Today, Congressman James C. Greenwood was named the next President of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO).

The industry group represents more than 1,000 small and large companies, as well as academic and research centers which use biotechnology to develop medical, agricultural, industrial and environmental products.  BIO has members in all 50 U.S. states and 33 other nations.

BIO Chairman and Alkermes CEO Richard Pops said, “After a comprehensive search from a pool of top-level candidates, Jim Greenwood was the Board of Directors’ unanimous choice to lead BIO because of his commitment to improving people’s lives through science and technology and his personal leadership skills.

“Our next President will inherit one of the youngest but strongest and most vibrant trade groups in Washington,” Pops added.

“BIO, under Jim Greenwood’s leadership, is now well positioned and ready to be an even more persuasive voice for thousands of researchers, many from small innovative companies, as well as encouraging a regulatory climate in Washington that will help our industry bring even more cutting- edge health products to patients and consumers around the world,” Pops concluded.     

“Given my seniority in Congress, and my role on the Energy & Commerce Committee, had virtually any other organization approached me, I would have politely declined to interview.  However, I passionately believe in the promise of biotechnology to find cures and treatments for the diseases that force parents to watch their children suffer and die, and children to endure their parents’ disintegration into the clutches of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases,” Greenwood said, continuing, “the research and the science that BIO’s members represent hold so much potential: regenerative medicine to enable us to repair our organs and spinal cords, biotech crops and foods which can help feed the hungry, and biofuels to help save the environment.”

Greenwood has represented the Eighth District of Pennsylvania in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1993 and serves on the Energy and Commerce and Education and the Workforce Committees.  He previously served in the Pennsylvania House and Senate.

Since 2001, Greenwood has served as Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. In this position, he has investigated and held hearings on a wide array of issues including corporate governance issues at Enron and WorldCom, bioterrorism, and the security of our ports and borders. 

Greenwood has been a leader on education and juvenile justice issues.  He has also authored several pieces of critical legislation to ensure that Americans have access to the best health care in the world, including the Help Efficient, Affordable, Low Cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act to provide reasonable limits on non-economic damages in medical liability lawsuits to preserve patients’ access to healthcare.

Greenwood has been active on environmental issues and has worked to increase communication among leaders to address international environmental issues, serving as President of Global Legislators Organization for a Balanced Environment (GLOBE) International.  He is also a founder and co-chair of the House Oceans Caucus.

Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA) commented, “Congressman Greenwood has been a valued colleague and classmate whom I've had the privilege to partner with on many successful legislative initiatives. The Congress’ loss is BIO’s gain. Jim brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom to BIO and I'm very proud of him.”

In addition, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) commented that throughout his career, Representative Greenwood has been a strong voice for the needs of patients.  “While we are sad to see him leave Congress," said NMSS CEO General Mike Dugan, "we are gratified that someone with his balanced perspective has been chosen to lead this important biotechnology industry group.  We wish him well and look forward to working with him in his new role.”

Greenwood will be taking over from Carl B. Feldbaum who has headed BIO since its establishment in July of 1993. BIO has grown from 16 employees and a $2.1 million budget to almost a 100 member staff with a $40 million budget.  Membership has increased from 350 companies to over 1,000.  BIO members are involved in the research and development of health-care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.

Feldbaum, who announced in February that he would retire this year, said, “Jim Greenwood has the broad social perspective, the passion, ability and experience to lead BIO superbly in the future. I could not be more enthusiastic in passing this baton to our industry’s next generation of leadership.”