Richmond, VA, (May 21, 2026) – Every two years, the Virginia Biotechnology Association recognizes individual Virginians for their significant contributions to bioscience and the Virginia biotechnology ecosystem. On April 30, Scott Meza, Esq., Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig LLP, and Nikki Hastings, Ph.D., President of CvilleBioHub, were presented with the Outstanding Contributions to Bioscience Award at Virginia Bio’s THRiVE 2026 statewide conference in Richmond, Virginia.
For over two decades, Scott Meza has been a dedicated builder within Virginia’s bioscience community—mentoring entrepreneurs, advising innovators, and serving as a committed steward of Virginia Bio. If there is a Virginia Bio company success, chances are very good that Scott played a part, in front and behind the scenes, the most recent being Embody’s successful $375 million exit to global medical technology leader Zimmer Biomet. Throughout his career, he has guided mergers and acquisitions, venture financings, restructurings, and governance matters, supporting both emerging growth companies and seasoned investors with a steady, pragmatic approach. Known for his quiet but lasting impact, his guidance has shaped companies and careers alike, reflecting a deep commitment to advancing Virginia’s life sciences ecosystem. For his decades of leadership, generosity, and influence, Virginia Bio proudly recognized Scott Meza with Virginia Bio’s Outstanding Contributions to Bioscience in Virginia award.
“The progress that we’ve seen in Virginia’s life sciences industry is a testament to the connected, committed and innovative ecosystem that I’ve had the pleasure of serving,” said Scott. “The incredible companies that are here, the supportive investor community, and the hyper-connected Virginia Bio trade association combine to make Virginia one of the greatest states in which to grow a biotechnology business. My over two decades of affiliation with these companies have positively supported my own career, have created lifelong friendships, and my heartfelt thanks for allowing me to be but a small part of our collective success.” He also offered some advice for newer partners in the Virginia ecosystem: “If you are questioning whether to become an active member in Virginia Bio and the family that it has created, don’t hesitate, just join. The network, partnerships, friendships and resources here will benefit you in more ways than I can describe.”
Nikki Hastings is a nationally-recognized ecosystem builder whose leadership has helped shape one of Virginia’s most dynamic life sciences communities. Since co-founding CvilleBioHub in 2016, she has supported more than 130 startups and recently led the effort to secure $15 million in public investment to launch the Commonwealth BioAccelerator, expanding access to infrastructure and venture-building support across Central Virginia. She has also advanced the next generation of industry leaders by creating and directing the Biotechnology Track at UVA’s McIntire School of Commerce, bridging science and business in a way that is rare and impactful. An avid supporter of Virginia’s entire biotechnology ecosystem and a Director on Virginia Bio’s Board, Nikki has strengthened Virginia’s life science industry and elevated Virginia’s national profile, making her a highly deserving recipient of Virginia Bio’s Outstanding Contributions to Bioscience in Virginia award. As the first female recipient of this honor, her recognition is a reminder of the power of visionary leadership, collaboration, and persistence in building an ecosystem that continues to grow stronger across the Commonwealth.
“Virginia is a great place for our talent to start and continue their careers, and for entrepreneurial companies to start, grow and succeed,” said Nikki. “We have worked hard, both with CvilleBioHub and through statewide partnerships, to provide education, networking opportunities, resources and connection to capital to one of the fastest growing life sciences hubs in the nation. It gives me great pleasure to have been recognized for my humble part in this growth, and I look forward to helping lead Virginia into our next frontier of national biotechnology leadership.”
The Virginia Bio Outstanding Contributions to Bioscience Award was established in 2013 to recognize individuals, companies, organizations, events, discoveries or collaborations in the biosciences exemplifying the excellence, variety and dynamism of the Virginia biosciences community. This year’s recipients have given an unprecedented contribution to establishing the Commonwealth as one of the top national bioscience regions. Past awardees include 1994 Nobel Prize winner Dr. Alfred Gilman, regenerative medicine company Revivicor, serial biotech entrepreneur Dr. Timothy Macdonald, and others.
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About Virginia Bio
Virginia Bio is the statewide nonprofit trade association for life science innovation and commercialization comprising life science companies, research institutions, healthcare providers, and the professionals who enabled them to succeed. We promote the considerable scientific, economic, and social impact of the life sciences industry in Virginia, and advocate before state and policymakers for policies that support innovation and entrepreneurship, help the industry thrive, and bring improved health, medical care, agriculture, fuels and environment to the state, nation and world. Virginia Bio is a partner with the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), AdvaMed, and Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA), and collaborates closely with the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). To learn more, visit vabio.org.