Organization celebrates its 2020 accomplishments and plans for future growth

BIO Alabama, the statewide bioscience association, has made great strides under the leadership of Executive Director Sonia Robinson. In early January, Robinson announced her departure and the search for a new Executive Director will soon begin. Robinson joined the organization in August of 2019 as the first full-time person serving in this role.  

“On behalf of our Board of Directors and our members, we thank Sonia for her service to our organization and to the broader bioscience community,” said Blair King, Board Chair. “Connecting the Alabama bioscience community is at the heart of what we do and we will continue building upon the initiatives set in motion under Sonia’s leadership. We wish Sonia the very best as she embarks on a new and exciting professional journey at Spur Staffing.”

BIO Alabama recently elected it’s officers for 2021. These individuals will be instrumental in leading the organization and initiating the search for Robinson’s replacement. BIO Alabama’s officers include: Bill Dean, Auburn University; Lawrence Ganti, Sio2 Materials Science; Blair King, Alabama Power; Erik Schwiebert, Discovery BioMed; Jared Sharp, Warren Averett; Kacee Sims, Avanti Polar Lipids; and Del Smith, Acclinate.

During 2020, BIO Alabama conducted industry research and published an economic development roadmap that outlined recommendations designed to grow Alabama’s bioscience footprint. 

In addition to the roadmap, the organization also brought back it’s annual conference pivoting to an all virtual event. 

BIO Alabama also launched an internship program to engage talent and connect them to the bioscience community. Two interns have accepted full-time offers with bioscience companies in Alabama and each semester the interest in the program increases.

“BIO Alabama’s Executive Director serves as the spokesperson and lead connector of the Alabama bioscience ecosystem advocating for our bioscience researchers, scientists, and business leaders,” King adds. “Sonia has been an incredible growth advocate for our organization. She also navigated the organization through much of the pandemic and enjoyed sharing the message of BIO Alabama broadly to further our mission.”

BIO Alabama will begin the search for a new Executive Director soon. Interested candidates should watch for updates to the BIO Alabama website at bioalabama.com.