BioForward: Announces Kathy Collins as new business development director

MADISON, Wis.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioForward, the member organization that represents the state’s biotechnology industry, today announced that Kathy Collins has accepted the position of Business Development Director and will be starting in mid August.

Kathy Collins comes to BioForward with over 20 years of experience in technology business development and commercialization, small business and entrepreneur financing, economic development, and public-private partnerships. Much of her work has focused on bioscience and high technology companies in Wisconsin. She has held positions as Regional Director of the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs Network (WEN), Technology Development Consultant and Finance Manager at the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, and Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager at First Wisconsin Bank. Ms. Collins holds a Bachelors degree in Finance and Business Law from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

“We are delighted Kathy is joining BioForward,” said Bryan Renk, Executive Director of BioForward. “She possesses a high level of expertise in assisting high tech companies in both government and the private sector; we strongly believe adding her to our team will enhance BioForward’s offerings to our members.”

About BioForward:

BioForward is the member-driven state association that is the voice of Wisconsin’s biotechnology industry. We advocate actively on our members’ behalf to create investment and partnership opportunities, attract and retain the very best people, and support public policy that fosters their continued growth. We also provide member-support services that include networking opportunities through a variety of conferences and events, online resources and group purchasing programs.

Registration is still open for BioForward’s annual conference, the 2010 Biotechnology Vision Summit, which will be held at the Madison Marriott West, on August 25th, 2010. For more information visithttp://www.bioforward.org.