NH Life Sciences Launches Statewide Industry and Education Partnership
Statewide initiative with industry and academia will shape state’s future life sciences workforce
NHLS also welcomes two new members to its Board of Directors: Matt Simon, Executive Director at the Biotechnology Innovation Center & ReGen Valley Common Campus and Shelley Briggs, CEO of BioSummit Strategies.
BEDFORD, NH – NH Life Sciences (NHLS) announced today the formation of its Industry and Education Partnership (IEP). This strategic initiative brings together industry and academic leaders across the state to address current workforce challenges and develop career pathways to attract and retain talent that meets the needs of New Hampshire’s growing life sciences industry.
The primary goals of the partnership will be to raise awareness of life sciences career opportunities in the state, pinpoint specific skills gaps and develop strategies to address them, and align classroom curriculum with industry needs. This collaboration will take steps to ensure that graduates are job-ready and equipped with in-demand skills. Further, the initiative will provide a platform to engage with policymakers and cross-industry leaders to advance initiatives that support workforce development and training programs in New Hampshire.
“This committee will serve as a collaborative platform for industry professionals, educators, and stakeholders to enhance workforce development initiatives across New Hampshire and ensure that our talent pool is equipped to meet the evolving needs of the life sciences industry,” said John Whelan, NHLS Co-Founder/Board Member and Managing Director at Alexander Technology Group, who will be leading the IEP on behalf of NHLS.
Joining John from industry will be Stacey Dameron, Sr. Manager of Human Resources at Novo Nordisk in West Lebanon; Ryan Holder, Senior Director of Operations at Lonza Portsmouth; Mia Mullins, Manager, HR Business Partners at Novocure in Portsmouth; and Devin Gleeson, VP of Life Sciences & Technology at Timberline Construction.
From academia, IEP members include Matt Simon, Executive Director at the Biotechnology Innovation Center (BIC) & ReGen Valley Common Campus in Manchester; Raina Sprague, Executive Director, Employer Relations & Operations at UNH Career and Professional Success (CaPS) in Durham; Mica Stark, President & CEO of the NH College & University Council; Shaniqua Jones, Program Director for Institute for Biomolecular Targeting (bioMT) and Dartmouth Cystic Fibrosis Research Center; and Kim Williams, Chair of the Life and Physical Sciences Department at the Community College System of NH.
NHLS is also pleased to welcome new members to its Board of Directors: Matt Simon, Executive Director at the Biotechnology Innovation Center (BIC) & ReGen Valley Common Campus, and Shelley Briggs, formerly Head of Sales for North America at MilliporeSigma and now CEO of BioSummit Strategies. As Executive Director of the University of New Hampshire’s Biotechnology Innovation Center, Matt leads efforts to create synergistic opportunities for startups, academic researchers and workforce trainees. Every day, he supports commercialization of cutting-edge technologies through UNH’s BioLoft wet-lab incubator. He also plays an integral role in advancing the ReGen Valley Tech Hub.
At MilliporeSigma, Shelley oversaw all commercial sales across the Academia, Biotech and Pharma sectors. She brings 25 years of leadership in life sciences to NHLS, having dedicated her career to fostering growth of the emerging biotech sector through innovation, strategic partnerships and networking.
“We are delighted to welcome Matt and Shelley to the NHLS Board of Directors,” said Andrea Hechavarria, President and CEO of NHLS. “Their expertise in workforce development and supporting emerging companies across the life sciences provide enormous value to NHLS and our community as we work to advance our industry across the state.”
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About New Hampshire Life Sciences (NHLS):
Established in 2023, NHLS is the statewide life sciences association—built by the industry, for the industry. Our mission is to foster growth and awareness of the life sciences industry in New Hampshire and to attract and retain world-class talent and innovation to the Granite State. New Hampshire's life sciences industry includes more than 600 companies, across five major industry groups (medical device manufacturing, medical equipment/supplies, research and development, pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing, and medical and diagnostic laboratories). In 2021, New Hampshire’s life sciences cluster contributed approximately $3 billion to NH’s gross regional product and $4.3 billion in sales.
Media Contact NH Life Sciences:
Andrea Hechavarria