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BioNJ Elects Board Chair, Officers and Trustees


TRENTON, N.J. - (February 9, 2023) - BioNJ, New Jersey's life sciences trade association, announced the election of its 2023 Officers and Board Members. The election preceded BioNJ's 30th Annual Dinner Meeting and Innovation Celebration on February 2 at the Hilton East Brunswick where hundreds of life sciences leaders turned out to celebrate the industry and its accomplishments over dinner, networking and awards presentations.  


Newly elected Officers include Chair Amadou Diarra, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Global Policy, Advocacy & Government Affairs, Bristol Myers Squibb; Vice Chair Emer Leahy, Ph.D., MBA, President & CEO, PsychoGenics; Treasurer Jayne C. Gershkowitz, Chief Patient Advocate, Amicus Therapeutics; and Secretary Christopher Mortko, Ph.D., MBA, Vice President & Head, HQ Research and Evaluation, Merck Business Development & Licensing.

 

Dr. Diarra was elected Chair, succeeding Will H. Lewis, JD, MBA, Chair & CEO, Insmed, who concluded a two-year term and moves into the Immediate Past Chair's role. 

 

Maya Bermingham, JD, Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Government Affairs, Regeneron; Samuele Butera, MPP, President, Janssen Pulmonary Hypertension and Retina; Christopher Cozic, Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer, Genmab; Leverne Marsh, Chief Product Officer, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Innovative Medicines US; Christine Ann Miller, MBA, President & CEO, Melinta Therapeutics; Gregory Oakes, MBA, President & CEO, Landos Biopharma; and Michael Schoen, Chief of Staff, BeiGene, were newly elected to the Board.

 

The following Board Members were re-elected to another term: Sol J. Barer, Ph.D., former Chair and CEO, Celgene Corporation & Chair of the Board, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries; Carrie Brown, Head, U.S. Communications, Sanofi; Michele Korfin, R.Ph., MBA, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Commercial Officer, Gamida Cell; Susan L. Levinson, Ph.D., CEO, BioAegis Therapeutics; John Maki, CEO, Bayesian Biotech; Anthony S. Marucci, MBA, Founder, President, CEO and Director, Celldex Therapeutics; Scott Megaffin, President & CEO, Adiso Pharmaceuticals; Stuart W. Peltz, Ph.D., CEO, PTC Therapeutics; Christopher J. Schaber, Ph.D., Chair, President and CEO, Soligenix; and Bob Smith, Senior Vice President, Global Gene Therapy Business and Early Commercial Development, Rare Disease Business Unit, Pfizer Biopharmaceuticals Group, Pfizer. 


"We have been blessed with tremendous leadership which has enabled BioNJ's growth and success over the years," said BioNJ President and CEO Debbie Hart. "With so many important opportunities and challenges facing the industry, we look forward to working with our new Chair and all of our Board Officers and Members as we forge ahead ensuring that New Jersey remains a robust life sciences ecosystem and that innovation and Patient access are empowered." 


"I am honored to serve as BioNJ’s Chair as we build on the path that Will and our Board have set,” said Dr. Diarra. “This is a critical time for our industry, and I’m looking forward to working with the Board, our Members and the BioNJ Team to improve access to medicines for Patients in need, protect medical innovation and support New Jersey’s robust life sciences community, advancing in particular BioNJ’s Health Equity in Clinical Trials Strategic Initiative...Because Patients Can't Wait."

Bios for Newly Elected Officers:

Chair: Amadou Diarra, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Global Policy, Advocacy & Government Affairs, Bristol Myers Squibb

Dr. Diarra leads an integrated organization focused on external environment dynamics, innovation and patient access, working with key stakeholders, including Patient support organizations, health care professionals, policymakers and industry associations. He is passionate about partnering for improved health outcomes. Dr. Diarra joined Bristol Myers Squibb in 1991 as Market Research and Business Development Manager, Africa Division and has held positions of increasing responsibility, including leading the company’s landmark philanthropic program, Secure the Future, a public-private partnership focused on care and support for women and children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as serving as General Manager, Indonesia, Turkey, Ireland and Nordics; Vice President, Access, Europe; and Vice President, General Manager, UK and Ireland. Dr. Diarra is a member of the Global Leadership Team at BMS, as well as the Global Diversity & Inclusion and Sustainability Councils. He represents BMS as an American Associate of the Science & Technology in Society Forum, member and former 4 years-term Chair of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America International Section Executive Committee, Council Chair of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations, and member of the U.S. Chamber Board of Directors.

Vice Chair: Emer Leahy, Ph.D., MBA, President & CEO, PsychoGenics

Dr. Leahy is the CEO of PsychoGenics, a profitable pre-clinical CNS service company as well as PGI Drug Discovery LLC, a company engaged in neuropsychiatric drug discovery with five partnered clinical programs, including one in Phase III. Dr. Leahy has more than 30 years of experience in drug discovery, clinical development and business development for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, including extensive knowledge of technology assessment, licensing, mergers and acquisitions and strategic planning.

