BioAccel Adds Renowned Business Leaders To Organization’s Board of Directors: Sharon Harper, Peter Allison and Michael Hool Will Contribute Expertise to BioAccel’s Efforts to Grow Biotech IndustryPHOENIX, Arizona (February 1, 2013) – BioAccel, a leading organization working to expand the biotechnology industry in Arizona, has added three well-known business leaders to its Board of Directors.
The three new Board members are:
- Sharon Harper, President & CEO of Plaza Companies. Harper co-founded Plaza Companies in 1982, and over the past three decades it has emerged as one of the leading real estate development, leasing and management firms in Arizona. Harper is also widely known for her extensive community involvement and leadership in the Valley business community.
- Michael Hool, an active technology investor, accomplished venture lawyer, and pioneer in a wide variety of capital formation and entrepreneurship efforts. Mr. Hool is the Founder and Managing Partner of Hool Law Group, a premier venture law firm in the Southwest. In 25 years Mr. Hool has helped launch, grow and exit over 100 technology ventures and formed over 15 private equity funds and investment organizations.
- Peter Allison, Chairman, CEO and Founder of IDM Technologies, LLC and IDM LabTrack™ Inc. and IDM AgriTrack™. In 1998, he founded and continues to serve as managing director of Biogenesis Investment Group, LLC, a venture healthcare investment company in biotechnology and medical devices, and has more than 30 years of experience in business management, venture capital and debt equity placement.
The three join Board members MaryAnn Guerra, who is also CEO of BioAccel, Ioanna Morfessis, Peter Slate and James Powers, Jr. on the Board of Directors. Karoly Nikolich, Ph.D. and Todd Davis continue to serve as honorary members.
Guerra said the three new board members bring an incredible wealth of experience in innovation, understanding of entrepreneurship and insight to BioAccel’s efforts to expand the biotechnology sector in Arizona.
“Sharon, Peter and Michael all have a successful track record in building quality businesses, and their expertise will be invaluable to us as we move forward,” she said. “These three individuals understand as well as anyone the potential the biotechnology industry has for Arizona in creating new jobs and opportunities for our state.”
BioAccel’s assists biotechnology companies in their early growth and development in a variety of different ways. The organization provides proof of concept and seed funding to help new companies get launched with a solid foundation to grow. BioAccel’s support includes mentorship for companies in the sector, facilities and help in identifing sources of funding and investment.
About BioAccel
BioAccel is a nonprofit organization dedicated to translating life science discoveries into new business opportunities that drive economic development. Since its founding in 2009, it has raised $11.3 million and has a portfolio of 11 companies and technologies. For more information visit www.bioaccel.org.
CONTACT: Tom Evans
602.448.5483
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