The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) Chesapeake Bay Area Chapter has announced its newly elected slate of officers, who will begin their terms in January 2025. Representing a cross-section of expertise from across the BioHealth Capital Region, these leaders will guide the chapter’s programs and initiatives over the next two years.
Newly Elected Officers (2025–2026 Term):
- President: John Birkmire, BW Design Group
- Vice President: Grace (Patton) Mark, CAI
- Secretary: Tony Fuchs, PE, LEED AP, TAI Engineering
- Treasurer: David Garonzik, Validated Cloud
The ISPE Chesapeake Bay Area Chapter serves members across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., providing education, professional development, and networking opportunities for professionals in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life sciences industries.
Incoming President John Birkmire acknowledged the chapter’s strong legacy of leadership, noting the chapter’s recognition as ISPE’s Chapter of the Year. “We are standing on the shoulders of giants – ISPE-CBA is the reigning ISPE Chapter of the Year after all! Lynne Cooper is the GOAT, and I feel a little like Ryan Minor taking over for Cal Ripken. Make no mistake though; we are ready to build on the legacy and deepen the chapter’s connection with the BioHealth Capital Region,” Birkmire shared.
He also encouraged new and existing members alike to engage with the chapter’s events: “If you haven’t been to one of our events, make that a late year resolution. There are opportunities for whatever suits your interests – educational, mentoring, networking … And please come up and introduce yourself.”
Lynne Cooper, outgoing President of ISPE-CBA, welcomed the new officers and highlighted the momentum the chapter brings into 2025. “We are proud to welcome our newly elected ISPE Chesapeake Bay Area Chapter officers: President, John Birkmire, Vice President – Grace Mark, Secretary – Tony Fuchs, and Treasurer – David Garonzik. Their leadership, expertise, and commitment will help ensure that our chapter continues to thrive and expand its impact. With the support of their companies, this team will strengthen collaboration across our region and advance innovation that ultimately serves patients here at home and around the world,” she said.
Cooper also noted that ISPE-CBA enters 2025 with added resources to support growth. The chapter recently received two Growth Fund grants from ISPE International — one to expand student engagement and another to grow membership across the region. These investments will help sustain the chapter’s mission to advance pharmaceutical engineering through collaboration, education, and innovation.
The ISPE Chesapeake Bay Area Chapter continues to play a vital role in connecting professionals throughout the DMV region’s life sciences ecosystem. With this new slate of officers at the helm, members can look forward to another year of opportunities for learning, networking, and advancing the industry together.
Congratulations to the new ISPE-CBA officers!
