Maria Thacker-Goethe joined Georgia Life Sciences in 2006 following graduate school at Tulane and became president and CEO of the organization in 2019. Today, she spends her workdays meeting with members, partners and leaders to help patients by ensuring innovative companies have the best environment possible to research, develop and commercialize breakthrough therapies and cures. Georgia Life Sciences' mission is to advance the growth of the state’s life sciences industry and nurture partnerships to create a healthier world. Life sciences in Georgia have seen dramatic growth in the last 4 years; and, for the last 18 years, Thacker-Goethe has established a strong reputation for her industry knowledge and expertise with Georgia businesses, leaders and legislators. Additionally, Thacker-Goethe has a passion for strengthening the life sciences workforce pipeline and helps to strategically lead efforts to shape a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive industry workforce in Georgia and nationally. Thacker-Goethe serves on various boards including the CJD Foundation, Southeast Life Sciences Association, KSU Research Foundation, Greater Atlanta Red Cross, FutureVerse, and as immediate past-chair for the Council of State Bioscience Associations. She is appointed to the industry seat for Georgia General Assembly’s new Rare Disease Advisory Council (RDAC).