The Virginia Bio Membership has elected two new Directors to the Virginia Bio Board. Joining the Board are Maria Clarke, Executive Director, J.P. Morgan Private Bank and Susan Mitchell, CEO of Athari Bio. The new Directors’ 3-year terms will begin in April 2024.
“Two years ago, we decided to expand our Board of Directors to allow for better representation of all life sciences ecosystem stakeholders. That was consistent with our sector’s growth in the Commonwealth that has brought the Capital Region to be recognized as the third strongest biotechnology cluster in the nation by Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News, said John Newby, CEO of Virginia Bio. “We welcome our new Board Directors and look forward to hearing new ideas how Virginia Bio can lead the ecosystem in the future.”
“I am grateful for the chance to serve as a VA Bio board member and excited to cultivate collaborative communities that support innovation and investment opportunities for the life sciences sector,” said Susan Mitchell. “The board’s combined strengths, values, and voices will help buildout and deliver solutions to ensure that Virginia’s Biotech industry continues to thrive.”
“Virginia’s life science ecosystem continues to see substantial venture investment and successful exits, even in the continuing challenging economic environment,” said Maria Clarke. “I look forward to helping Virginia Bio and its innovative companies grow and ultimately bring life-saving technologies to market.”
Members also re-elected the following Directors to new three-year terms: John Hart, CEO, Hart Consulting; Jeff Pompeo, President & CEO, CareTaker Medical; and Kyparissia Sirinakis, Managing Partner, Epidarex Capital.
***
Maria Clarke is an Executive Director at J.P. Morgan Private Bank. Maria advises some of the most prominent clients in the area, including affluent individuals, family offices, private equity partners, nonprofits and institutions. She focuses on pre and post-liquidity planning, tax efficiency strategies, and portfolio construction and diversification. Maria is a Director on several boards, including being the Founding Advisory Board President of the Virginia Tech Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. Maria earned her MBA in finance from the University of Miami and her BS in finance and corporate law from Florida State University. She is a graduate of Georgetown University Executive Program in International Finance and Global Markets. She also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Susan Mitchell is the CEO of Athari BioSciences, Inc. Susan leads a team of doctors, scientists, and technologists dedicated to positively impacting population health, product commercialization, and pipeline development by leveraging her BSL-2 CLIA certified diagnostic, research and training laboratory. She actively engages professionals, scholars, and partners in actions committed to the promotion of excellence in education, healthcare, and economic development. Susan is passionate about STEMM advocacy as well as cultivating career and technical business partnerships to collectively impact individuals and their communities.
Susan graduated from Norfolk State University with a B.S. in Mass Communications. She earned a Graduate Certificate in Legal Studies from Hampton University and successfully completed her Master’s in Executive Leadership from Liberty University’s Stern School of Business.