BionorthTX Names Entrepreneurial President and Chief Executive Officer

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BionorthTX today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Jorge Varela as President and Chief Executive Officer. He will assume day-to-day leadership of the association which represents the life sciences industry for 26 counties in North Texas including Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington.

Dr. Terry Foster, who had been serving as Interim CEO for the organization, will continue to serve on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.

“In hiring a CEO we looked for a proven executive capable of taking bionorthTX to the next level of success through innovative programs and services,” said Chairman Frank Grassler. “We are confident that Jorge is the right person to build on the momentum following the successful iC3 Summit conference.”

Varela, an entrepreneur, seasoned executive, and angel investor, has founded or been part of the leadership team at successful startups in multiple industries. He most recently was Executive Vice President at the Texas Research and Technology Foundation, where he co-founded and was CEO of VelocityTX, an innovation hub in south Texas. Prior to that he was the Director of TECH Fort Worth, a life sciences business incubator whose startups have contributed over $3 billion to the North Texas economy.

“I am incredibly excited to assume this role, as I am for the future of the association,” Varela said. “Our Board is focused on taking the right steps to move bionorthTX forward and our membership is eager to take an active part in developing a strong life sciences community. Together they are the key drivers necessary to increase the number of high paying jobs, and to build a healthier North Texas.”

Varela will participate in the bionorthTX end-of-year networking event on December 13^th hosted at their member, The Beck Group in Dallas. Click the link included here to register for this complimentary event.

http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=9ybvp9xab&oeidk=a07efw0lf5x050cc244.

About bionorthTX

BionorthTX exists to build a healthier community and to drive economic growth in North Texas by connecting, growing, and promoting the life sciences industry for the 26-county region. BionorthTX represents the collective interests of member companies to impact policy and bring awareness to significant regional efforts and assets in Texas. The organization provides events, opportunities for education, networking, and access to capital, which has resulted in partnerships, jobs and new innovations that otherwise might not have occurred.

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