![Southwestern Medical Foundation President and CEO Kathleen Gibson has joined the board of nonprofit LaunchBio. [Image: Southwestern Medical Foundation; istockphoto]](https://s24806.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Kathleen-Gibson-LaunchBio-board.jpg)
A life Science and biotech nonprofit that expanded to North Texas in 2021 announced four new board members, including Dallas-based Kathleen Gibson, along with a new board chair.
California-based LaunchBio expanded to North Texas in 2021 and partnered with DLA Piper to accelerate the region as a hub for life science startups.
Gibson, who is president and CEO of Southwestern Medical Foundation, and LaunchBio’s new board members will help the nonprofit expand access to entrepreneurial support programs for high-growth, high-impact life science and biotechnology companies.
LaunchBio and BioLabs at Pegasus Park
LaunchBio started in 2016 with the support of BioLabs, a coworking lab model that recently opened its first Texas location at Pegasus Park. The nonprofit works together with BioLabs, Lyda Hill Philanthropies, and J. Small Investments to accelerate the entrepreneurial support network in the region.
LaunchBio CEO Becky Beattie
LaunchBio is strengthening its presence in Dallas, and its other markets—Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, and San Francisco— to bring “market-level insights to our work,” said LaunchBio CEO Becky Beattie.
Diversity in perspectives and expertise
LaunchBio’s new board reflects the geographies LaunchBio serves, according to Beattie.
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati partner Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati partner Mike Hostetler was named the organization’s new board chair.
Hostetler says the board has worked to represent a variety of industry expertise—and diverse perspectives on startup growth and life science innovation. “Together we will advance LaunchBio’s organizational excellence, enhance program strategies and make introductions to new collaborators,” he said.
Including Gibson, the new board members starting their three-year terms in December 2021 are:
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- Tia Lyles-Williams, D.Sc., founder and CEO, LucasPye BIO (Secretary)
- John Freeman, CFO, BioLabs (Treasurer)
- Kathleen Gibson, president and CEO, Southwestern Medical Foundation
- Anton Xavier, director, Silicon Valley Bank
A mission to benefit human health and well being
The nonprofit national network of life science innovators has entrepreneurs at the heart of its mission to benefit human health and well being.
With guidance and direction from its board, “LaunchBio is well-positioned to facilitate connections and promote learning across the nation’s leading life science hubs,” LaunchBio said in a statement.
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