Rich and Joy 250 250 pxEver wondered how public-private partnerships can make a significant difference in the field of life sciences? Curious about the goals, expected impacts, and timeline of the Alliance for Building Better Medicine (ABBM)? Interested in exploring the transformative potential of the Virginia BioHealth ecosystem and its role in advancing the life sciences industry?

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In this episode of BioTalk, join host Rich Bendis as he interviews Joy Polefrone, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Alliance for Building Better Medicine (ABBM). Joy brings two decades of diverse business leadership and organizational strategy experience. They discuss career shifts in academia, industry, and non-profits, the creation and mission of ABBM, consortium building for the Build Back Better Challenge, funding and match partners, goals and expected impacts, the Virginia BioHealth ecosystem, and the role of public-private partnerships.

Discover how Joy's multifaceted perspective helps resolve complex problems and build leaders, teams, and organizations aligned with their values. Gain valuable insights into the transformative potential of public-private partnerships in the life sciences field. Don't miss this opportunity to hear about future goals and directions for ABBM and learn from Joy's seasoned leadership in the industry. Tune in to this engaging episode of BioTalk.

Dr. Joy Polefrone is the Executive Director of the Alliance for Building Better Medicine, a U.S.-based cluster of advanced pharmaceutical manufacturers and researchers in the Richmond-Petersburg region driven by an immediate and urgent need to create a reliable supply of safe, high-quality, and affordable medicines for all. In her role, Dr. Polefrone works closely with the Alliance Leadership Board including the convening organization, Activation Capital, as well as the City of Petersburg, City of Richmond, Phlow, AMPAC Fine Chemicals, Civica Inc., Community College Workforce Alliance, Greater Richmond Partnership, Medicines for All Institute at Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Engineering, Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Virginia’s Gateway Region, Virginia State University, the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing, Walmart and the U.S. Pharmacopeia.

A native of Virginia, Polefrone’s background includes a diverse, global career that covers scientific academic research in healthcare, non-profit startup and leadership, designing and growing a venture in a prominent health tech company, and leading people strategy for one of its largest business units. Prior to joining the Alliance, Polefrone worked in health innovation and entrepreneurship at VCU and VCUH, including as Director of Health Innovations at VCU’s da Vinci Center in Richmond, VA. She has a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Virginia and a B.S. in chemistry from James Madison University. Additionally, Dr. Polefrone holds certifications in executive coaching and has been a yoga and meditation teacher for more than twenty years.