Washington, DC
October 2, 2003

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced today new additions to the organization’s Food and Agriculture Section.  Barbara Glenn, Ph.D., has been named the association’s first director of animal biotechnology, and Hannah Highfill will serve as director for international market access.  Additionally, BIO President Carl B. Feldbaum announced that Michael J. Phillips, Ph.D., has been promoted to vice president, food and agriculture, science and regulatory policy.  

“These appointments greatly expand the organization’s expertise and capabilities in animal and agricultural biotechnology,” said Feldbaum, president of BIO.  “These individuals will broaden BIO’s leadership in animal biotechnology issues, as well as support the industry’s work in international markets to further promote global acceptance of the technology.”  

Glenn, with nearly 25 years of experience in animal sciences, will focus on various areas of animal biotechnology, including domestic regulatory affairs, as well as increasing positive awareness of issues related to animal biotechnology.  Prior to joining BIO, Glenn served as executive vice president – scientific liaison at the Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS) in the role of chief scientific advisor and governmental affairs leader, and developed and implemented public outreach activities on behalf of the animal agriculture scientific community.  Before joining FASS in 1999, Glenn was a research dairy scientist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS).  Glenn currently serves as a member of the National Academy of Sciences’ (NAS) Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources and has served as president of the American Society of Animal Science.  Glenn holds a doctorate in ruminant nutrition and a bachelor of science in animal science from the University of Kentucky.

As Director for International Market Access, Highfill will be responsible for creating an international biotechnology market access strategy for BIO, in partnership with the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS).  She will work closely with the U.S. government, producer groups and the grain industry to maintain and expand access to global markets.  Highfill joins BIO after serving as the manager of international biotechnology education at the U.S. Grains Council where she created a biotechnology education program in partnership with the FAS Market Access Program.  Highfill has also served as legislative correspondent for Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), where she handled agriculture, environment and international trade issues. 

Phillips, who most recently served as BIO’s executive director, food and agriculture, will continue his work in the science and regulatory areas, both in domestic and international policy, on animal and agricultural biotechnology.  Prior to joining BIO, Phillips was director of the Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources at the National Academy of Sciences.  Phillips holds a doctorate and master of science degree in food and agricultural policy from The Ohio State University and Purdue University, respectively.  He received his bachelor of science degree in agricultural economics and animal sciences from The Ohio State University.

BIO represents more than 1,000 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations in all 50 U.S. states and 33 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of health-care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.