NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--LouisianaBio today announced that Gregory J. Davenport, Ph.D., Vice President of The Conafay Group, has been appointed to serve on the statewide biotechnology trade association’s 2015-2016 Board of Directors.
The Conafay Group is a Washington, DC-based professional services firm that assists life sciences companies and organizations in securing federal non-dilutive funding, congressional and agency relationship building, alliance development and policy lobbying. LouisianaBio is the state affiliate of the world’s largest biotechnology industry trade association, the Biotechnology Industry Association (BIO) based in Washington, DC and also a member of the Council of State Bioscience Associations and the Coalition of State Bioscience Institutes.
“We are delighted to have Greg join us on the LouisianaBio Board of Directors, and know he will provide great value to LouisianaBio and its membership,” said Aaron Miscenich, executive director of the New Orleans BioInnovation Center and chairman of the LouisianaBio Board of Directors. “With more than 22 years of experience in the global biotechnology industry, he brings significant experience and knowledge to the LouisianaBio association and its membership of biotech industry professionals as well.”
Dr. Davenport has vast experience in building organizations and managing scientific programs. Prior to joining The Conafay Group, Dr. Davenport was the executive VP and COO of Logical Technical Services (LTS) and chairman and co-founder of Dport and Associates, LLC (DPA), a broad based professional management firm that provides value-added business solutions to various clients in the life sciences and biotechnology industries. He also served as the president of the BioDefense Division of a publicly held biotechnology company where he managed three biodefense programs. Dr. Davenport has held various executive positions with other biotech and life science companies including Tunnell Consulting, DOR BioPharma, Inc., and Dynport Vaccine Company where he secured more than $350 million in government contracts.
Dr. Davenport earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana, received his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Howard University in Washington, D.C., and performed postdoctoral studies at the University of Maryland Medical Center and George Washington University Medical Center. He is a member of several professional societies and also serves on the board of several biotech companies and non-profit organizations including the Mount St. Mary’s University Biotechnology & Management Program.
“We are actively seeking industry professionals who have a connection with and understanding of our state, and also understand the worldwide biotechnology industry—from life sciences to bioengineering, digital health, medical devices and bioinformatics,” said Rhonda Melancon, executive director of LouisianaBio. “Dr. Davenport is a great example of the high-caliber industry professionals we want to help guide LouisianaBio and provide insight to our members. His business and scientific knowledge, fresh perspectives, and energy will help fuel growth of the industry in Louisiana.”
ABOUT LOUISIANA BIO
LouisianaBio is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to creating a statewide network of biotechnology leaders to promote, develop and expand the bioscience industry throughout the State of Louisiana. It is the state affiliate of BIO, the world's largest biotechnology industry trade organization. LouisianaBio members include companies, academic institutions, research centers, and other related organizations involved in the research, development and commercialization of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products and processes. LouisianaBio fosters statewide collaboration and interaction among bioscience researchers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, elected officials and institutions across the state, and with the public at large. For more information call 504-598-5239.
