Jack Faris Named President of Washington Biotechnology
& Biomedical Association (WBBA)
SEATTLE — February 8, 2005 — Washington Biotechnology
& Biomedical Association (WBBA) Board Chair Bruce Montgomery, M.D., announced
the selection of Jack Faris to become the next president, succeeding Ruth Scott,
who is retiring following more than six years of service. "We are very pleased
that Jack has agreed to accept this position," said Montgomery, CEO of Corus
Pharma, Inc. "He brings a broad range of experience and a track record of
leadership in this community and this state."
"With Governor Gregoire's leadership in supporting the life sciences and
WBBA's commitment to help craft a comprehensive state-wide strategy for achieving
Washington’s full potential, this is a very important time for WBBA and
its membership," said Executive Committee member and immediate past board
chair Greg Sessler, CFO of Spiration, Inc. "We need to work together, and
we expect Jack to help WBBA play a positive role in partnerships with all the
stakeholders."
WBBA is supporting the Governor’s proposals to establish a Life Science
Discovery Fund, improve regulations to speed technology transfer, and participate
in developing a statewide bioscience strategy.
"It's an honor to succeed Ruth Scott, who has done a terrific job in leading
this organization," said Faris. "The WBBA represents a remarkable
group of institutions and companies, all of which are contributing to the future
of our community and are developing new possibilities for helping people everywhere."
Dr. Faris graduated from the University of Washington and earned a Ph.D. at
the University of Chicago. He was an associate professor with tenure at Towson
University in Maryland until returning to Seattle and joining Cole & Weber
in 1985. Faris was team leader for the Boeing advertising account for 12 years
and was Executive Vice President and General Manager. In 1999 he became Director
of Community Strategies for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and participated
in the launch of the Foundation's global health initiatives. In 2000 Faris was
appointed Vice President for University Relations at the University of Washington,
a position he held until this January.
Dr. Faris currently serves on the executive committees of the Greater Seattle
Chamber of Commerce, the Alliance for Education, and the Seattle Public Library
Foundation. He is board chair of the Urban Enterprise Center, a member of the
steering committee for the Initiative for Global Development and serves on the
board of United Way of King County and IslandWood.
About WBBA
Established in 1990, the Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association
is a not-for-profit association comprised of more than 400 member companies,
including biotechnology and medical device companies, research institutions,
contract research organizations and other businesses with an interest in the
life sciences. Based in Seattle, WBBA seeks to advance Washington’s bioscience
research and industry sector through business development, political advocacy,
information, and member services. For more information on WBBA, please visit
www.wabio.com.
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