Biotechnology Throughout North Carolina

From medicinal flora in the mountains to marine biotechnology on the coast, the breadth of natural resources make North Carolina a hot spot for biotechnology innovation.  Listen as six directors for the North Carolina Biotechnology Center discuss resources and assets associated with the center's 5 regional offices. You'll also hear about the Center's latest program, Centers of Innovation.
  

About the Speakers

Steven Casey, Vice President for Statewide Operations, North Carolina Biotechnology Center
Casey is responsible for developing, directing and coordinating all biotechnology growth and development activities surrounding the Biotechnology Center's five regional offices.

John Chaffee, Director, North Carolina Biotechnology Center's Eastern Office
Chaffee is the director of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center Eastern Regional Office after retiring as the Executive Director of the Pitt County Development Commission. As the lead economic development official for the Greenville/Pitt County area for more than 22 years, companies created 10,000 new primary jobs and invested more than $1 billion in plant and equipment.

Marjorie Benbow, Director, North Carolina Biotechnology Center's Greater Charlotte Office
Benbow is an executive with extensive experience in biotechnology research, business and technology development,.

Randall Johnson, Director, North Carolina Biotechnology Center's Southeastern Office
Johnson has extensive experience in entrepreneurial development, opportunity-driven business plan creation, scientific research, education, regional and statewide economic development, and creative sector development. Johnson has started and operated his own businesses, conducted scientific research for Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and taught entrepreneurial skills to budding start-up companies. Immediately prior to joining the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, Johnson's activities included economic development and community development work for Wilmington.

Cheryl McMurry, Director, North Carolina Biotechnology Center's Western Office
Cheryl McMurry is an executive with extensive experience in biotechnology business development, commercialization and recruitment.

Gwyn Riddick, Director, North Carolina Biotechnology Center's Piedmont Triad Office
Riddick joined the Biotechnology Center in September 2003 with more than 35 years of experience in the life science and horticulture industries and the higher education sector. With the life science industry, Riddick manufactured and managed various human and animal vaccines, diagnostics, blood products, consumer products and pharmaceuticals.

Mary Beth Thomas, Senior Director, North Carolina Biotechnology Center's Centers of Innovation Operations
Mary Beth Thomas, Ph.D., is the senior director, Centers of Innovation (COI) Operations, the Biotechnology Center's newest and largest funding program targeting development of important new business sectors.