Olathe, KS, September 19, 2011 – The Center for Animal Health Innovation (CAHI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeffrey Boily as its CEO, effective September 19, 2011.
Boily brings 30 years of global life sciences experience in clinical research informatics, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and drug delivery, and will be instrumental in propelling CAHI forward as it strives to help bring new animal health technologies to market faster.
“I couldn’t be more excited to lead the Center for Animal Health Innovation as we kick off this tremendous opportunity. We have the ability to partner with university researchers from around the country to bring innovative technology out of the labs and into the animal health market,” said Boily.
“Jeff’s background as an entrepreneurial leader and his experience in partnering with scientists to advance their research to market is a perfect fit for CAHI,” said Dr. Wayne Carter, Board Chair for CAHI and Vice President of Global Research at the Hill’s Pet Nutrition Center in Topeka, KS. “As we connect animal health researchers with members of CAHI’s industry-led Board to accelerate the development and commercialization of new animal health-related technologies, Jeff will provide valuable personal experience,” Carter added.
“As CAHI’s funding partner, the Kansas Bioscience Authority is very pleased with the results of the executive search. Jeff has the skills and the experience needed to help us create a new path forward for the animal health industry,” said Tony Simpson, Director of Commercialization for the Kansas Bioscience Authority (KBA), and CAHI Board member.
In addition to the new CEO, CAHI is pleased to announce the opening of the Proof of Concept grant application process on its website. The Center for Animal Health Innovation is seeking new, innovative technologies that will benefit the animal health industry. The application is available to university faculty, research staff and entrepreneurs interested in Proof of Concept funding. In addition to the grant, recipients will be provided valuable mentorship from members of CAHI’s industry-led Board of Directors and guidance to accelerate the process. The extensive network of the CAHI Board and CEO will also be leveraged to establish key relationships and catalyze successful commercialization outcomes.
“The grant process will be an invaluable asset to researchers, universities and our companies as we mentor these talented individuals,” said Dan Getman, CAHI Board member and President of Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute.
The Proof of Concept application is now available on the CAHI website, www.animalhealthinnovation.com. The application deadline is October 17th and funding decisions will be announced the week of December 19th. Please visit the CAHI website for an overview of the Proof of Concept funding program and for more information on the submission and approval process.
About the Center for Animal Health Innovation
The mission of the Center for Animal Health Innovation is to connect innovation to industry with the goal of producing breakthrough products and services that can have a major impact on the animal health industry. CAHI’s Board of Directors includes the senior R&D and C Level Executives from six leading animal health companies, including Bayer HealthCare LLC Animal Health Division, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., Centaur, Inc., CEVA Biomune Company, Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Merck Animal Health, as well as the senior executives of the Kansas Bioscience Authority and the Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute, Inc. Their commitment is to both funding and mentoring the innovation cycle. To learn more, please visit www.animalhealthinnovation.com.
CAHI CONTACT:
Jeffrey Boily CEO 913-307-7321
PRESS CONTACT:
Caitlin Meyers 816-994-9841