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

Georgia Life Sciences Applauds Congressman McCormick for Introducing Federal Biotech Leadership Legislation

July 24, 2026
July 24, 2026, Atlanta, GA - Georgia Life Sciences applauds Congressman Rich McCormick (R-GA) for introducing the Biotechnology Diplomacy Leadership Act , legislation designed to strengthen America's leadership in biotechnology by establishing a senior biotechnology leadership position within the U.S. Department of State. As biotechnology continues to drive breakthroughs in healthcare, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and national security, the United States must remain a global leader in innovation while strengthening strategic partnerships with allies around the world. The proposed legislation recognizes biotechnology as a critical component of U.S. economic competitiveness and foreign policy and would help ensure that the federal government is well positioned to advance these priorities internationally. The legislation also reflects recommendations from the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology , which called for a more coordinated national approach to advancing biotechnology and protecting U.S. leadership in this strategically important sector. "Georgia is home to one of the nation's fastest-growing life sciences ecosystems, and policies that strengthen America's global biotechnology leadership directly benefit innovators, researchers, manufacturers, and patients," said Maria Thacker Goethe, President & CEO of Georgia Life Sciences. "We appreciate Congressman McCormick's leadership in recognizing biotechnology as both an economic engine and a strategic national priority." Georgia Life Sciences looks forward to working with policymakers at both the federal and state levels to advance policies that foster innovation, strengthen the U.S. bioeconomy, and ensure America remains the global leader in biotechnology.

Georgia Life Sciences Names Renee' Martin, Ph.D., Program Manager to Lead Flagship Educator Workforce Development Program

July 21, 2026
Georgia Life Sciences names Renee Martin, Ph.D., to lead its Teacher Training Initiative, advancing educator workforce development and Georgia's future life sciences talent pipeline.

Georgia Life Sciences Partnership Expands Plant Biotechnology Education for Agriscience Teachers Across Georgia

July 17, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  July 16, 2026 ATLANTA, Ga . – Eighteen Georgia high school agriscience teachers recently participated in a hands-on plant tissue culture training at Cedar Shoals High School in Athens, equipping educators with biotechnology skills and classroom resources that will expand access to experiential STEM learning for students across the state. Hosted through a partnership led by Georgia Life Sciences (GLS), the workshop was facilitated by Julie Throne, Agriscience Teacher, FFA Advisor, and CTAE Department Chair at Cedar Shoals High School. Participants received practical instruction in plant tissue culture techniques using newly developed portable tissue culture kits generously donated by California-based Athena Ag. Plant tissue culture is a foundational biotechnology technique used in agriculture and plant science research to propagate plants under aseptic conditions. By incorporating these concepts into agriscience classrooms, educators can provide students with hands-on experiences that introduce biotechnology while building technical skills relevant to careers in agriculture and biotechnology. As part of the workshop, each participating teacher received two complete plant tissue culture kits to take back to their school, enabling students throughout Georgia to engage in laboratory-based biotechnology activities and explore emerging career pathways in the life sciences. "Providing educators with access to industry-relevant training and classroom resources is one of the most effective ways to inspire the next generation of Georgia's life sciences workforce," said Maria Thacker Goethe, President & CEO of Georgia Life Sciences. "Through partnerships like this, we're helping teachers bring real-world biotechnology into their classrooms while expanding opportunities for students to discover careers in one of Georgia's fastest-growing industries." The training is part of Georgia Life Sciences' broader Teacher Training Initiative, a statewide workforce development program that equips middle and high school educators with the knowledge, tools, and industry connections needed to deliver hands-on biotechnology instruction. Through strategic partnerships with industry, education, and nonprofit organizations, the initiative continues to strengthen Georgia's talent pipeline by connecting classroom learning with real-world workforce opportunities. Georgia Life Sciences extends its appreciation to Julie Throne for leading the training and to Athena for its generous donation of classroom kits, helping expand access to biotechnology education for educators and students across the state.
MORE POSTS