Building Tomorrow's Hub: Sustaining Growth in the Mid-Atlantic by Retaining Talent and Attracting Businesses

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  Dr. Gregory Washington

  George Mason University President Gregory Washington leads Virginia's largest and most diverse public university, a top-tier research institution that has rapidly emerged as a leader in innovation, entrepreneurship and social mobility. Under Dr. Washington’s leadership, Mason in fall 2023 became the first four-year public university in Virginia to enroll more than 40,000 students. Mason also continues to grow in stature. The Wall Street Journal (#33) and Forbes (#40) rank Mason among the best public universities in the country. In 2023, Mason was named Virginia’s top public university for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report, The Wall Street Journal and Washington Monthly, and the New York Times ranks Mason as Virginia’s top public university for economic diversity. Since launching his Mason presidency in July 2020, Dr. Washington has created new academic and entrepreneurial pathways, opened or broken ground on academic facilities on all three Virginia campuses across the university’s 848 acres, and presided over the highest research expenditures and philanthropy in Mason history. Dr. Washington earned three mechanical engineering degrees at North Carolina State University and is the former engineering dean at Ohio State University (interim) and the University of California, Irvine. The New York City native was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering in 2023.

  George Mason University

  President

  Dr. Gregory Washington

  President

  George Mason University

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  Kelly Schulz

  CEO

  Maryland Tech Council

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  Christy Wyskiel

  Christy Wyskiel is the Senior Advisor to the President of Johns Hopkins University on matters of innovation, commercialization, and entrepreneurship. In this role, she leads Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures, a division of the university responsible for technology transfer, industry research partnerships, and company incubation under the brand ‘FastForward’. Since her appointment in 2013, Christy has transformed the culture of commercialization at Johns Hopkins, opening 44,000 square feet of FastForward innovation space to support startup companies, securing over $100mm of new corporate partnership revenue, and facilitating the creation of 50+ companies. JHU companies have raised over $2.0 billion in venture capital during her tenure. Christy is a fierce advocate for the future of Baltimore and the role that Johns Hopkins University can play in populating the city skyline with companies borne, built and grown locally. Christy is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and ecosystem builder with 25 years of experience primarily focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries. Prior to her role at Johns Hopkins, Christy co-founded two Baltimore based startups and served as a formal and informal advisor to many others. Prior to that, Christy worked as an institutional investor where she had a long track record of successful investing in both public and private companies. In 2018, the Baltimore Sun named Christy as one of 25 Women to Watch. Also in 2018, the Baltimore Business Journal named Christy to the Power 10, a group of leaders who are making a significant impact on their companies and communities. In 2016, she was a Baltimore Business Journal “Tech 10” Award recipient, and in 2015, one of 10 “Faces to Watch.” Christy serves on the Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board as an appointee of Governor Hogan, working across sectors to drive Maryland’s preeminence in the life sciences industry. Christy also co-chairs Baltimore’s Next Generation Investing Event, an event she co-founded in 2009, which has raised over $500,000 for three K-8 education initiatives in Baltimore City. In 2015, Christy served as a member of the Maryland Economic Development and Business Climate Commission, known as the “Augustine Commission.” In 2014, she was added to the Board of Trustees of the Abell Foundation and the Baltimore Development Corp. From 2012-2014, she served on the board of the Maryland State Retirement Plan (MSRP), which oversees $3 billion in defined contribution assets of state employees. She was part of Leadership Maryland’s 2016 Class. Christy has a BA in Economics and German from Williams College and an MBA in Accounting and Finance from the Stern School of Business at New York University. She lives in Baltimore City with her husband, two children, and a cat. In her free time, she enjoys Baltimore’s farmers’ markets, biking on her Peloton, yoga, and golf (where she is regularly outmatched by her 14 year old son).

  Johns Hopkins University

  Executive Director, Technology Ventures

  Christy Wyskiel

  Executive Director, Technology Ventures

  Johns Hopkins University

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  Dr. Brad Maron

  Executive Co-Director

  University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing

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  Danielle McGuire

  Danielle M. McGuire AIA, DBIA is the Science Practice Director at Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, overseeing the firm’s diverse global portfolio of science and engineering projects. Danielle grew-up thinking she was destined for a career in the sciences and the only question was scale - studying gluons or hot jupiters. While at University, Danielle became fascinated with how the built environment tells the story of the people for whom the buildings were created and how in turn those buildings affect those people's lives. After graduating with a Master of Architecture, Danielle worked on a wide variety of projects eventually finding her niche, combining her love of science and drive to create places to improve the lives of their inhabitants. Infinitely curious, Danielle focuses not just on understanding what is needed in research buildings today - but in working with her clients to project what will be needed in the ever changing world of discovery. With over 30 years of experience, Danielle’s portfolio includes commercial, university and government research buildings. These projects are intentionally designed to be adaptable and grounded in creating research environments that are as much about the people who work in them as they are about the equipment they use. “Even as technology advances, it’s people—their thinking, ideas, and “a-ha” moments—that are the key to discovering what we don’t yet know. We partner with our clients to create adaptable buildings to house new technology and tools, while never losing sight of the need to design good spaces for the people who fuel discoveries.” Danielle McGuire

