''s Agricultural Project in the People''s Republic of China.

Hepworth replaces Dr. C. Thomas Caskey, who is stepping down after a considerable tenure of serving on Genome Canada''s Board, including three years as its Chair.

Genome Canada is a catalyst for developing and applying genomic sciences that create economic wealth and social benefit for Canadians. We work in partnership to invest in and manage large-scale research and translate discoveries into commercial opportunities, new technologies, applications and solutions. We build bridges between government, academia and industry to forge a genomics-based public-private innovation focused on key life science sectors. For more information, visit http://www.genomecanada.ca

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Genome Canada Board Appoints New Chair