About Us
The Rhode Island Life Science Hub aims to strengthen the life science sector in the state and encourage collaboration and innovation among public, private, and academic institutions.
The Rhode Island Life Science Hub was established in 2023 to facilitate the growth of the state’s life sciences sector. This includes the development of medical advances and scientific breakthroughs with companies who specialize in the fields of medical devices, biomedical technology, medical therapeutic therapies, biogenetics, biomedical engineering, biopharmaceuticals, genomics and life sciences.
To make this vision a reality, Gov. Dan McKee appointed a Board of Directors that includes leaders in the sector representing industry, higher education and health care.
Staff
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Mark Turco, MD
PRESIDENT & CEO
Turco is the President and CEO of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub. Dr. Turco has served in leadership positions across the biomedical and life science sectors including clinical medicine, academic research and early-stage startups. As the Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Pennsylvania, he established the Center for Penn-Health Tech, a partnership between the engineering school and the School of Medicine to develop medical technologies. He has guided research teams and innovators through the process of company creation and complex regulatory approvals to launch new medical technologies in the marketplace. Most recently, he led two cardiovascular start-up companies that were acquired by larger public medical device companies.
Dr. Turco received his MD from the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dr. Turco is a Providence resident.
VICE PRESIDENT
Lilia Holt is the Vice President of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub. With over eight years of experience in financial services and program coordination, Holt previously served as the Vice President of Business Development at Rhode Island Commerce Corporation.
Holt holds an MBA from Simmons College and a BA in Sociology and Psychology from Suffolk University. She is a native Rhode Islander and a graduate of Classical High School in Providence, RI.
SENIOR OPERATIONS AND OFFICE MANAGER
Christina McKenzie is the Senior Operations and Office Manager of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub. With over 10 years of experience in office administration, operations, and human resources, McKenzie previously served as Office Manager at Nabsys and HR Business Partner at Akoya Biosciences.
McKenzie holds a MA in Counseling Psychology from Assumption University and a BA in Psychology from Worcester State University. She is a native of Massachusetts.
SENIOR GRANT PROGRAM MANAGER
Hailey Bathurst is the Senior Grant Program Manager of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub. With ten years of experience designing and implementing entrepreneurship and economic development programs, Bathurst previously served as the Director of Business Development for SeaAhead.
Bathurst holds a Master's in International Development and Policy from the University of Chicago. She received her BS from Roger Williams University and is a Rhode Island resident.
Board Members
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Neil Steinberg is the former president and chief executive officer of the Rhode Island Foundation, a leading organization dedicated to addressing community needs through philanthropy, grantmaking, and community leadership. Prior to his role at the Rhode Island Foundation, Steinberg served as the Vice President of Development for Brown University. For the three decades before that, he worked for FleetBoston Financial, rising to the position of Chairman and CEO of Fleet Bank Rhode Island.
Steinberg is actively involved in various community organizations and has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to Rhode Island.
He holds a B.A. in Applied Mathematics from Brown University and resides in Pawtucket with his family.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF COMMERCE - VICE CHAIR (EX-OFFICIO)
CHIEF VISIONARY OFFICER & GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, ALMONTE GROUP LLC, TREASURER
VICE PRESIDENT OF SITE OPERATIONS, AMGEN RHODE ISLAND
Edwin "Ted" Carr
DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, CITY OF PROVIDENCE
CO-PRESIDENT & CEO, PRO-CHANGE BEHAVIOR SYSTEMS, INC.
PRESIDENT & CEO, BROWN UNIVERSITY HEALTH (EX-OFFICIO)
DEAN, WARREN ALPERT MEDICAL SCHOOL, BROWN UNIVERSITY (EX-OFFICIO
PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND (EX-OFFICIO)
PRESIDENT, BROWN UNIVERSITY (EX-OFFICIO)
Armand Sabitoni
FORMER GENERAL SECRETARY-TREASURER, LIUNA
VICE PRESIDENT, DEVICE AND TRANSLATIONAL ENGINEERING
PRESIDENT & CEO, CARE NEW ENGLAND (EX-OFFICIO)
PRESIDENT, RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE (EX-OFFICIO)