Emer Leahy, CEO of PsychoGenics, was reelected as chair of BioNJ, the trade association for New Jersey’s life sciences industry, the group recently announced at its annual gala.
The following people also were re-elected:
- Vice Chair Samuele Butera, president, U.S. Pulmonary Hypertension & Retina, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine;
- Treasurer Jayne Gershkowitz, chief patient advocate, Amicus Therapeutics;
- Secretary Christopher Mortko, (Head of HQ Research and Evaluation, Merck Business Development & Licensing).
“I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to BioNJ’s dedicated board of trustees and advisors, who represent some of the brightest minds in our industry,” she said. “It’s truly an honor to work alongside each of them.
“I am incredibly proud of BioNJ’s accomplishments over the past year and look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead.”
Leahy said 2024 was a remarkable year for the industry, defined by groundbreaking scientific advancements that continue to transform lives.
“At the same time, it was a year of significant challenges, with financial and regulatory pressures and a looming patent cliff creating an uncertain landscape,” she said. “Our industry stands at a pivotal moment, presenting a crucial opportunity for our community to unite, tackle upcoming challenges and drive continued progress in medical innovation and patient care.”
The BioNJ also welcomed new board members, including:
- Alexandra Gruener, SVP, global marketing, Pfizer;
- Brent Ragans, president, Ferring Pharmaceuticals U.S.;
- Sonia Sequeira, CEO, Vitruviae;
- Robert Zamboldi, U.S. head, real estate & facility services, Novartis.
The following Board Members were re-elected for another two-year term: Sol Barer, former chair & CEO, Celgene Corporation & Chair of the Board, Teva Pharmaceutical; Wendy Short Bartie, vice president & general manager, U.S. Hematology & Oncology, Bristol Myers Squibb; Carrie Brown, head, U.S. Communications, Sanofi; Christopher Cozic, executive vice president & chief people officer, Genmab; Susan Levinson, CEO, BioAegis Therapeutics; John Maki, CEO, Serotonix; Anthony Marucci, founder, president, CEO & director, Celldex Therapeutics; Scott Megaffin, CEO, Adiso Therapeutics; Christine Ann Miller, president & CEO, Melinta Therapeutics; Christopher Schaber, chair, president & CEO, Soligenix; and Michael Schoen, chief of staff & special advisor to the CEO, BeiGene.
BioNJ CEO Debbie Hart welcomed all.
“Everything we do at BioNJ is driven by the mantra ‘Because Patients Can’t Wait,’” she said. “We are incredibly fortunate to have a talented and dedicated Board of Trustees and Advisors whose vision and guidance are critical to advancing our mission of helping our members help patients.
“We are excited to welcome back our returning officers and board Members, whose leadership has been instrumental to our success and are thrilled to introduce the addition of four accomplished industry leaders to our Board. Together, we will continue to strengthen New Jersey’s vibrant life sciences ecosystem, ensuring that Patients receive the right medicines at the right time, when they need them most.”
