Contacts:
Laura E. Strong, Ph.D.
President, Board of Directors
BioForward
Phone: 608-441-2950
MADISON, Wis., August 28, 2009 – BioForward, the member organization that represents the
state’s biotechnology industry, today announced that Bryan Renk has accepted the position of
Executive Director and will be starting October 1, 2009.
Bryan Renk comes to BioForward with over 20 years of progressively responsible management
expertise, most recently as President and Director of aOva Technologies. Previously he has held
positions as Director of Licensing at Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, and Director at
Wm. F. Renk and Sons. Mr. Renk currently sits on the Board of Directors for Maple Leaf Farms,
the largest vertically integrated duck producer in the United States, as well as FluGen, an
emerging leader in influenza vaccines. He is also on the board of the Wisconsin Agricultural and
Life Sciences Alumni Association (WALSAA). Mr. Renk holds MS and BS degrees in Meat
and Animal Science and Muscle Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“I’m excited to join BioForward in this leadership role,” said Renk. “As our biotechnology
industry moves ahead in these challenging times, we are focused on promoting the growth of
Wisconsin’s biotechnology companies by expanding the value of our offerings.”
“I am pleased to have Bryan join BioForward. The breadth of Bryan’s experience across many
areas of biotechnology as well as his demonstrated ability to grow organizations is an excellent
match for the potential for growth in our organization and our industry,” said Laura Strong,
Board President of BioForward. “I’m also delighted with the timing,” said Dr. Strong, “as this
will give him the opportunity to meet many of our members at our Biotechnology Vision
Summit in October.”
About BioForward:
BioForward is the member-driven state association that is the voice of Wisconsin’s
biotechnology industry. We provide a means for our members to be heard regarding creation of
investment and partnership opportunities, attraction and retention of the best talent, and support
of public policy that fosters continued growth. We also provide member-support services that
include networking opportunities through a variety of conferences and events, online resources
and group purchasing programs. BioForward will host the 2009 Biotechnology Vision Summit
on October 7
th
, 2009 in Madison, Wisconsin.
