Today, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) presented Maryland Governor Larry Hogan with its 2021 Governor of the Year Award. Governor Hogan received the award virtually at BIO Digital 2021.
With the annual award, BIO honors governors for their leadership in public service, commitment to public health, and dedication to strengthening the biotechnology sector in their state. For over a decade, the long-standing award has recognized governors from across the country and both sides of the aisle.
“In Maryland, we have been proud to support increased research and investment in the life sciences,” said Governor Hogan. “In fact since 2016, Maryland’s bioscience employment has outpaced national job growth and created nearly 40,000 jobs for hard-working Marylanders. And thanks to our life sciences industry, our state continues to play an outsized role in the research and development of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics.”
“On behalf of BIO, I am pleased to honor Governor Hogan with our Governor of the Year award,” said Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath, President and CEO of BIO. “For years, Governor Hogan has been a driving force of job growth in Maryland and has worked steadily to expand the bioscience sector in the state. Thanks to his leadership, Maryland’s flourishing bioscience economy is a leader in cutting-edge bioscientific research, including many new innovations to fight COVID-19. Governor Hogan has been a strong supporter of public policy reforms that cultivate new research and development in the life sciences. I thank Governor Hogan for his continued leadership and support of the scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs in Maryland developing new bioscientific innovations for the future.”
“Governor Hogan has been a strong and consistent advocate for the Maryland biotechnology industry since he first took office,” said Marty Rosendale, CEO of the Maryland Tech Council. “Under his leadership, more than 40 Maryland companies joined to combat the COVID-19 pandemic with new vaccines, therapies, tests, and clinical research and support. His unwavering support for innovators is one reason Maryland consistently ranks as one of the top life science clusters in the nation. I congratulate Governor Hogan for this well-deserved honor and thank him for his leadership in helping to build a robust, globally-recognized innovation ecosystem in Maryland.”
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