Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker Presented 2018 BIO Governor of the Year Award
Boston, MA (June 5, 2018) – The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) today presented Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker with its 2018 Governor of the Year award in recognition of his leadership and commitment to strengthening the bioscience industry within Massachusetts. Governor Baker received the award in conjunction with the 2018 BIO International Convention.
“The Commonwealth’s life sciences sector is successful because of strong partnerships between state and local government, industry partners and Massachusetts’ leading colleges and universities,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am honored to receive this acknowledgement of our administration’s commitment to playing a role in further expanding the industry and we look forward to continuing this collaborative work to ensure Massachusetts remains a leader in the life sciences.”
“Governor Baker has been an exemplary leader in enhancing Massachusetts’ world class biotech hub through strong support for economic development policies that benefit a pro-jobs and pro-biotechnology environment,” said Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of BIO. “His support of programs such as tax incentives and capital investments benefit early-stage companies and are powerful tools for attracting and supporting industry growth. The Governor’s leadership in this field will continue to benefit Massachusetts, in terms of jobs and innovation, for years to come.”
“Governor Baker and his Administration are true partners to the life sciences. Under his leadership, best exemplified by his filing of the five-year, $500 million next-phase of life sciences initiative, our industry continues to grow across the state as one of the biggest economic drivers for the Massachusetts economy,” said Robert K. Coughlin, President & CEO of MassBio. “What’s most impressive is his understanding of all facets of the sector – from R&D to biomanufacturing to digital health – and his knowledge of what the state must do to support their growth to ensure patients around the world gain access to the next generation of breakthrough therapies.”