SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association (WBBA), the state’s life science trade association, announced that Marc Cummings has joined the organization as Vice President, Public Policy and External Affairs.
Cummings is a seasoned policy veteran with experience representing high-tech industries in both Washington, DC and Olympia. He also served on WBBA’s Government Affairs Committee while at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL).
“Marc brings more than 20 years of experience to the WBBA team,” said WBBA President Chris E. Rivera. “His insight and expertise will be instrumental as we focus on delivering value to our more than 600 members and continue in our mission to support the growth of the life sciences industry in Washington and the Pacific Northwest.”
As Vice President of Public Policy and External Affairs, Cummings will be responsible for the WBBA’s federal, state, and local government relations, as well as developing partnerships and facilitating strategic engagement with organizations that support the development of Washington’s life sciences ecosystem.
“I’m thrilled to join the WBBA team at this pivotal time,” said Cummings. “Washington State has an opportunity to be a global leader in life sciences and global health. Public policy plays a crucial role in supporting the growth of the industry and enabling innovative healthcare solutions to reach our citizens. I look forward building strong relationships between WBBA members and our civic leaders to ensure that Washington is recognized as a global destination for life sciences companies.”
Prior to joining WBBA, Cummings served as Director of Policy & External Affairs for the PNNL, which is operated by Battelle for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). While at the PNNL, Cummings was actively involved in creating and advocating for several statewide bioscience initiatives including the Life Sciences Discovery Fund and a State-Federal bioproducts and biofuels research center at WSU Tri-cities.
Cummings has served on a number of boards in Washington State including the Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) and the Washington Clean Technology Alliance (WCTA). In 2009, he was appointed by Gov. Gregoire to Co-Chair the Washington State Clean Energy Leadership Council. His experience also includes thirteen years in Washington, DC serving in a variety of senior policy and consulting positions.
Cummings holds a M.S. degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and a B.S. degree from the University of Puget Sound.
About the WBBA
The Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association (WBBA) has nearly 650 member organizations and is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(6) trade association serving the life sciences industry in the state of Washington. It is completely resourced and supported by its members, including organizations engaged in, or supportive of, research, development and commercialization of life science innovation.
The WBBA’s Mission; “To support and help to grow Washington State's life science ecosystem”, drives its core strategic focus on;
- Commercialization – mentoring start-up life science companies that eventually raise capital, commercialize IP and employ people.
- Access to capital – not just financial capital, but also intellectual, as well as human capital is a top priority for us on behalf of our members.
- Public Policy - we advocate for, and increasing the awareness about, our life science sector to our local, state and federal representatives.
- Purchasing Power - Our members save money by purchasing goods and services from our 18 Business and Development Solutions partners.