Treasurer: Jayne C. Gershkowitz, Chief Patient Advocate, Amicus Therapeutics

Ms. Gershkowitz is responsible for the global strategies that ensure individuals and families affected by rare diseases remain at the core of all company operations and that Patient-first thinking is basic to the business. She leads the highly regarded Global Patient & Professional Advocacy department; founded the company's long-standing Patient Advisory Boards program: forums for hearing the concerns and experiences of Patients, families and caregivers and incorporating them into Amicus’ work. She also leads Amicus’ Public Policy work to advocate for policies that satisfy unmet needs among those living with rare diseases; and initiated Healing Beyond Disease™. Ms. Gershkowitz is the co-founder and vice chair of Professional Patient Advocates in Life Sciences, an educational non-profit organization advancing the strategic function of Patient Advocacy. 

Secretary: Christopher Mortko, Ph.D., MBA, Vice President & Head, HQ Research and Evaluation, Merck Business Development & Licensing

Dr. Mortko leads a team responsible for the search, scientific evaluation and due diligence for late-stage research and development opportunities across all therapeutic areas and enabling technologies. He is a key member of Merck’s Science, Strategy and Business review governance committee that is responsible for decision making and deal structure/terms for business development opportunities. Prior to joining Merck Business Development, Dr. Mortko was a Senior Biotechnology Equity Analyst on Wall Street, focusing on oncology, immunology and other therapeutic areas.

Bios for Newly Elected Board Members:

Maya Bermingham, JD, Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Government Affairs, Regeneron

Ms. Bermingham and her team play a critical role in helping Regeneron shape and maintain its industry-leading reputation among governmental stakeholders. In 2020, she stepped forward to serve as the company’s interim head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I). Prior to joining Regeneron, Ms. Bermingham held roles of increasing responsibility at PhRMA over a 12-year tenure, following earlier positions at legal firms, and working for Senator Moynihan and the Senate Finance Committee.

Samuele Butera, MPP, President, Janssen Pulmonary Hypertension and Retina

As President of Pulmonary Hypertension and Retina Gene Therapies in the U.S., Mr. Butera is dedicated to supporting rare disease Patient populations and responsible for leading this therapeutic area through the continued advancement of key brands and preparing future pipeline launches. With a proven track record in delivering global health care innovation and business leadership, Mr. Butera's goal is to bring transformational solutions to patients, providers and health care systems around the world, which includes his work on the COVID-19 vaccine, CAR T cell therapy and biosimilars. Prior to his current role, Mr. Butera held global leadership roles at Janssen and Novartis, following international experiences at McKinsey & Company, Goldman Sachs and the United Nations.

Christopher Cozic, Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer, Genmab

Mr. Cozic joined Genmab in November 2017. He is a global human resources professional with expertise in strategic leadership, organization design, human resource management, policy development, employee relations, organizational development and a heavy concentration in all aspects of corporate growth and expansion. Prior to joining Genmab, Mr. Cozic was Vice President of Human Resources at Ipsen. Previously, he spent over eight years at Eisai, where he served as Director, Global Human Resources, after joining the company in 2006. 

Leverne Marsh, Chief Product Officer, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Innovative Medicines US 

Ms. Marsh leads the general management and strategy group for all the US pharmaceutical products impacting patients across immunology, neuroscience, cardiometabolic and renal, respiratory and ophthalmology therapeutic areas. She is a member of the Novartis Pharmaceuticals Innovative Medicines leadership team. Ms. Marsh has over 20 years of experience in medical, marketing and sales leadership across multiple therapeutic areas and is known as a champion of developing and engaging associates and innovating and delivering impact for Novartis' Patients and customers.

Christine Ann Miller, MBA, President & CEO, Melinta Therapeutics

Since August 2020, Ms. Miller has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as a Board Member, at Melinta Therapeutics. She is a global pharmaceutical veteran with more than 20 years of experience in life sciences. Prior to joining Melinta, Ms. Miller led the global and U.S. product portfolio for Sandoz, a $10 billion division of Novartis, where she was accountable for transitioning the portfolio toward rapid-growth and higher-margin segments, such as complex generics and value-added medicines, while continuing to build the branded generics business.

Gregory Oakes, MBA, President and CEO, Landos Biopharma

Prior to joining Landos Biopharma, a clinical stage, publicly traded, biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of oral therapeutics for Patient with autoimmune diseases, Mr. Oakes served as President, North America for Vifor Pharma. Previously, Mr. Oakes was Corporate Vice President and U.S. General Manager at Celgene. Before joining Celgene, Mr. Oakes held several positions at Novartis, including Senior Vice President, U.S. Managed Markets, Primary Care and Established Medicines and Head Sandoz Biopharmaceuticals, North America.

Michael Schoen, Chief of Staff & Special Advisor to the CEO, BeiGene

Mr. Schoen has served as Chief of Staff to the CEO since 2017. In August 2020, he took on the additional role of Special Advisor to the CEO – overseeing Global IT, Global Workplace Services and U.S. Government Affairs & Public Policy. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President, Business Operations, overseeing Global HR, Global IT, Global Workplace Services and U.S. Corporate Communications. Mr. Schoen works closely with BeiGene’s CEO, John V. Oyler, and other senior management to help direct BeiGene’s operations.  

