ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND, November 14, 2024 – BioHealth Innovation, Inc. (BHI), a public-private nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the commercialization of healthcare solutions in the BioHealth Capital Region, is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its Board of Directors. The new board members include Rachel Rath, MBA, MPH, Head of JLABS @ Washington, DC, Johnson & Johnson Innovation; Sarah Porter, Vice President of Government Solutions, Kelly Services; and Brett Shealy, Executive Director of Life Sciences, J.P. Morgan. Each new member brings extensive expertise to support BHI’s mission of advancing the region as a leading hub for life sciences and health technology.
Sarah Porter, Vice President of Government Solutions at Kelly Services, leads Kelly Government Solutions (KGS) and brings nearly 20 years of experience in science and clinical services for federal clients. With her expertise in federal sector operations, strategy, and business development, Sarah’s insights will enhance BHI’s alignment with government initiatives in the biohealth space.
Rachel Rath, MBA, MPH, Head of JLABS @ Washington, DC, joins the board as the new representative from Johnson & Johnson Innovation, replacing Sally Allain in this role. Rachel is responsible for overseeing innovation sourcing, portfolio development, and accelerating startup growth at JLABS @ Washington, DC. Previously, she served as the inaugural Director of the BARDA Alliance, managing BLUE KNIGHT™, a joint initiative with BARDA to drive high-impact science and technology innovation.
Brett Shealy, Executive Director of Life Sciences at J.P. Morgan, joins the board with deep expertise in corporate banking within life sciences and healthcare. His leadership roles at both J.P. Morgan and Wells Fargo have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of financial strategy and investment. Brett’s insights will support BHI’s initiatives to increase funding pathways and support growth within the biohealth sector.
"We are thrilled to welcome Rachel, Sarah, and Brett to the BHI Board of Directors," stated Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BHI. "Their diverse backgrounds in investment, government relations, and biotech innovation will bring invaluable perspectives to BHI, enhancing our mission to drive life sciences innovation in the BioHealth Capital Region."
BHI extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kurt Newman, President Emeritus at Children's National Hospital, for his years of dedicated service as he steps down from the Board. We congratulate Dr. Newman on elevating Children’s National’s ranking from 18th to 5th among U.S. children's hospitals and for transforming the former Walter Reed site into the Children’s National Innovation Campus, which now includes JLABS, Virginia Tech, and the BARDA Innovation Center.
About BHI
BHI is a public-private nonprofit organization focused on accelerating biohealth (therapeutic, diagnostic, medtech, and health IT) commercialization in the BioHealth Capital Region (Maryland, DC, and Virginia). For more information, please visit www.BioHealthInnovation.org.
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Media Contacts:
Rich Bendis
Phone: 301-637-6439
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