In the BioHealth Capital Region—spanning Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia—life sciences are at the forefront of innovation, powered by a unique mix of talent, technology, and transformative leadership. With more than 1,800 life sciences companies, 70 federal labs, and top research institutions, this area has become a beacon for groundbreaking advancements in healthcare and biotech. Behind this dynamic ecosystem are visionary leaders who are advancing their organizations and fostering a workforce ready to tackle tomorrow’s medical challenges. These leaders are shaping a future where science and talent converge, building a resilient and forward-thinking life sciences community in one of the nation’s most competitive regions for biotech talent.
Here, we look at five of these inspiring figures championing the life science industry’s growth and evolution!
Brad Fackler, Founder and Principal, Kinect Point, LLC
Brad Fackler is a seasoned leader in Maryland’s life sciences ecosystem, currently serving as Senior Vice President at the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), where he focuses on expanding the county’s biotech sector. With over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, Brad has held pivotal roles at large-scale corporations and startups. As the founder of Kinect Point, LLC, he has provided business consulting for emerging biotech and medical device companies, demonstrating his talent for identifying market opportunities and building organizations from the ground up.
Previously, Brad worked at Maryland’s Department of Commerce and Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, where he was instrumental in taking the company public and launching multiple brands. He also spent 25 years at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, leading key initiatives in sales, marketing, and corporate strategy on both domestic and global scales. His career is marked by a unique ability to innovate in uncharted areas, making him a vital figure in shaping Maryland’s thriving life sciences landscape. Brad holds a BA in Life Science from Otterbein University and an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business, blending scientific insight with business acumen to drive success in the life science industry.
Kelly Schulz, CEO of the Maryland Tech Council (MTC)
Kelly Schulz, CEO of Maryland Life Sciences, a division of the MTC, is a champion for economic development and workforce growth in the Biohealth Capital Region. With her extensive background as the former Secretary of Commerce for Maryland, she is dedicated to driving initiatives that support local companies, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
MTC is the largest support organization for technology and life sciences companies in the state, representing over 600 member organizations across Baltimore, Chesapeake, and Prince George’s County. Under Kelly’s leadership, MTC launched BioHub Maryland, a pioneering workforce development program backed by $5 million in state and federal grants. This initiative addresses the urgent demand for skilled talent and is poised to significantly enhance workforce readiness, providing tailored training that meets life science industry needs.
Kelly’s experience as a small business owner and her work in state leadership uniquely position her to navigate the challenges in the life sciences landscape. She recognizes that Maryland’s greatest asset is its people, supported by the state’s proximity to 74 federal labs, which fosters innovation. By cultivating partnerships and promoting collaboration, Kelly is a driving force in ensuring Maryland remains a leading hub for life sciences, positioning the Biohealth Capital Region for sustained growth and success.
Jeff Galvin, CEO of American Gene Technologies (AGT) and AddImmune
With over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience, Jeff’s path into life sciences began when he met Dr. Roscoe Brady, a physician-scientist at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The meet-up led to the foundation of AGT in 2008. His mission? To harness gene and cell therapy technologies to change lives and develop cures for diseases like HIV and cancer.
Under Jeff’s guidance, AGT embraces the motto “Where Creativity Cures,” highlighting his innovative approach and commitment to finding real solutions to pressing health challenges. His leadership earned him a spot in the Montgomery County Business Hall of Fame in 2022 and also established him as a role model in the Biohealth Capital Region.
Beyond his business achievements, Jeff is passionate about engaging with the community. He regularly speaks at schools and universities, inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators. After promising results from AGT’s HIV Cure program, Jeff launched AddImmune to focus on commercialization efforts, making strides toward public offering. He also hosts “The Cure Chronicles,” a video series that amplifies voices from the HIV community, showcasing his dedication to education and advocacy. Jeff Galvin is not just a leader; he’s a catalyst for change in the life sciences sector.
Dipanwita Das, CEO & Co-founder at Sorcero
Dipanwita Das is on a mission to revolutionize healthcare through the power of artificial intelligence (AI). As co-founder and CEO of Sorcero, she is redefining how life sciences organizations harness data to enhance patient care decision-making.
In a time when Medical Affairs professionals grapple with the overwhelming challenge of extracting insights from a rapidly expanding sea of disjointed data, Dipanwita’s leadership is more vital than ever. The volume of data is growing exponentially, making it increasingly difficult to derive actionable insights. However, Dipanwita understands that AI is the key to bridging this gap.
With Sorcero’s cutting-edge technology, AI swiftly synthesizes findings from massive datasets, empowering teams to make quicker, evidence-based decisions. It analyzes data lakes, monitors the latest medical literature, and streamlines internal document searches—all at lightning speed. What used to take months can now be accomplished in minutes, allowing organizations to respond effectively to urgent healthcare challenges.
By harnessing the analytical capabilities of AI, Dipanwita is transforming the landscape of life sciences, shortening the path from evidence to patient impact. Her pioneering work at Sorcero highlights the immense potential of AI in healthcare, establishing her as a leading figure in the Biohealth Capital Region.
Ashley Pleasants, Vice President of Project Management at Elligo Health Research
As the Vice President of Project Management at Elligo Health Research, Ashley Pleasants is at the forefront of transforming the clinical trial experience. Elligo is revolutionizing how clinical research is conducted, using its cutting-edge IntElligo® technology to connect researchers with known patients through secure, HIPAA-compliant data.
Ashley’s leadership is crucial in making clinical trials more efficient and accessible. By helping healthcare practices and research sites become “Research Ready,” she ensures that new pharmaceuticals, biotechnology products, and medical devices reach the market faster. Her work accelerates the research process and opens doors for diverse patient populations to participate in vital studies. This makes Ashley a key player in the Biohealth Capital Region, where innovation and collaboration drive healthcare advancements.
Before her role at Elligo, Ashley gained valuable experience as Vice President of Project Management at Synteract (now part of Syneos Health) and as Director of Oncology Project Management at Chiltern (now Labcorp). She holds a PhD in biochemistry and molecular genetics from The University of Virginia, a Master of Science in biological and physical sciences, and an undergraduate degree in chemistry from Wake Forest University.
With her extensive scientific background and passion for improving patient outcomes, Ashley is not just a leader in clinical research; she’s an inspiring force in the Biohealth Capital Region, dedicated to advancing healthcare and making a real difference in people’s lives.
