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New president and directors named at Annual General Meeting/TBI breakfast

The Biotechnology Initiative’s April breakfast held on Thursday April 16th was significant for several reasons: not only was it a chance to get to hear a prominent guest speaker but the occasion also marked the organization’s Annual General Meeting.

The biggest announcement of the AGM was that TBI president Grant Tipler was stepping down from the role and his position on the board of directors. Attendees bid a fond farewell to the outgoing president, recognizing his work over his tenure with a long ovation and a lifetime membership. A TBI member for the last 12 years, a board member for the last eight, and president for the last three, Tipler was somewhat taken aback by the applause and positive feedback.

“I want to thank the board of directors for their time and effort in helping me lead the organization, providing me with their advice and counsel. The amount that I have learned from each and everyone of you, whether it’s been about science, networking, the opportunity that I’ve had to interact with each one of you as president of this organization has been absolutely fabulous,” Tipler stated passing the reins to the man that is to be his successor, and ironically was also his predecessor in the role of president. Replacing Tipler is a familiar face to TBI, former president of TBI Lorne Meikle.

Members were also given an opportunity to meet the new Board of Directors, review the Annual Report and learn about the ongoing strategy and focus for TBI.

To make way for new faces to the board of directors, Janet Lambert, David Young Adi Treasurywala, Tim McTierman and Geoff Collett are stepping down. Additionally Michael Stinson who was executive director and Ali Ibrahimi, manager membership and communications, stepped down from their roles.

The elected directors for this year are Allan O’Dette, Anita Nador, Anthony Giovinazzo, Bonnie Kuehl, Dale Patterson, Darlene Homonko, David Shindler, Denis Ferkany, Don Stewart, Jason Locklin, John Kelly, Lorne Meikle, Matt Buist and Robert Hamilton.

In addition to the AGM, the breakfast also featured a morning speaker, Cheryl Holden of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT). Holden was appointed to position of Lead, Global Life Sciences Practice, following the formation of the group19 months ago. It is DFAIT’s first integrated trade unit/advocacy group focused on the life sciences sector.

According to Holden, the goals of the practice will be to support the work of DFAIT, in Canada and abroad, on all issues relating to the life sciences sector. This means the practice operates as a central hub for knowledge sharing for Canadian companies and is an advocate organization promoting the commercial capabilities molding business strategies for Canadian life science companies both domestically and abroad.
The practice is assisted in its direction by a life sciences advisory board that includes associations such as BIOTECanada and Rx&D, as well as Canadian companies like Allon Therapeutics and Eli Lilly.

“We also have private investors and representation from various aspects of the commercial cycle. We meet and discuss issues, opportunities, how we can push information out more efficiently to better understand what Canadian company needs are,” she said.

For the full AGM overview, click here .