BioUtah, Utah's trade association serving the state's life sciences community, has announced significant leadership changes and new board appointments that will shape the organization's direction through 2026. Erin Barry, vice president of government affairs for Merit Medical Systems, will assume the role of board chair effective January 1, 2026, while Andrew Hemmert, PhD, senior vice president of molecular research and development for bioMérieux, will serve as vice chair.
Barry, currently board vice chair, succeeds Mark Paul, executive director of the Center for Medical Innovation at the University of Utah, who will remain on the board as immediate past chair and executive committee member. At Merit Medical Systems, Barry oversees all local, state, and federal government relations in jurisdictions where the company operates manufacturing facilities or sales offices. Her responsibilities include directing lobbying efforts on critical issues such as taxation, international trade and tariffs, FDA regulation, and economic incentives.
Dr. Hemmert brings substantial expertise in molecular diagnostics to his new role, leading global teams at bioMérieux focused on developing easy-to-use, rapid, and comprehensive diagnostic solutions. His work includes innovations in infectious disease diagnostics covering respiratory, blood stream, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, and skeletal infections, as well as the SpotFire system for point-of-care settings.
Kelvyn Cullimore, president and CEO of BioUtah, expressed confidence in the new leadership, stating that Barry's guidance will help further the organization's mission and enhance Utah's innovation ecosystem. The leadership transition comes alongside the appointment of three new board members effective immediately: Jim Fitzgerald, CEO of ATL Technology; Tracy George, MD, chief scientific officer and president of the Innovation Business Unit at ARUP Laboratories; and Chris Lowe, CEO of Nusano.
Fitzgerald brings over 15 years of executive leadership experience in medical device and packaging companies, while Dr. George contributes extensive expertise in laboratory diagnostics and clinical trials alongside her role as professor of pathology at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. Lowe offers more than 30 years of business experience, including 20 years in C-suite roles in healthcare and finance, with particular strength in strategic direction, licensing, and acquisitions.
The board changes also include the conclusion of service for two members: Jay Muse, president and CEO of Piper Access, and Michael Olson, corporate banking portfolio manager at Zions Bank, both completing eight years of dedicated service. Myles Greenberg, MD, will remain a board member but conclude his service on the executive committee after three years. BioUtah's governance structure now comprises 16 directors representing the diverse spectrum of Utah's life sciences industry. For additional information about the organization's governance structure and activities, visit https://www.bioutah.org.
These leadership appointments and board expansions reflect BioUtah's strategic positioning to strengthen Utah's life sciences community, which encompasses medical device manufacturing, research and testing, biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, and diagnostics. The new leadership combination of government relations expertise and scientific innovation leadership suggests a focused approach to advancing both policy priorities and technological development within Utah's growing life sciences sector.
