WASHINGTON, DC–(Marketwire – Nov 15, 2012) – The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM), the international organization representing the regenerative medicine community, announces the election of Geoff MacKay, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Organogenesis Inc., as its next chair and Keith Murphy, Chairman and CEO of Organovo, as Vice-Chair. Ed Field, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Cytomedix, and Martin McGlynn, President and CEO of StemCells, Inc. were elected to the two other officer positions. Mr. MacKay will replace Gil Van Bokkelen, Chairman and CEO of Athersys, who will complete his 2-year term as Chair on December 31, 2012.
“Thanks to the diligent efforts of our outgoing officers, ARM made significant progress advancing its proposed national strategy for regenerative medicine over the past two years, including a clearer understanding of the regulatory pathway and reimbursement, as well as greater clarity on product development standards,” said Michael Werner, Executive Director of ARM. “Under their leadership, our membership has grown to include more than 120 companies and organizations. In addition, we have made progress with the FDA to clarify the development pathway for cell-based therapies, and dramatically increased bi-partisan support for the Regenerative Medicine Promotion Act.”
“We are grateful for the many contributions Gil has made to ARM over the past couple years, and are pleased he will continue to serve as an ex-officio member of the Executive Committee,” said Morrie Ruffin, Managing Director of ARM. “We are excited to build on our prior accomplishments, and are confident that Geoff and our other new officers will play a critical role in helping us realize the potential for regenerative medicine to revolutionize treating and curing many diseases.”
“The Alliance serves as a catalyst in bringing together all of the stakeholders in the regenerative medicine world. It is an honor to be elected to chair ARM, the world’s leading regenerative medicine trade organization,” said Geoff MacKay, President and CEO of Organogenesis Inc. “During my term, we plan to continue working with the entire industry to ensure that innovative technologies make it to market, where they can reach and impact patients’ lives.”
Newly elected officers include: Chairman: Geoff MacKay, President and CEO of Organogenesis Inc.; Vice Chairman: Keith Murphy, Chairman and CEO of Organovo; Secretary: Marty McGlynn, President and CEO of StemCells, Inc.; Treasurer: Ed Field, COO of Cytomedix.
The elected members of the 2013 Executive Committee include:
About the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) is a Washington, DC-based non-profit organization that promotes legislative, regulatory, reimbursement, and financing initiatives necessary to facilitate access to life-giving advances in regenerative medicine. ARM also works to increase public understanding of the field and its potential to transform human healthcare, and provides services to support the growth of its member companies and organizations. Prior to the formation of ARM, there was no advocacy organization operating in Washington, DC to specifically represent the interests of regenerative medicine companies, research institutions, investors, and patient groups supporting more rapid adoption of technologies in our field. To learn more about ARM or to become a member, visit www.alliancerm.org.
Michelle Linn
Linnden Communications
Phone: 508-362-3087