  SOM

  Science Practice Director

  Danielle McGuire

  Science Practice Director

  SOM

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  Lynne Stein Benzion

  Lynne Stein Benzion is MCEDC’s Director of Economic Development, charged with helping businesses locate, grow and expand in the county. For much of her 20-year economic development career, life sciences has been her main area of focus. She has assisted companies at every stage including startups (On Demand Pharmaceuticals, Autonomous Therapeutics), emerging companies (Seraxis, Deka Biosciences), commercial-stage businesses (REGENXBIO, Vigene Biosciences, Supernus) and global corporations (QIAGEN, Novavax). Her knowledge in life sciences and the local business community gives her unmatched expertise. Lynne also initiated and led an MCEDC team that worked with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for a year to develop MCEDC’s Equity Economic Development Plan, and now leads the team executing the plan. Previous to MCEDC, Lynne was the Vice President of Strategic Planning for the Business Development Board in Palm Beach County, Florida, where she was responsible for short-and long-term planning, special projects, and strategy development. She also served as Deputy Director for much of her ten years at Rockville Economic Development, Inc. In addition to retention and redevelopment duties covering a wide range of industries, she orchestrated major conferences including the Annual Postdoc Conference and Career Fair, and was a public face of the organization, regularly tapped by media for her business expertise. A graduate of the University of Virginia, she holds a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation, earned by only 1,300 people nationwide. It indicates extensive experience and continuous education in the field. She is active on IEDC’s Higher Education Advisory Committee and its Redefining Equitable Economic Development Committee and as a CEcD mentor, and is also a graduate of Leadership Montgomery, Class of 2012.

  Montgomery County EDC

  Director of Economic Development

  Lynne Stein Benzion

  Director of Economic Development

  Montgomery County EDC

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  Dr. Anne Khademian

  Dr. Anne Khademian was named to serve as the Universities at Shady Grove’s third executive director in October 2020, following a nationwide search and her appointment to the post by Dr. Jay Perman, Chancellor of the University System of Maryland. As executive director of USG – a regional higher education center of USM in Montgomery County, with programs from nine universities on one campus – Dr. Khademian also holds the title of Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for USM. Before joining USG, Dr. Khademian served most recently as a Presidential Fellow and professor at Virginia Tech, where she enjoyed a stellar 17-year career that included several years as director of the School of Public and International Affairs. A longtime resident of Montgomery County, Maryland, she served in her presidential fellowship in Virginia Tech’s Research Center in Arlington, near Washington, D.C. In that capacity, she supported the collaborative implementation of “Beyond Boundaries” initiatives, working across the university’s campuses and stakeholder committees to support organizational innovation and growth. With nearly three decades of experience in higher education, Dr. Khademian is a nationally recognized scholar and author in the areas of inclusive leadership and organizational change. As director of the School of Public and International Affairs in Virginia Tech’s College of Architecture and Urban Studies for seven years, she led the school through a period of significant growth and transformation, including the introduction of new academic degrees and programs; increased student enrollment; new faculty hires; forging of new global partnerships and initiatives; and extended outreach into the local community. Dr. Khademian’s research focuses on leadership and organizational culture, inclusive management, policy networks, and the work of organizations involved in homeland security and financial regulation. She is the author of three books: Working with Culture: The Way the Job Gets Done in Public Programs (CQ Press, 2002); Checking on Banks: Autonomy and Accountability in Three Federal Agencies (Brookings, 1996); and The SEC and Capital Market Regulation: The Politics of Expertise (University of Pittsburgh Press 1992). She has also published numerous articles on public management and public policy. Dr. Khademian is a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, an independent, nonprofit, and nonpartisan organization established by Congress to assist government leaders in building more-effective, efficient, accountable, and transparent organizations. As part of her leadership in the community, Dr. Khademian serves on the boards of both the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation. She is also on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross, National Capital Region for the Montgomery, Howard and Frederick Counties Chapter and the Board of Directors for Smart City Works. In addition, she is a member of the Leadership Montgomery CORE Class of 2023. Dr. Khademian holds a B.A. in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from Michigan State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Political Science and Government from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. She was a cross country and track star while at Michigan State and in 2016 she was inducted into the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Dr. Khademian also hosts a video podcast series called "This is USG" and an audio podcast entitled "AKA Innovation," which showcases innovative leadership and business practices that can help to drive transformation and innovation in education.

