BioUtah Adds Two High-Caliber Members to its Board of Directors

Pete CodellaNews

BioUtah today announced that Ivy V. Estabrooke, Ph.D., executive director of the Utah Science Technology & Research Initiative (USTAR), and Val Hale, executive director of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), have been appointed to the BioUtah board of directors.

“Since the inception of BioUtah in 2012, the collective knowledge and influence of our executive board has powered remarkable growth and development for the organization as well as the dynamic life science community we serve,” said Rich Linder, Chairman of the Board for BioUtah’s executive board. “The companies, organizations and members of BioUtah are world-class, and it is important to have board members who are of equal standing. We are grateful and proud to add these two accomplished professionals to our executive board.”

Beyond her current experience running one of the most strategically important programs for the state’s life science community, USTAR, Dr. Estabrooke brings a rare combination of business, scientific and policy expertise to the BioUtah board.

“I am keen to join the BioUtah board of directors,” Dr. Estabrooke said. “I hope to shape programs and collaborations that will serve the State of Utah by continuing to support the life science start-up community and established industry. Serving as a member of the board will assure that USTAR and BioUtah are positioned to leverage each other’s efforts.”

Dr. Estabrooke was appointed to the position of executive director of USTAR by Utah Governor Gary Herbert and confirmed by the Utah Senate in May 2014. She is a cognitive neuroscientist by training, with technical expertise in psycholinguistics, pharmacological interventions, and statistical modeling. She earned her Ph.D. in neuroscience from Georgetown University, an MS in National Security Strategy and Resource Management from the Eisenhower School of the National Defense University (formerly ICAF) and a BA in Biological Sciences from Smith College.

Hale is an advisor and trusted friend of Gov. Gary Herbert. He brings to this position a wealth of experience, expertise and influence in business, government and education.

“I am honored to be invited to serve as a member of the BioUtah Board of Directors,” Hale said. “The life science industry is an extremely important part of Utah’s economy. The Governor’s Office of Economic Development is committed to helping this important cluster thrive and prosper in our state. I look forward to working with the impressive list of business and civic leaders to advance the industry.”

Before accepting the position as executive director of GOED in 2014, Hale served for two years as president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, leading efforts in business community issues including regional economic development and branding initiatives. Prior to serving in the chamber, Hale was vice president (2010-2012) for university relations at Utah Valley University (UVU), overseeing legislative affairs, marketing, and public, media and community relations. From 2006 to 2010, Hale worked as advancement vice president at the university, responsible for fund raising and all university external activities. During this time, Hale played a key role in transitioning Utah Valley State College into Utah Valley University. Hale started at UVU as the assistant vice president for external affairs (2005-2006), where he served as legislative liaison and oversaw community relations and economic development activities.

Hale received his bachelor’s degree in public relations in 1981 and a master’s degree in communications in 1987—both from BYU. Hale worked as a reporter at the Daily Herald from 1981 to 1982, covering business, government and BYU.

About BioUtah

BioUtah is a 501(c)(6) life science industry association created to elevate the stature and influence of Utah’s life science community on the local, national and global stage. Launched in 2012, the organization serves Utah’s medical device, biotech/pharma, diagnostics and healthcare industries through networking, advocacy and education programs. BioUtah creates value for its members through impactful events, legislative initiatives and communications outreach. We foster collaboration within and between industry, government and education to provide growth opportunities through access to funding sources, talent acquisition/development and strategic collaboration.

For more information about BioUtah and its programs, or to become a member, visitwww.bioutah.org. See us on LinkedInFacebook and Twitter.