The Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization—better known as iBIO®--and its affiliate, the iBIO® Institute--today announced that Warren Ribley has been named President & CEO of both organizations. He will assume his new responsibilities at the beginning of February 2015.
Appointed to lead the Illinois Medical District in April of 2012, Ribley is widely credited with revitalizing the District and attracting new tenants and life sciences developments, including the University of Illinois’ Health Technology Innovation center (HTI). Before taking over leadership of the IMD, he spent three years as the head of Illinois’ economic development agency, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). While he was at DCEO, the agency invested in over 150 companies, many of them in emerging technological fields. He also successfully implemented the jobs-building Angel Tax Credit for startup technology firms. In 2010 he won iBIO’s John W. Maitland Award for Leadership in Biotechnology because of his commitment to the successful BIO International Convention in Chicago and for his steadfast support of the nationally recognized PROPEL® Center for entrepreneurs at the iBIO Institute.
“Warren Ribley has repeatedly demonstrated outstanding leadership and support for biotechnology in Illinois,” said iBIO Board Chairman Andy Hull, Vice President for Global Alliances at Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, who led the iBIO / iBIO Institute Search Committee comprised of executive leaders in both organizations. “Our boards of directors are convinced he has the unique skill set and experience to accelerate our mission of making this region a top global biotech center,” he added.
Linda Friedman, Esq., Chairperson of the iBIO Institute Board of Directors and Senior V.P. General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Astellas US, LLC, commented, “In conducting our search, we wanted a proven leader who will continue our strong focus in each of our key sectors—agriculture, bio-industrial, and bio-medical-with an emphasis on early stage innovative companies and education. Warren brings that understanding and focus to the job with a proven track record based on decades of service to our state.”
Ribley succeeds outgoing iBIO and iBIO Institute President & CEO, David Miller, who has led the iBIO organizations for over twelve years and last year announced his plans to retire in early 2015. Miller praised the choice of his successor, stating, “Warren clearly cares deeply about the wondrous things our ag, bio-industrial and medical communities are accomplishing on a daily basis. I have great confidence in his ability to lead the community, and he has my complete support going forward.”
“I am deeply honored by the trust placed in me by the iBIO and iBIO Institute Boards,” commented Ribley. He added, “iBIO and the iBIO Institute have put Illinois on the global biotech map for their successes in public policy, STEM education reform, support for entrepreneurs, and community building. I welcome the challenge of expanding on the strong track record they have already established.”
About iBIO®
iBIO is the champion for the life sciences in Illinois. iBIO’s mission is to make Illinois and the surrounding Midwest one of the world’s top life sciences centers: a great place to do business, and a great place to grow new technology ventures. iBIO, working on its own and through collaboration with our valued partners promotes sound public policy at the local, state, and federal levels; improves our region’s ability to create, attract, and retain businesses; orchestrates industry involvement to help solve America’s math and science education crisis; and builds community by providing opportunities to connect and engage with the industry. We thereby contribute to the well-being of people worldwide through agricultural, bio-industrial and medical applications while creating new jobs, wealth, and prosperity.
About the iBIO® Institute
The mission of the iBIO Institute is to orchestrate business leadership in delivery of world-class educational programs and job-creating new technology ventures. The Institute’s EDUCATE Center™ delivers science and math programs for teachers and students, thereby inspiring the next generation of innovators and helping restore America’s leadership in technology education. The Institute’s PROPEL® Center increases the number and success rate of early-stage life sciences companies in Illinois. The Institute is a founding member of the national Coalition of State Bioscience Institutes.
