Fresh Perspective for BIO Operations, Sustainability
BIO taps MN biotech leader, Shaye Mandle, as new Chief Operating Officer
Washington, D.C. (February 16, 2021) – As the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) continues to restructure for a stronger and reinvigorated future, the organization announced new leadership for operations and sustainability. Shaye Mandle was named Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective March 1, 2021.
With extensive experience in restructuring and rebranding organizations and coming from Minnesota’s Medical Alley Association, Mandle will work to position BIO for the future with aggressive plans to forge enduring partnerships with state organizations, monitor and strengthen internal processes to coincide with BIO’s mission, and reinvigorate BIO’s premier in-person events when it is safe to have them again.
“Shaye comes to BIO from one of our largest and most successful state-based life science organizations in the United States,” said BIO’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath. “It is important that we get our heads ‘outside of the beltway’ and learn from our allies and partners across the country. Shaye has had his fingers on the pulse of our state organizations for a long time, and his experience will be key as we build a grassroots army of innovation allies.”
Mandle, who hails from Kendall County, IL, holds a law degree from Duquesne University, has worked for lawmakers on Capitol Hill, has guided regional public and non-profit organizations focused on science and technology, and has supported science-based economic development and engagement at the state level.
Supporting BIO’s newly aligned operations and sustainability efforts will be Dana O’Brien, who has served for four years as executive vice president of BIO’s Food and Agriculture Section. Dana is taking on a new role at BIO as the Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer—part of BIO’s senior leadership team. As the Chief Sustainability Officer, Dana will advance sustainability initiatives and expectations across the organization and will continue to work with the new Agriculture and Environment team in various capacities.
“Having worked intimately with BIO’s food and agriculture companies, I am excited by this new structure and focus,” said Dana O’Brien. “I look forward to working with Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath and BIO’s senior leadership team to advance members’ sustainability goals through policy, advocacy, and collaborating across industries.”
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About BIO
BIO is the world’s largest advocacy organization representing biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.