For Release on February 24, 2012
Kansas City, Mo. – Dr. Dan Getman, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute (KCALSI), has informed the board of directors of his plans to retire in late spring.
After serving in his position since 2009, Getman says he’s extremely proud of KCALSI’s many achievements and feels confident that he’s leaving the Institute “in a good place” for his successor. “Frankly, it’s a tremendous opportunity for someone to step in and build on the organization’s success,” he said.
During Getman’s tenure, KCALSI has been an integral contributor in establishing the Center for Animal Health Innovation in Olathe; influencing state legislators to overwhelmingly pass the Missouri Science and Innovation Act (MOSIRA); advocating for the Translational Research Initiative to be among the “Big 5” initiatives recently selected by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce; and developing the Contract Research Organization Initiative that hopes to shine the spotlight on the region’s drug development industry as was done in the past for the KC Animal Health Corridor.
“The region has made life sciences a priority, recognizing its potential to impact our economy, create new jobs, and improve health care,” said Dr. Patrick James, KCALSI’s board chairman and senior managing director of Quest Diagnostics.
Over the last several years, KCALSI has worked to strengthen its relationships with its strategic partners and key stakeholders in the region’s life sciences community, and James credits Getman for making this happen.
“Our partners and stakeholders are committed, motivated people, and I am fortunate to work with them,” Getman said. “All of our work involves multiple partners, and we would not have attained this degree of success without everyone working together.”
James agrees that “the level of collaboration among these partners has never been stronger as we all focus on establishing Kansas City as a major hub for life sciences in the country. We’re very grateful to Dan for his commitment to building the region’s life sciences sector,” James said.
Getman joined KCALSI after nearly 30 years in pharmaceutical research and development, including vice president of Pfizer Inc.’s Global Research and Development group in St. Louis, as well as R&D positions with Pharmacia Corporation and Searle/Monsanto. He currently serves as chairman of the board for the Missouri Biotechnology Association and as a board member of the Kansas Bioscience Organization, the Center for Animal Health Innovation and Sucampo Pharmaceuticals.
According to James, KCALSI’s board has begun a formal search to identify potential candidates. Getman is committed to ensuring the transition is a smooth one and said, “What I’ll miss most is the people, but it’s a good time to step down. I’m looking forward to having more time to spend with my family and to explore some of my other interests such as travel and photography.”
For more information, contact: Sharon Newman, 816-753-7700