BioOhio, the statewide trade group for the growing biotechnology sector, has recruited an Ohio State University economic development specialist as its next CEO.
Eddie Pauline has worked at his alma mater for 11 years, the last two as economic development director in its corporate engagement and commercialization office, which recently was merged with research as a new division. In that role he's led industry-specific workforce and "placemaking" programs on campus.
"Eddie's energy and fresh perspectives on how to position BioOhio going forward will be a valuable asset to our current and future members, and Ohio's bioscience community at large," Geoff Morgan, BioOhio chairman and vice president and general manager at Quidel, said in a statement.
Pauline succeeds John Lewis, who stepped down this summer after 21 years leading the organization.
The state has more than 4,000 companies in the biological sciences. In addition to the established industry surrounding the Cleveland Clinic in Northeast Ohio, Columbus has been building up a cell and gene therapy hub centered on Nationwide Children's Hospital.
Universities, hospitals and state grants have supported the creation of innovation districts in Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati to spur even more biotech growth.
In recent years the 34-year-old trade group grew to some 300 members, helped attract 78 businesses to the state in partnership with Ohio Third Frontier, and joined others in the industry to successfully repeal a federal tax on medical devices that was included in the Affordable Care Act.
"The organization has incredible value for the community and a solid foundation, poised for an even more impactful future of collaboration across Ohio and the world," Lewis said in a farewell newsletter.
Before Ohio State, Pauline worked in the digital media industry, mostly in Seattle and New York City. He has bachelor's degrees in geology and political science from OSU, where he was student body president, and an MBA from Franklin University. He lives in Worthington with his wife, Lindsey, and their three children.
