BioUtah, Utah's trade association serving the state's life sciences community, has announced significant leadership changes and new board appointments that will shape the organization's direction through 2026. Erin Barry, vice president of government affairs for Merit Medical Systems, will assume the role of board chair effective January 1, 2026, while Andrew Hemmert, PhD, senior vice president of molecular research and development for bioMérieux, will serve as vice chair.
Ms. Barry, currently serving as board vice chair, succeeds Mark Paul, executive director of the Center for Medical Innovation at the University of Utah. Mr. Paul will remain on the board as immediate past chair and continue serving on the executive committee. At Merit Medical Systems, Ms. Barry oversees all local, state, and federal government relations in jurisdictions where the company maintains manufacturing facilities or sales offices. Her responsibilities include directing lobbying efforts on critical issues such as taxation, international trade and tariffs, FDA regulation, and economic incentives.
Dr. Hemmert brings substantial expertise in molecular diagnostics to his new role. At bioMérieux, he leads global teams focused on developing easy-to-use, rapid, and comprehensive molecular diagnostics. These innovations include the largest available menu for respiratory, bloodstream, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, and skeletal infections for hospital customers. The bioMérieux SpotFire system delivers rapid, comprehensive results for point-of-care settings, representing significant advancements in diagnostic technology.
Kelvyn Cullimore, president and CEO of BioUtah, expressed gratitude for Mr. Paul's leadership, noting that his strategic guidance has strengthened the organization and advanced Utah's life sciences community. The board anticipates that Ms. Barry's leadership will help further BioUtah's mission and enhance the state's innovation ecosystem.
In addition to these leadership transitions, BioUtah has appointed three new board members effective immediately. Jim Fitzgerald, CEO of ATL Technology, brings over 15 years of executive leadership experience in medical device and packaging companies. Tracy George, MD, serves as chief scientific officer and president of the Innovation Business Unit at ARUP Laboratories while also holding a professorship in pathology at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah. Chris Lowe, CEO of Nusano, contributes more than 30 years of business experience, including 20 years in C-suite and executive-level roles in healthcare and finance.
The organization also acknowledged the completion of service for two board members: Jay Muse, president and CEO of Piper Access, and Michael Olson, corporate banking portfolio manager at Zions Bank. Myles Greenberg, MD, who has served on the executive committee as immediate past chair, will remain a board member but conclude his executive committee service. BioUtah expressed appreciation for their dedicated service, particularly recognizing Mr. Muse and Mr. Olson for eight years of board service and Dr. Greenberg for three years on the executive committee.
These leadership changes occur as BioUtah continues to represent Utah's diverse life sciences industry, which includes medical device manufacturing, research and testing, biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, and diagnostics. The new appointments reflect the organization's commitment to maintaining strong governance and strategic direction for an industry that serves as a key driver of Utah's economy and healthcare advancement. For additional information about the organization's governance structure, visit https://BioUtah.org.
