Wisconsin Biotechnology and Medical Device Association: Announces management transition

MADISON, Wis., Jan. 26, 2009 – The Wisconsin Biotechnology and Medical Device Association (WBMA) today announced that James L. Leonhart is leaving his position as the association’s executive director to pursue opportunities that combine his experience in biotechnology with a passion for education.

“We are grateful to Jim for his leadership of the WBMA during the past eight years,” said Laura Strong, Ph.D., president of the association’s board of directors. “Jim’s tenure included a very critical time for the organization, during which the WBMA successfully transitioned to a free-standing, independent organization. Moving forward, the association has a strong foundation to support our biotech and medical device members.”

“I am very proud of the growth and accomplishments of the WBMA,” Mr. Leonhart said. “The continuing expansion of the WBMA reflects not just the enhancements we’ve made to its programs and services, but the many great things going on throughout Wisconsin’s biotech community. The WBMA is well positioned to provide even greater value to the industry and association members in 2009 and beyond.”

Dr. Strong said the association’s board of directors has begun a search for Mr. Leonhart’s successor and anticipates naming a new executive director in the second quarter.

Contact Information

Laura Strong, 608-441-2950

About the WBMA

The mission of the Wisconsin Biotechnology and Medical Device Association (WBMA) is to foster Wisconsin’s environment for public and private research and product commercialization in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices to benefit society through political advocacy, public promotion, organizational networking and support of member needs. For more information about the WBMA, please visit the association’s web site at http://www.wisbiomed.org.