  Universities at Shady Grove

  Executive Director

  Moderator

  Dr. Anne Khademian

  Executive Director

  Universities at Shady Grove

Investing in Mid-Atlantic's Life Sciences: Market Demand, Infrastructure Growth, Site-Selection and Funding Strategies

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  Will Germain

  Mr. Germain has senior responsibility for executing the overall strategy of the Company. His responsibilities include sourcing and originations investment opportunities, oversight of underwriting and due diligence, transaction structuring and execution, development project management, operations, and asset management. Prior to co-founding MCB Science + Health, Mr. Germain served as Senior Investment Officer, Investments for Ventas, Inc., an S&P 500 company and real estate investment trust that owns and manages healthcare, life science, MOB and senior living properties in North America and the United Kingdom. As a former member of the Ventas senior leadership team, Germain was responsible for investments within the growing university, life science, research and innovation center portfolio, the Company’s #1 capital priority. Since inception, Germain helped grow this portfolio to over $4 billion and over 7MM SF through acquisitions and developments. Responsible for originating, negotiating, and executing acquisitions and development opportunities, Germain has been involved in more than $20 billion completed real estate transactions during his tenure at Ventas. Germain joined Ventas in 2006. Prior to overseeing the university, life science, research, and innovation center platform, he served as Director of Acquisitions and Investments for Lillibridge Healthcare Services, a fully integrated medical office building (MOB) operating company, completing in excess of $4BN in transactions. His earlier roles at Ventas included asset management of the Company’s MOB and outpatient portfolio where he oversaw operations including joint venture partnerships, third-party property management, leasing, buildouts, loan compliance, operating and capital budgeting and financial reporting, as well as roles in acquisitions and corporate finance. He began his career at General Electric Capital Corporation in the Financial Management Program (FMP). Germain is a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of University Research Parks (AURP), a dynamic network of university research parks and innovation district industry leaders. He is a member of the Urban Land Institute’s University Development and Innovation Council. Germain is a member of the Real Estate Executives Council (REEC). He served as a member of the Board of Phase 1 Ventures (P1V) from 2016 to 2022, a program from the Philadelphia Science Center which matches proven entrepreneurs with academic scientists to help move ideas from the lab to the marketplace by strategically contributing expertise and funding to the commercialization process. He also served as a Steering Committee member for the Global Institute on Innovation Districts (GIID) from 2019 to 2022. He serves as Vice President of the Board of High Jump, a non- profit organization that aims to equalize access to education for Chicago middle school

  MCB Science & Health

  CEO

  Will Germain

  CEO

  MCB Science & Health

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  Greg Capps

  Greg Capps serves as Managing Director for Longfellow Real Estate Partners, the largest privately held investor and developer of life science buildings in the United States. Mr. Capps oversees the coordination with Longfellow's Partners to set and execute the strategy for the firm's continued growth and presence in North Carolina. To date, Longfellow has developed a North Carolina portfolio of more than 4 million square feet and key assets throughout Research Triangle Park and Durham. Prior to joining Longfellow, Greg held positions with Newmark Knight Frank, Savills Studley, TriProperties, Inc. and JLL.

  Longfellow Real Estate Partners

  Managing Director

  Greg Capps

  Managing Director

  Longfellow Real Estate Partners

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  Kipton Currier

  Kipton Currier is a social impact executive dedicated to serving missions for the greater good. After a successful career in Manhattan real estate, Kipton made a pivot to the intersection of finance, healthcare, and life sciences. Originally from the tri-city area, Ms. Currier moved back to the Richmond region five years ago and has since launched three major initiatives: a health data analytics firm, a national philanthropic guarantee bank (resourcing the sectors of affordable housing, climate, and small business), and most recently a pharmaceutical manufacturer. In her new role as Vice President of Operations at Activation Capital, Kipton leads real estate strategy, internal operations, and the construction of Activation Capital's 100k square foot Life Science Innovation Center in downtown Richmond's Biotechnology Research Park. Ms. Currier received her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and her MBA from the College of William and Mary.

  Activation Capital

  VP, Operations

  Kipton Currier

  VP, Operations

  Activation Capital

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  Keith Switzer

  Keith Switzer is the President/CEO of INTEC Group, Inc., a full-service firm offering architecture, interior design and furniture procurement services with offices in Northern VA/Washington, DC and Charlotte, NC. As both a registered architect (RA) and certified designer by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), Keith leads his team with a well-rounded, diverse background and more than 25+ years of commercial design experience. He is motivated by his firm’s Corporate Vision, “to enhance the human condition,” and works hard to foster a corporate culture that emphasizes the importance of people (and design), centered around the firm’s core values of Professionalism, Authenticity, Leadership (P.A.L.). For several years, Keith and his team have specialized in partnering with tenants and landlords to design and deliver highly technical, sustainable life science work environments. The firm is also a sought-after resource for investors and other stakeholders interested in repositioning assets for life science purposes. Notable clients include Merck KGaA, Moderna, and Thermo Fisher Scientific.

