BioUtah, Utah's trade association serving the state's life sciences community, has announced significant leadership changes and new board appointments that will shape the organization's direction through 2026. 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.
These leadership transitions come at a critical time for Utah's life sciences sector, which represents a key driver of the state's economy and healthcare advancement. Ms. Barry currently serves as board vice chair and 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.
At Merit Medical Systems, Ms. 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 key issues including taxation, international trade and tariffs, FDA regulation, and economic incentives. Prior to joining Merit in 2015, she served as deputy director of government affairs for the National Air Traffic Controllers and vice president of government affairs for technology startup Unspam.
Dr. Hemmert brings substantial scientific expertise to his new role, leading global teams at bioMérieux focused on developing easy-to-use, rapid, and comprehensive molecular diagnostics. His work includes innovations in infectious disease diagnostics covering respiratory, blood stream, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, and skeletal infections. The bioMérieux SpotFire system he helps develop delivers rapid, comprehensive results for point-of-care settings, and he maintains an active presence in the scientific community through publications, grants, and patents.
Kelvyn Cullimore, president and CEO of BioUtah, expressed confidence in the leadership transition, stating, "We are exceedingly grateful for Mr. Paul's dedication, wisdom, and leadership over the past year. His strategic guidance has strengthened the BioUtah organization and advanced our life sciences community. The board is excited to welcome Ms. Barry. We're confident she will help us boldly further our mission and enhance the state's innovation ecosystem."
In addition to the leadership changes, BioUtah has appointed three new board members effective immediately. Jim Fitzgerald, CEO of ATL Technology, brings over 15 years of executive leadership experience in medical device and packaging companies. Tracy George, MD, serves as chief scientific officer and president of the Innovation Business Unit at ARUP Laboratories while also holding a professor position at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah. Chris Lowe, CEO of Nusano, contributes more than 30 years of business experience, including 20 years in C-suite roles in healthcare and finance.
The board transitions also include the completion of service for Jay Muse, president and CEO of Piper Access, and Michael Olson, corporate banking portfolio manager at Zions Bank, both of whom served eight years on the BioUtah Board. Myles Greenberg, MD, will remain a board member but conclude his service on the executive committee after three years of participation.
These leadership and board changes reflect BioUtah's ongoing commitment to representing the breadth and depth of Utah's life sciences industry, which spans medical device manufacturing, research and testing, biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, and diagnostics. The organization's governance structure now comprises 16 directors who will guide strategic initiatives supporting Utah's position as a national leader in life sciences innovation. For additional information about the organization's governance structure, visit https://BioUtah.org.
