BioOhio Leadership Transition, John F. Lewis, Jr. Announces New Chapter

BioOhio, the state’s bioscience membership organization, announced today that John F. Lewis, Jr., has decided after 21 years of service to pursue the next chapter in his life and will depart his post as President and CEO during the summer of 2021. John has served in numerous capacities at BioOhio and transitioned from Vice President & Chief Operating Officer to President & CEO in July of 2013 following the retirement of the organization’s third president, Tony Dennis.

“Looking back across more than two decades of Ohio bioscience, I see a fantastic run with extraordinary accomplishments and incredible growth across the state. Ohio’s industry-wide success in bioscience can be measured in many ways, not the least of which are so many patients gaining time with loved ones. I leave proud and with a smile on my face! Humbling as it is, I was simply a part of a larger, successful, and still ongoing journey. In the last twenty years, BioOhio’s membership has grown significantly from 86 to nearly 300 members. The organization has incredible value for the community and a solid foundation - poised for an even more impactful future of collaboration across Ohio,” Lewis said.

“BioOhio plays an indispensable role in promoting Ohio’s life science industry,” said Sevy Kraner, BioOhio Board of Trustees Member and Managing Director, Healthcare at JobsOhio. “We thank John for his leadership and look forward to this next chapter for all.”

As the bioscience industry in Ohio has blossomed over the past few decades, the benefits have flowed to Ohio’s economy and citizens. According to The Ohio Bioscience Report, BioOhio’s annual study of bioscience in the state, 4,045 bioscience-related firms operated 4,883 locations, employing 81,085 staff earning an average annual wage of $83,310, generating $6.8 billion in annual payroll. Compared to 2001, bioscience employment in Ohio has grown by nearly 20%, and the number of facilities in the state is up by 52%.

Geoff Morgan, BioOhio Board of Trustees Chair and Vice President, General Manager at Quidel, had this to say. “It has been a privilege serving on the board of BioOhio and working with John and his team to further the mission of the organization - supporting bioscience in Ohio. Our relationship with BioOhio and John has been an invaluable asset to the success of Diagnostic Hybrids (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Quidel Corporation) since the inception of the organization. We look forward to continuing our leadership participation during BioOhio’s next chapter and encourage everyone to engage and be a part of Ohio’s thriving bioscience community.”

Lewis concluded, “BioOhio operations will continue without interruption. I am not leaving immediately and will stay on to assist with the transition. The BioOhio Board of Trustees is overseeing the leadership transition and is hyper-engaged in formulating a forward-looking, statewide strategic plan. BioOhio’s future is bright, and the organization will continue to be THE go-to resource for bioscience in Ohio!”

About the Leadership Search Committee

BioOhio Board of Trustees members Michael Triplett, CEO, ArmatusBio, and Sevy Kraner, Managing Director, Healthcare, JobsOhio are co-chairing the leadership search committee. Any correspondence regarding the transition should be directed to board@bioohio.com.

About BioOhio

BioOhio is a non-profit organization founded in 1987 that connects and serves Ohio’s bioscience community to drive success in improving global quality of life by providing member-guided services that include networking, advocacy, events, talent, information, and cost savings. BioOhio represents members from Ohio’s largest employers to emerging start-ups, schools & universities, research institutions, students, and individuals. BioOhio is the state affiliate for global bioscience associations AdvaMed, BIO, MDMA, and PhRMA. Learn more at BioOhio.com.