  INTEC Group

  President & CEO

  Keith Switzer

  President & CEO

  INTEC Group

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  Abhishek Dhawan

  Life Sciences Core Market Leader

  DPR Construction

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  Aaron Altman

  Aaron Altman has 28 years of experience in architecture and design, working on a number of large, complex projects such as governmental offices, laboratories, and secure facilities. As Senior Project Manager, he conducts concept, schematic, design development and contract document work sessions, maintains client relationships throughout project, communicates with consultants and contractors, manages project budget, work plans, consultants and schedule, and develops detailed project schedules and communicates key deliverable dates to the project team. Over the last two years, Aaron Altman has led the One Preserve Parkway Repositioning and Spec Lab project to provide Longfellow with a office-to-lab conversion ready to serve laboratory tenants in the DMV area.

  HOK

  Sr. Project Manager

  Moderator

  Aaron Altman

  Sr. Project Manager

  HOK

Navigating the Development Horizon: Pipelines, Collaborations and Occupancy Dynamics

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  Tracy Vargo

  Principal

  Stonebridge

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  CJ Overly

  C.J. Overly is a Senior Project Manager of Development with BXP, formerly Boston Properties, in the Washington, D.C. Region, where he is responsible for the execution of new office, residential, and life science developments. C.J. is currently leading the strategic repositioning, master planning, and project deliveries at the Shady Grove Innovation District, an emerging life science hub with 750K+ SF of future development in Rockville, MD. Prior to Boston Properties, C.J. served in a variety of roles with Trammell Crow Residential, Montgomery County Public Schools (Md.), and JPMorgan Chase. He serves on the board of Maryland Tech Council and is a member of the Urban Land Institute and NAIOP. He received an AA in Business from Montgomery College; a BSBA in Finance from Georgetown University; and, an MBA in Real Estate and Corporate Finance from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

  BXP Life Sciences

  Senior Project Manager

  CJ Overly

  Senior Project Manager

  BXP Life Sciences

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  Gregory Herlong

  VP, Development

  Wexford Science & Technology, LLC

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  Sally Lee

  Sally Lee, Associate Education & Science Principal, HDR An architect by training, Sally has a reputation for bringing great creativity, innovation and attention to detail to every project she works on, including some of HDR’s most high-profile education, science, workplace, and mixed-use projects around the globe. In her role as Education & Science leader, she directs and executes regional project leadership, strategic planning and business development efforts to help life science corporations and developers achieve their missions and goals.

  HDR

  Associate Education & Science Principal

  Sally Lee

  Associate Education & Science Principal

  HDR

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  Colin Dunn

  President

  Heffron

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  Stacy Percoski

  Stacy Percoski is a Vice President at Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. She joined Whiting- Turner in 1996 as a Project Engineer after graduating from the University of Delaware. Entering her 28 th year at Whiting-Turner, she is currently a company executive that oversees an operating group of engineers, managers, and superintendents whose experience focuses on the federal Science + Technology industry. In addition, Stacy serves as Whiting-Turner’s Mid- Atlantic Science and Technology Regional Coordinator assisting regional offices in pursuing, coordinating, and executing life science and pharma work throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. She is also a founding member of Whiting-Turner’s Diversity and Inclusion Council (DAIC) and serves as an Associate Chairperson.

  Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

  VP

  Stacy Percoski

  VP

  Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

• Moderator

  Justin Gore

  Vice President

  JLL

Opening Remarks

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  Marc Elrich

  Marc Elrich was elected as Montgomery County Executive on Nov. 6, 2018. He had previously served three terms (12 years) on the Montgomery County Council as an at-large member, being first elected in 2006. He served as a Councilmember on the Takoma Park City Council from 1987-2006. For 17 years, he was a teacher at Rolling Terrace Elementary School in Takoma Park. As a County Councilmember, he was the chief sponsor of several landmark pieces of legislation and programs. He led the successful effort to increase the Montgomery County minimum wage in coordination with surrounding jurisdictions to $11.50 an hour and subsequent legislation that will eventually increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour. He was the first elected official to propose building a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system throughout the County to address Montgomery's transportation and environmental problems. Ground was broken in Fall 2018 for the first BRT line, which will run along Route 29. Throughout his political career, he has been a champion of improving tenants' rights and for making developers pay for a greater share of the infrastructure cost to build schools and transportation solutions. He was a leader in the fight to preserve Ten Mile Creek in the Clarksburg area by limiting the proposed development that would have threatened the health of Montgomery County's last best stream which flows into the County's backup water reservoir.

  Montgomery County

  County Executive

  Marc Elrich

  County Executive

  Montgomery County

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  Liz Price

  VP, Real Estate and Development

  WMATA