BioUtah, the trade association representing Utah's life sciences community, has announced leadership changes effective January 1, 2026. Erin Barry, vice president of government affairs for Merit Medical Systems, will become the new board chair, succeeding Mark Paul, executive director of the Center for Medical Innovation at the University of Utah. Andrew Hemmert, PhD, senior vice president of molecular research and development for bioMérieux, will serve as vice chair. Mr. Paul will remain on the board as immediate past chair and serve on the executive committee.
Ms. Barry, previously board vice chair, oversees Merit's local, state, and federal government relations across jurisdictions where the company operates. At bioMérieux, Dr. Hemmert leads global teams developing rapid molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases, including respiratory, bloodstream, and gastrointestinal infections. Their appointments mark a transition in leadership that aims to strengthen BioUtah's mission and enhance Utah's innovation ecosystem.
“We are exceedingly grateful for Mr. Paul’s dedication, wisdom, and leadership over the past year,” said Kelvyn Cullimore, president and CEO of BioUtah. “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 chair and vice chair positions, three new members have been appointed to the board, effective immediately: Jim Fitzgerald, CEO of ATL Technology; Tracy George, MD, chief scientific officer and president of the Innovation Business Unit at ARUP Laboratories; and Chris Lowe, CEO of Nusano. These appointments bring diverse expertise in medical devices, diagnostics, and healthcare leadership.
Mr. Fitzgerald joined ATL Technology as CEO in March 2025, bringing over 15 years of executive experience at medical device and packaging companies. Dr. George is a professor of pathology at the University of Utah and a board-certified pathologist with extensive experience in laboratory diagnostics and clinical trials. Mr. Lowe has over 30 years of experience, including C-suite roles in healthcare and finance, and is responsible for setting Nusano's strategic direction.
Two board members have completed their terms: Jay Muse, president and CEO of Piper Access, and Michael Olson, corporate banking portfolio manager at Zions Bank. Myles Greenberg, MD, who served on the executive committee as immediate past chair, will remain a board member but conclude his service on the executive committee. BioUtah thanked them for their dedicated service, with Muse and Olson each serving eight years and Greenberg serving three years on the executive committee.
These leadership changes underscore BioUtah's commitment to advancing Utah's life sciences sector, which encompasses medical device manufacturing, biotechnology, diagnostics, and biopharmaceuticals. For more information on the organization's governance, visit BioUtah.org.
