The KC BioHub is transforming Kansas City into a global leader in biologics and biomanufacturing, harnessing the region’s unique strengths in human and animal health to enhance vaccine production capabilities. With a vision to create the world’s most equitable biologics innovation ecosystem, the KC BioHub focuses on driving economic growth, expanding opportunities for all, and improving community health. This initiative is led by two full-time employees, Melissa Roberts Chapman and Laurie Brown.
Melissa Roberts Chapman, President and Regional Innovation Officer, brings a dynamic blend of policy expertise, entrepreneurship, and ecosystem building to the organization. Melissa has held leadership roles at the Federation of American Scientists and the Kauffman Foundation, where she worked to build inclusive and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems. Melissa is deeply involved in her community through involvement with KC Rising, BioKansas, the Ecosystem Building Leadership Project, the UMKC Center for Law, Entrepreneurship, & Innovation, and other volunteer activities.
Laurie Brown, Vice President of Operations, leverages her extensive background in operations leadership to advance the initiatives of KC BioHub. With experience across public and private sectors, Laurie excels at driving complex initiatives that create economic impact. She previously founded Lux Strategic Solutions, providing fractional COO services to clients, and has held key roles at organizations like the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the American Academy of Family Physicians, where she built and scaled impactful programs.
As an EDA-designated Tech Hub, KC BioHub will advance regional initiatives from workforce development to translational research and commercialization. The KC BioHub is poised to empower regional stakeholders to address the growing demands of the life sciences industry. By positioning the Kansas City region as a leader in biologics and biomanufacturing, it ensures that the U.S. remains at the forefront of global health security.