bionorthTX Hires Former University Executive as New CEO, Expands Board

DALLAS & FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

bionorthTX has named Harold Strong, a nationally recognized leader in forging university-industry partnerships, as president and CEO of the non-profit organization and its mission to promote life sciences economic development.

Mr. Strong joins bionorthTX at a time of escalating interest in the region's life sciences innovation and industry development. Founded just two years ago, bionorthTX has more than 80 members, including multinational corporations, start-up companies, and major research universities.

"Our region is a global leader in life sciences industry development and university research," Mr. Strong said, "and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to its growth."

The addition of Mr. Strong and the expansion of the bionorthTX's board of directors reflects the organization's own development from 2014 start-up to powerhouse regional trade association.

Mr. Strong brings to bionorthTX vast experience in developing partnerships between universities and industry, defining and executing economic development plans, and developing and managing business incubators. He served as director of the University of North Texas Discovery Park and the school's technology transfer department; and he was executive director of the Texas A&M University Research Park. He also is a board member and past president of the Association of University Research Parks.

Joining the bionorthTX expanded board are François Fournier, president of North America Advanced Wound Care at Smith & Nephew; Dr. Duane Dimos, vice president for research at The University of Texas at Arlington; and Maxwell Lea, managing director at Fort Worth-based DFB Pharmaceuticals.

North Texas is home to 1,000 life science and medical technology related companies, six major universities and more than 26,000 industry professionals. For an overview of the region's life sciences assets, see the bionorthTX information video.

"Mr. Strong has the leadership and industry experience to help us take bionorthTX to the next level," said Kay Tieman, the organization's cofounder and former chief operating officer. "I look forward to working with him to expand membership and marketing of bionorthTX and the region's life sciences industry. The incredible growth of bionorthTX shows how important the life-sciences are to the economic health of our communities, and I am very proud I could play a pioneering role in this organization."

Ms. Tieman, who has been named vice president of sales and marketing of AmeriPac, Inc., a Dallas-Fort Worth-based FDA regulated contract packaging, relabeling, and distribution company, will remain on the bionorthTX board of directors and executive committee.

NUVOTHERA CEO Art Clapp, a bionorthTX board member, said, "With her vision, pioneering spirit and single mindedness, Kay Tieman has been instrumental in helping to achieve the success that bionorthTX is enjoying today. As a life science entrepreneur and recent executive at a global pharma company, I am enthusiastic about the tremendous potential that bionorthTX is bringing to the North Texas area, fostering innovation and job creation by stimulating the collaboration between industry, academics and the investment community."

Another milestone in bionorthTX's development is its second annual iC3 Life Science Summit Oct. 26 at the University of Texas at Arlington's College Park Center. The day long summit will feature 32 expert speakers from industry, academia and government focused on the themes of Innovation, Collaboration, Capital Formation and Commercialization. More than 400 executives, scientists and local elected officials are expected to attend.

"I encourage all our life sciences professionals to join us for this event, network with your peers and engage with us in our mission to support the region's business and research efforts," said Mr. Strong.

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