RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The North Carolina Biotechnology Center today announced that President and CEO Leslie Alexandre, Dr. P.H., has resigned to pursue new opportunities. To facilitate a smooth transition, Dr. Alexandre will continue working with the Biotechnology Center as needed until March 31.
"Leslie Alexandre has led the Biotechnology Center through a notable period of growth," said Sue Cole, chairman of the Biotechnology Center's board of directors. "She has helped enhance North Carolina's reputation as a 'biotech-friendly' state. Citizens will benefit in the coming years from the groundwork she has laid."
"Leading the Biotechnology Center since 2002 has been exciting and rewarding," said Dr. Alexandre. "I leave having accomplished what I set out to do when I arrived: strengthen the Biotechnology Center's programs, services and infrastructure and expand its reach to all corners of the state through the establishment of regional offices; secure greater State funding to support additional innovative research projects and company startups; increase life science company expansions and attractions by building high-impact partnerships with the N.C. Department of Commerce and other economic developers; and broaden global recognition of North Carolina as a leading place to conduct biotechnology research, development and commercialization."
Dr. Alexandre also led the creation of New Jobs Across North Carolina: a Strategic Plan for Growing the Economy Statewide through Biotechnology on behalf of Governor Mike Easley. "Our strategic plan has already had a very positive impact on our state, and I believe that its continued implementation will ensure a bright future for North Carolina biotechnology," she said. "The Biotechnology Center is well positioned to lead that future for years to come.
"I will miss my wonderful staff and the energy of the Biotechnology Center, but I will watch with pride as they continue to accomplish great things for the people of North Carolina," concluded Dr. Alexandre.
The Board of Directors of the Biotechnology Center will conduct a national search for the President and CEO position.
The Biotechnology Center, headquartered in Research Triangle Park with five regional offices throughout the state, is a private, non-profit corporation supported by the N.C. General Assembly. Its mission is to provide long-term economic and societal benefits to North Carolina by supporting biotechnology research, business and education statewide.
North Carolina Biotechnology CenterCONTACT: Barry Teater, director of Corporate Communications of NorthCarolina Biotechnology Center, +1-919-541-9366, orbarry_teater@ncbiotech.org
Web site: http://www.ncbiotech.org/
