Palmetto Biotechnology Alliance selects new leader

Dawn Parks, director of public and government affairs for Charleston-based biotech company ArborGen, has been elected president of the Palmetto Biotechnology Alliance for 2006.

In her new role, Parks will lead the PBA as it acts as a catalyst for building biotech infrastructure and promoting life sciences growth in South Carolina. The organization represents more than 140 member companies and individuals throughout the state.

Parks takes over the PBA presidency after holding various leadership positions within the organization. She has served on PBA’s board of directors and was responsible for the 2005 biotechnology conference.

Parks also brings to her new position first-hand experience working with a biotech company within the Palmetto State. In her position as director of public and government affairs for ArborGen, Parks has been accountable for the successful management of the non-business issues associated with the launch of a forestry biotech product. She has also served as manager of human resources for ArborGen.

Parks wants to expand awareness among high-level decision-makers in government and industry about the value of biotechnology and the importance of growing this business sector in our state.

The Palmetto Biotechnology Alliance is member-managed and -owned, and recognized by BIO as the South Carolina-affiliated state chapter.