For Release March 23, 2011
Kansas City, MO. – The Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute (KCALSI) has named two new members to its board of directors who will provide a powerful combination of business and civic leadership.
The new members, David W. Frantze, a partner with Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP, and Robert D. Regnier, president of the Bank of Blue Valley, are well known in the Kansas City area for their long-time community involvement and tireless work on key projects in the region. As new members of KCALSI’s board, the men will focus their experience and expertise on the continued development and growth of the life sciences.
“Both Dave and Bob have been on the forefront of regional initiatives and bring great perspective and experience to our board,” said Dr. L. Patrick James, chairman of KCALSI’s board and senior managing director for Quest Diagnostics, Inc.
Frantze and Dr. James have worked together to promote the Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act (MOSIRA) that would create a fund used to grow the state’s life sciences and innovation industry, similar to what the Kansas Bioscience Authority has done for such development in Kansas.
“In addition, Dave has served as the national board chairman of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and was instrumental in attaining a collaborative grant for the University of Kansas drug discovery and development group,” Dr. James said. “He brings not only a regional, but a national perspective to our board.”
Regnier also has played an important role in the continued development of the region’s life sciences, according to Dr. Dan Getman, president of KCALSI. Regnier was instrumental in the creation of the Johnson County Education Research Triangle, a first-of-its-kind local sales tax that benefits the University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas State University’s International Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety in Olathe, and the University of Kansas Edwards Campus.
“Bob’s enthusiasm and involvement in such key projects as the animal health corridor and K-States’ growing role in its development, as well as the University of Kansas’ goal to achieve Comprehensive Cancer Center designation from the National Cancer Institute are examples of his passion for the life sciences in our region,” Dr. Getman said. “We’re tremendously fortunate to have both Bob and Dave join the KCALSI board.”
Both Regnier and Frantze believe the life sciences are vital to Kansas City’s future. “KCALSI is a catalyst in so many ways for the life sciences, which will be a very strong area of growth for our region,” Regnier said. Frantze added, “The life sciences bring a highly educated work force, improve educational institutions, and create jobs for our area. We have great opportunities on both sides of the state line.”
Regnier and Frantze will serve three-year terms on KCALSI’s board of directors.
###
For more information, contact: Sharon Newman, 816-753-7700