New Technology Advisor:

Kelly Watson, Senior Partner and Vice President, IBM Consulting

Ms. Watson currently leads a global team of professionals driving a range of financial, risk, operational and technology solutions for clients in the Public Sector Practice, which includes life sciences, health care, government and higher education industries. She also leads Market Development for the Public Sector for the Americas region. Prior to joining IBM, Ms. Watson served as the Senior Advisor for Sector Development to the New Jersey Office of the Governor and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

2023 Board of Trustees (Click here for full bios for BioNJ's Board Members.)

Officers: Chair Amadou Diarra, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Global Policy, Advocacy & Government Affairs, Bristol Myers Squibb; Vice Chair Emer Leahy, Ph.D., MBA, President & CEO, PsychoGenics; Immediate Past Chair Will Lewis, JD, MBA, Chair & CEO, Insmed; Debbie Hart, MS, APR, President & CEO, BioNJ; Treasurer Jayne C. Gershkowitz, Chief Patient Advocate, Amicus Therapeutics; and Secretary Christopher Mortko, Ph.D., MBA, Vice President & Head, HQ Research and Evaluation, Merck Business Development & Licensing. Board Members: Sol J. Barer, Ph.D., former Chair & CEO, Celgene Corporation & Chair of the Board, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries; Maya Bermingham, JD, Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Government Affairs, Regeneron; Carrie Brown, Head, U.S. Communications, Sanofi; Samuele Butera, MPP, President, Janssen Pulmonary Hypertension and Retina; Christopher Cozic, Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer, Genmab; Michele Korfin, R.Ph., MBA, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Commercial Officer, Gamida Cell; Susan L. Levinson, Ph.D., CEO, BioAegis Therapeutics; John Maki, CEO, Bayesian Biotech; Leverne Marsh, Chief Product Officer, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Innovative Medicines US; Anthony S. Marucci, MBA, Founder, President, CEO & Director, Celldex Therapeutics; Scott Megaffin, President & CEO, Adiso Therapeutics; Christine Ann Miller, MBA, President & CEO, Melinta Therapeutics; Jeffery A. Nau, Ph.D., MMS, President & CEO, Viatris; Gregory Oakes, MBA, President & CEO, Landos Biopharma; Andrew L. Pecora, M.D., FACP, CPE, Chair & CEO, Outcomes Matter Innovations; Stuart W. Peltz, Ph.D., CEO, PTC Therapeutics; Spiro Rombotis, MPH, MBA, President & CEO, Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals; Christopher J. Schaber, Ph.D., Chair, President & CEO, Soligenix; Michael Schoen, Chief of Staff & Special Advisor to the CEO, BeiGene; and Bob Smith, Senior Vice President, Global Gene Therapy Business & Early Commercial Development, Rare Disease Business Unit, Pfizer Biopharmaceuticals Group, Pfizer.

2023 Board Advisors (Click here for full bios for BioNJ's Board Advisors.)

Kelly Watson, Senior Partner & Vice President, IBM Consulting was appointed as the new Technology Advisor and the following Advisors were reappointed to an additional three-year term: Kathleen Coviello, Chief Economic Transformation Officer, New Jersey Economic Development Authority as State Government Official Advisor; George Heinrich, M.D., Vice Chair & CEO, New Jersey Health Foundation & Foundation Venture Capital Group as Investor Advisor; Teresa Leste, Principal, Life Sciences Strategy & Analytics, Deloitte; Reynold A. Panettieri, Jr., M.D., Professor of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Vice Chancellor, Clinical & Translational Science & Director, Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine & Science, and Emeritus Professor of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania & Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey as Academic Advisor; Emilio Ragosa, Partner & Managing Partner, DLA Piper as Legal Advisor; James Sapirstein, R.Ph., MBA, President, Chair & CEO, First Wave BioPharma; and Brian Wilcomes, Principal Strategy & Analytics, Deloitte & Touche as Accounting Advisor.


About BioNJ

BioNJ is the life sciences trade association for New Jersey with nearly 400 Member companies representing research-based life sciences organizations across the ecosystem from the largest biopharmaceutical companies to early stage start-ups. BioNJ is dedicated to ensuring a vibrant ecosystem where Science is Supported, Companies are Created, Drugs are Developed and Patients are Paramount. Because Patients Can't Wait®, BioNJ supports its Members in the discovery, development and commercialization of therapies and cures that save and improve lives and lessen the burden of illness and disease to society by driving capital formation, fostering entrepreneurship, advocating for public policies that advance medical innovation, providing access to talent and education and offering a cost-saving array of critical commercial resources. For more information about BioNJ, please visit www.BioNJ.org.


Contact

Randi Bromberg

Sr. Vice President, Communications and Marketing

O) 609-890-3185

C) 609-955-1067

RBromberg@BioNJ.org

Visit www.BioNJ.org for information.