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The Board of Governors for the South Carolina Biotechnology Incubation Program (SCBIP) announced the appointment of Karl B. Kelly as CEO of the recently formed organization. Kelly will direct operations at the SC Biotechnology Incubation Facility (SCBIF) in Greenwood (See photo on right) and provide leadership in developing a biotech strategy for all of South Carolina.Karl Kelly brings a unique blend of expertise to the incubator program according to SCBIP co-chairs Peter Arnoti and Dr. Roger Stevenson, director of the Greenwood Genetic Center and J.C. Self Research Institute of Human Genetics. He combines a strong background in the biotechnology industry with a clear understanding of the economic development process. �We are thrilled to have Karl Kelly on board,� commented Arnoti. �He is a strategic thinker who commands attention. His proven ability to bridge the gap between the realms of scientific research and business is precisely the expertise required to lead this organization and will help create new opportunities for South Carolina.� Over the past twenty years, Karl Kelly has assisted emerging companies in designing and building laboratories, administrative buildings, pilot plants and commercial manufacturing facilities. During his tenure with Fluor and Suitt Construction, Kelly served a broad range of pharmaceutical, biotech, and other industrial clients assisting with relocation, permitting, and project development activities. His responsibilities at Genentech, a leading biotech company, included planning and real estate management for research and manufacturing facilities.
Kelly will draw on all his past experience in his new position with the South Carolina Biotechnology Incubation Program. As CEO, he will be responsible for launching and overseeing daily operations at the Greenwood incubator. Through the SCBIP, Kelly will also participate in establishing a statewide program to develop emerging technologies and support recruitment of biotech companies to South Carolina. Working in conjunction with the state�s research universities, colleges, and the SC Department of Commerce, Karl Kelly will pursue new company formation, life-science incubator development and management, economic development recruitment support, legislative and regulatory support, and life-science education. �This program will serve as a catalyst to assist the research universities and existing South Carolina operations in creating new life science companies,� commented Kelly. �We envision centers across the state that help retain research and create new jobs in the life science industry.� "South Carolina universities are fortunate that Karl was interested in this position," said Dr. Kenneth Roozen, the individual responsible for MUSC's technology transfer, new business development, and research-driven relationships with the private sector. "He understands the fundamental role of the research universities in supporting an environment conducive to knowledge-driven new business creation, recruitment, expansion, and retention. We're looking forward to supporting his work." �I look forward to joining a successful economic development program,� added Kelly. �The state, regional and community interest in biotechnology has supported the recent successes in luring BioPure and CropTech. Our strategy will be to join and support these economic development programs across South Carolina and impact the number of new bio-manufacturing announcements.� Karl Kelly will be leaving his current position as senior vice president of sales with Suitt Construction in Greenville to assume his new post with the South Carolina Biotechnology Incubation Program later this month. A South Carolina native, Kelly earned his bachelor�s degree in 1978 from Clemson University, as well as a Master of City and Regional Planning in 1981. The South Carolina Biotechnology Incubation Program (SCBIP) is a statewide program funded by the General Assembly to develop emerging technologies and support recruitment of biotech companies to South Carolina. The organization oversees the South Carolina Biotechnology Incubation Facility in Greenwood and will assist in the development of additional biotech incubators to attract and retain life-science research for commercial applications. (Photos provided by SCBIF)
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Kelly�s economic development experience includes serving as Executive Vice President for the Birmingham Metropolitan Development Board where he assisted with the creation of Emerging Technology Partners, a non-profit organization that assists emerging companies in developing novel new products. He also directed a program to recruit pharmaceutical and related research companies to the area. SCBIF laboratory pictured in second photo.