For Immediate Release
The Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute (KCALSI) announced that William (Bill) S. Berkley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tension Corporation, has been named Chair of the Board. Mr. Berkley succeeds L. Patrick James, MD, Senior Medical Director of National Accounts at Quest Diagnostics. KCALSI also announced two new members to its Board of Directors.
Mr. Berkley has been a member of the KCALSI Board since its founding in July 2001. Dr. Wayne Carter, KCALSI President and Chief Executive Officer said, “We are grateful to Dr. James for his service and excited to welcome Bill Berkley as our new Chair. Bill has years of experience on the KCALSI Board and chairing organizations in the broader community, such as the Civic Council and the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation.” Dr. Carter continued, “The Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute has been fortunate to have dedicated directors and community leaders.”
Berkley commented, “We are indebted to Pat for his leadership over the past four years as Chair and his years of service on the KCALSI Board.” Berkley continued, “We have so much opportunity ahead of us for the continued development and growth of the life sciences in the greater Kansas City Region, as a result of the collective efforts of so many. KCALSI will continue to serve as a catalyst in that transformation by promoting life sciences in the area, encouraging collaboration among health, science and educational institutions, and supporting efforts to attract funding to grow science industries.”
Dr. Carter stated, “Over the past four years there has been extraordinary progress in the region. Our success has been linked to the vision of leaders and the philanthropy of people and companies. Since 2010 the region has achieved distinction with the successful selection of Manhattan, KS as the National Bio and Agro Defense Facility (NBAF), National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation for the KU Cancer Center, and the receipt of a Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) by the National Institutes of Health. We have also recruited talented researchers to the region, are leveraging our considerable strengths in clinical research, and developing centers of excellence in translational medicine.”
KCALSI also named two new members to its Board of Directors. Thomas M. Sack, PhD, is President and Chief Executive Officer for MRIGlobal. Dr. Sack became MRIGlobal’s fifth leader in 2013 and is responsible for the $100 million contract research organization whose mission is to use science and technology to create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. MRIGlobal works in global health, energy, national security and defense, all areas that touch life sciences.
Steven St. Peter, MD, is President and Chief Executive Officer of Aratana Therapeutics, Inc., a Kansas biotechnology company targeting treatments for pets. Through acquisitions and licensing agreements, Dr. St. Peter has established Aratana Therapeutics as a leader in pet therapeutics.
“Both Tom and Steven bring outstanding backgrounds, experiences and expertise to our Board,” said Dr. Carter. “And most importantly, they share our commitment to advance regional life sciences.” Dr. Sack and Dr. St. Peter will serve three year terms.
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Contact: Dr. Wayne Carter, KCALSI President and Chief Executive Officer
E-mail: wcarter@kclifesciences.org
Phone: 816-753-7700
About KCALSI
The Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute (KCALSI) strives to advance the life sciences in the Kansas City region through research, commercialization and workforce development. A non-profit organization, KCALSI fosters constructive relationships between the academic and private sectors; facilitates collaborative scientific research; advocates for the life sciences at local, state and national levels; and supports economic development, technology transfer and commercialization.