An organization that advocates internationally for Alabama's bioeconomy is losing its director.
BIO Alabama CEO Rachel Lane has stepped down and is headed to the Tulsa Innovation Labs Canopy Virtual HealthTech program in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The BIO Alabama executive committee is developing a transition plan in conjunction with Lane.
“BIO Alabama is a critical catalyst for our state’s industry,” said Bill Dean, executive director of the Auburn Research and Technology Foundation and member of BIO Alabama's executive committee. “We are evaluating Dr. Lane’s thoughtful transition plan and are committed to continuing the momentum we have gained over the last two years.”
Under Lane’s leadership, BIO Alabama and the state’s bioscience industry grew, marked by accomplishments including the annual conference, which gathered over 200 statewide industry partners and featured leaders and speakers from across the country. It also implemented the Inaugural RALLY, a reverse-pitch event, which connected local and national industry companies with Alabama academic institutions for collaboration and a workforce development initiative aiming to upscale Alabama’s bioscience workforce and SBIR/STTR award workshops, which connected innovators with federal agencies and information about nondilutive funding.
BIO Alabama held its first in-person conference in six years in April 2022.
“Dr. Lane applied her vision and knowledge to take our industry to new, innovative levels,” said Chairperson Kacee Sims, director of marketing and technical services at Avanti Polar Lipids, Inc. “Losing her leadership is a disappointment, but I know she will continue to be an ambassador for us beyond our state’s lines.”
