NCBiotech Piedmont Triad Advisory Group Names Leaders

Morris Clarke, Ph.D.

Morris Clarke, Ph.D., associate professor of biochemistry at Winston-Salem State University, has been named leader of the Executive Council of the Advisory Committee for Biotechnology in the Piedmont Triad.

Clarke succeeds Bill Dean, of billdean Strategies and newly named chief executive officer at The Collider in Asheville. The Executive Council consists of committee members with significant years of commitment and contribution, providing a base of knowledge and visionary leadership to the full advisory committee.

 “I am humbled and hope to continue the legacy of great leadership, dedicated scholars, and innovative entrepreneurs,” said Clarke. “I look forward to leading this council toward meaningful dialogue.”

Jerry Barker, chief sales officer for SightLife, a current advisory committee member, will be joining as the council’s newest member.

Russ Read, executive director of the National Center for the Biotechnology Workforce, has been selected to lead the advisory committee’s strategic work plan known as BioIgnite, which is focused on innovation, infrastructure and investment to help grow jobs. Randy Pool, PE, former managing principal of Stantec, previously served as chairperson.

“I am honored and eager to work with advisory members to evaluate our plans, invite others to contribute and begin the process of supporting Triad BioNight 2016,” Read said. Triad BioNight is held every other year to celebrate the region's life science sector growth.

Kelly, Erb remain chair, vice chair of committee

Michael Kelly, chief financial officer of Piedmont Pharmaceuticals, remains as chair of the advisory committee with Daniel Erb, PT, Ph.D., dean of the High Point University School of Health Sciences, as vice chair.

NCBiotech established the committee in 2003, shortly after opening the Piedmont Triad Office as its first location outside the Research Triangle Park headquarters. The Center has since opened regional offices in Greenville, Wilmington, Asheville and Charlotte – each supported by an advisory committee of business, academic and civic leaders.

New members of the committee are:                   

• Jennifer Byrne, Co-founder and CEO, Javara Inc.
• Algie Gatewood, Ph.D., president, Alamance Community College
• Gary Graham, president, Graham Personnel Services
• Genevra Kelly, MPH, Institute Partnerships, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine
• Troy Knauss, partner, Guardant Partners and vice chairman, Angel Resource Institute

“We are pleased to convene and collaborate with relevant, enthusiastic and influential regional leaders from industry and academia to help us strategically support innovation and job growth,” said Nancy Johnston, executive director of NCBiotech’s Piedmont Triad Office. “Our goal is to strengthen relationships statewide to support North Carolina as a global leader in the life sciences.”