Remembering Longtime Community Leader, Lee Herron

Remembering Longtime Community Leader, Lee Herron

Georgia Bio Members & Partners:
 
It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the sad news that Georgia has lost one of its long-time innovation and entrepreneurship champions with the passing of Dr. Lee Herron last Friday, July 12.



Lee was a dear friend, colleague, mentor, and irreplaceable leader within our community. He retired from Georgia Research Alliance (GRA) in spring 2024 after a 16-year career with the Alliance. Most recently, Lee led GRA’s agricultural technology programs including the Greater Yield initiative. He directed its award-winning venture development program for 15 years, which helped to launch 200+ university-based companies that attracted more than $2 billion in equity investment. A seasoned executive, Lee harnessed his 20 years of entrepreneurial experience to help startups develop sound business strategies. Prior to joining GRA, Lee managed the biosciences division of Georgia Tech’s Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), advising early-stage life science companies. Lee served in many community leadership capacities including on the boards of Georgia Bio, Southeast Life Sciences, the Global Center for Medical Innovation’s Industry Advisory Board, the Biolocity Oversight Committee and the NSF Center for Cell Manufacturing Technology’s Commercialization Advisory Board.

I am at a loss to even estimate the vast impact he has had on so many of us not only in a business capacity but also as a wise and caring leader whose warmth and humanity characterized every interaction with him. I encourage you to read the moving tributes from GRA here, and his protégé, Ashley Cornelison’s LinkedIn post here. For those that did not know Lee, these tributes help to paint the picture of a brilliant and kind man who will leave an indelible mark on many across our industry. 

On a personal note, Lee has been a mentor, sounding board, and friend throughout my 18 years at Georgia Bio. A regular volunteer with Georgia Bio for over 2 decades, Lee would provide his feedback on nominees for our annual awards without hesitation and with his trademark candor; he always jumped to help the organization build its network; and served in various leadership capacities including as chair for our Life Sciences Summit in 2017 (pictured). At the same time, he would remember to ask me about my daughter and remind me to take care of myself. Lee enjoyed and excelled at connecting with people, and his health challenges rarely slowed him down. In looking at my last texts with him from mid-May, he was still committing to providing feedback on our Golden Helix Award nominees and suggesting he introduce me to one of his industry colleagues. I am truly heartbroken. His honesty, humor, and guidance on a personal and professional level will be missed.
 
Lee was an early recipient of Georgia Bio’s highest honor, the Industry Growth Fellow Award in 2008. Georgia Bio will honor Lee and his legacy at this year’s Georgia Life Sciences Summit on October 22.
 
Please continue sending your thoughts and prayers for Lee’s wife Rita and the Herron family.

A memorial service will take place this Thursday, July 18. More here.
 
With heartfelt sympathy,


Maria
President & CEO
Georgia Bio

Life Sciences Industry Partners Host Interns from Athens Community Career Academy Biomanufacturing Program.

June 1, 2026
Athens Bioscience, Inc. worked with an intern from the Biomanufacturing Program at ACCA developed by partnerships including local industry, county and State officials, educators, and Georgia Life Sciences. “We’ve got many large (biomanufacturing) corporations here in (Athens-Clarke) County,” ACCA Biotechnology Instructor Stan Harrison said. “They need skilled workers and they need them from all walks (of life).” As the program matures, students engage in internships at local industry sites to learn real-world applications for what they have learned through the Biomanufacturing pathway. Learning outcomes include not only the traditional biotechnology framework, but also automation and engineering fundamentals crucial in today’s biomanufacturing settings.

Reps. McCormick, Khanna Introduce a Bipartisan Package to Close America's Biotechnology Workforce Gap

May 29, 2026
Biotechnology Workforce Alignment Act of 2026 pairs with a companion bill to assess and strengthen the federal biotech pipeline.

Georgia Strengthens Life Sciences Workforce Pipeline with Continued Investment in Biotech Education

May 29, 2026
May 29, 2026 - Georgia Life Sciences is grateful to Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia General Assembly for their continued investment in innovation, workforce development, and the future of Georgia’s life sciences ecosystem through the FY27 state budget. This funding, now in its 8th year, will support the continued growth of Georgia Life Sciences’ Biotech Teacher Training Initiative (BTTI) and strengthen our mission to build a world-class life sciences workforce pipeline across the state. By equipping educators with hands-on biotechnology and medtech training, industry-aligned curriculum (integrating medtech/AI/robotics), and real-world learning experiences, we are helping prepare students for high-demand careers in Georgia’s rapidly growing life sciences sector. Georgia continues to demonstrate national leadership by investing in the infrastructure, talent, and partnerships needed to drive scientific innovation, economic growth, and improved health outcomes. We appreciate the support of Governor Kemp and members of the General Assembly who recognize the critical role the life sciences industry plays in Georgia’s economy and future competitiveness.
MORE POSTS