BioUtah, Utah's trade association serving the state's life sciences community, has announced significant leadership changes and board appointments that will shape the organization's direction through 2026 and beyond. Erin Barry, vice president of government affairs for Merit Medical Systems, will assume the role of board chair effective January 1, 2026, while Andrew Hemmert, PhD, senior vice president of molecular research and development for bioMérieux, will serve as vice chair.
The leadership transition represents a strategic shift for Utah's life sciences sector, which serves as a key driver of the state's economy and healthcare advancement. Barry, currently board vice chair, succeeds Mark Paul, executive director of the Center for Medical Innovation at the University of Utah, who will remain on the board as immediate past chair and executive committee member. Barry's extensive experience in government relations positions her to navigate complex regulatory landscapes affecting Utah's life sciences companies.
At Merit Medical Systems, Barry oversees all local, state, and federal government relations in jurisdictions where the company operates manufacturing facilities or sales offices. Her responsibilities include directing lobbying efforts on critical issues such as taxation, international trade and tariffs, FDA regulation, and economic incentives. Prior to joining Merit in 2015, Barry served as deputy director of government affairs for the National Air Traffic Controllers and as vice president of government affairs for technology startup Unspam.
Dr. Hemmert brings substantial scientific expertise to his new role as vice chair. At bioMérieux, he leads global teams focused on developing easy-to-use, rapid, and comprehensive molecular diagnostics. His work includes innovations in infectious disease diagnostics featuring the largest available menu for respiratory, blood stream, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, and skeletal infections for hospital customers. The bioMérieux SpotFire system, which delivers rapid, comprehensive results for point-of-care settings, represents the type of innovation BioUtah aims to foster across Utah's life sciences landscape.
Kelvyn Cullimore, president and CEO of BioUtah, expressed confidence in the new leadership, stating that Barry's appointment will help the organization "boldly further our mission and enhance the state's innovation ecosystem." The leadership changes come alongside the appointment of three new board members who bring diverse expertise to the organization. Jim Fitzgerald, CEO of ATL Technology, brings over 15 years of executive leadership experience in medical device and packaging companies. Tracy George, MD, chief scientific officer and president of the Innovation Business Unit at ARUP Laboratories, contributes extensive experience in laboratory diagnostics and clinical trials. Chris Lowe, CEO of Nusano, offers more than 30 years of business experience, including 20 years in C-suite roles in healthcare and finance.
The board transitions also include the departure of two members who completed their terms: Jay Muse, president and CEO of Piper Access, and Michael Olson, corporate banking portfolio manager at Zions Bank. Myles Greenberg, MD, will remain a board member but conclude his service on the executive committee. BioUtah currently operates with a 16-member board representing the breadth of Utah's life sciences industry. For more information on the organization's governance structure, visit https://www.bioutah.org.
These leadership changes occur at a critical time for Utah's life sciences sector, which encompasses medical device manufacturing, research and testing, biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, and diagnostics. The new appointments signal BioUtah's commitment to strengthening Utah's position as a hub for medical innovation while addressing regulatory challenges and fostering economic growth. The combination of government relations expertise, scientific innovation, and business leadership represented in the new board composition positions BioUtah to effectively advocate for policies that support industry growth and advance healthcare solutions.
