CED Announces First Confirmed Speakers for the CED Life Science Conference 2017

Top Gathering of Life Science Innovators in the Southeast
February 28-March 1, 2017 in Raleigh, NC

DURHAM, NC, January 12, 2017 — The Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED), the largest and longest-running network for entrepreneurs in the country, today announced the first round of confirmed speakers for the 26th annual CED Life Science Conference, one of the nation’s leading life science gatherings, to be held February 28-March 1 in Raleigh, NC.

Speakers confirmed to appear at the CED Life Science Conference 2017 include:

Robert M. Califf, MD, MACC, Commissioner of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
As the top official of the Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Califf is committed to strengthening programs and policies that enable the agency to carry out its mission to protect and promote the public health. Prior to joining the FDA, Dr. Califf was a professor of medicine and vice chancellor for clinical and translational research at Duke University. A nationally and internationally recognized expert in cardiovascular medicine, health outcomes research, healthcare quality, and clinical research, Dr. Califf has led many landmark clinical trials and is one of the most frequently cited authors in biomedical science, with more than 1,200 publications.

Ibraheem Badejo, Ph.D., Senior Director of New Ventures (Med Devices) for the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Center
As Senior Director of New Ventures at J&J in Boston, Badejo leverages his expertise in smart materials and biomaterials to support the medical device sector. From 2010 to 2013, he was a Research Fellow at Global Surgery Group of Johnson & Johnson, where he was responsible for external and front-end innovations and intellectual property for Ethicon Biosurgery. During his career, Badejo has led teams in the development of commercialized biomaterials based products and new technology / products licensed or acquired.

James C. Greenwood, President & CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)
Since his appointment in January of 2005, Greenwood has been the leader of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) in Washington, D.C., which represents more than 1,200 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO is a world class advocacy organization playing a leading role in shaping public policy on a variety of fronts critical to the success of the biotechnology industry at the state and national levels as well as internationally.

Mark B. McClellan, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy and the Robert J. Margolis Professor of Business, Medicine, and Policy at Duke University
Dr. McClellan is a doctor and an economist, and his work has addressed a wide range of strategies and policy reforms to improve health care, including payment reforms to promote better outcomes and lower costs, methods for development and use of real-world evidence, and approaches for more effective drug and device innovation. Dr. McClellan is a former administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and former commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He was also a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution.

Adele Oliva, Co-founder & Managing Partner of 1315 Capital, LLC
Adele Oliva brings decades of finance and healthcare experience to 1315 Capital, including approximately 20 years in private equity. Throughout her investing career, she has focused on commercial stage specialty pharmaceutical, medical technology, and healthcare service investments. Adele co-founded 1315 Capital in 2015 to establish a firm focused on healthcare growth investing. Forbes has recognized Adele on its Midas List of top 100 technology investors worldwide, top 10 life science investors and top women in venture capital.

Guided by two respected and accomplished industry leaders as co-chairs, the conference program will explore new models of collaboration, innovation and convergence in life sciences. Co-chairs serving the CED Life Science Conference 2017 are:

David Simmons, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PPD
As chairman and chief executive officer, Simmons establishes and supports the strategic direction of PPD and leads its global workforce of more than 18,500 employees, across 46 countries, in the design, implementation and execution of drug development programs on behalf of its biopharmaceutical clients. A proven leader, Simmons came to PPD following 15 years with Pfizer Inc. In his most recent position, he was president and general manager of the emerging markets and established products business units.

Cindy Whitehead, Founder & CEO of The Pink Ceiling
The New York Times called her pharmaceutical product the drug of a generation and Fortune called her a tireless force of nature. Cindy Whitehead is a highly regarded women’s health advocate and serial entrepreneur. Over a distinguished 22-year career in healthcare, in only the last 10 she has started and sold two businesses for more than $1.5B. She co-founded and last served as CEO for Sprout Pharmaceuticals where, in 2015, the company broke through with the first ever FDA-approved drug for low sexual desire in women. Cindy has a new mission to mentor, invest in, launch and build other women led or focused businesses. In 2016, she opened the doors to The Pink Ceiling – a cross between a VC firm, a ‘pinkubator’ and a consulting enterprise.

As one of the nation’s longest-running entrepreneurial events, the CED Life Science Conference attracts over 1,000 attendees each year including entrepreneurs, investors, strategic partners, corporate leaders, researchers, and professional service providers. In addition to global thought leaders speaking to the latest trends, success stories, and future of the life science industry, the conference showcases the most exciting and innovative North Carolina-based life science companies and features high-level networking opportunities including sophisticated partnering software. Partnering allows attendees to schedule private one-on-one meetings to capitalize on networking at the conference; it is included with registration for entrepreneurs, investors, sponsors, and university professionals.

To learn more about the conference and register, visit www.cednc.org/LSC 

As always, CED members receive the best rates. For more information on becoming a member, please visit cednc.org/join

The conference is presented in partnership with the North Carolina Biotechnology Center and the North Carolina Biosciences Organization.

Media interested in attending the conference should contact Emily McLoughlin at emcloughlin@cednc.org or 919-800-7165.

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About CED

CED is the largest and longest-running network for entrepreneurs in the country. CED’s network propels emerging Triangle companies into highly successful businesses. Members include a wide range of startup and growth stage companies, investors, corporate partners, academics, service providers, and individuals interested in benefiting from CED’s powerfully connected network. Read more at http://www.cednc.org.

About the North Carolina Biotechnology Center

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center leads life science technology based economic development for North Carolina by supporting the progression of ideas from research lab to the marketplace. NCBiotech invests in technology development through grants, in company development through loans, and in economic development through infrastructure grants. The Biotech Center’s programs and activities target emerging sectors and work across North Carolina to develop strengths that yield jobs in the life sciences.

About NCBIO

NCBIO is the trade association for North Carolina’s life sciences industry. The Organization has more than 160 members working in human and animal therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, and agricultural and industrial biotechnology.