Press Release: 2024-10-07
Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Dr. Kirk Taylor as Massachusetts Life Sciences Center President and CEO
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
10/04/2024
MEDIA CONTACT
Meggie Quackenbush, Director of Communications
Online
Email Meggie Quackenbush, Director of Communications at Margaret.M.Quackenbush@mass.gov
WALTHAM, MASS — Today, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced that Dr. Kirk Taylor will serve as the Massachusetts Life Science Center’s (MLSC) new President and CEO. Taylor is a trained neurologist who brings more than 25 years of industry experience, including medical affairs and clinical development strategy, entrepreneurial vision, and strategic leadership, to the role.
“The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center plays a critical role in advancing Massachusetts’ global leadership in this cutting-edge, lifesaving sector,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Dr. Taylor brings a wealth of experience to the Life Sciences Center, and I look forward to working together to execute the ambitious vision we have for this key sector of our innovation economy.”
“Congratulations to Dr. Kirk Taylor on his selection to lead the Life Sciences Center during an important time for our life science industry and broader health care ecosystem,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “His deep experience and unique leadership skills will help write an exciting new chapter for the Life Sciences Center with the potential to transform lives here in Massachusetts and globally.”
The MLSC Board of Directors voted to confirm Taylor’s role today, and he will begin on October 8.
Taylor’s expertise extends to the global and U.S. drug development pipeline, covering the creation of clinical studies to the launch of therapeutic agents in areas such as neurology, oncology, and rare diseases. His background also includes working closely in startup enterprises, helping develop an entrepreneurial vision that supports the advancement of world renowned-pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, to achieve IPO success and Series A, B, and C funding.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Dr. Taylor to our team as we continue our efforts to lengthen our lead in the life sciences,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao, who serves as Co-Chair of the MLSC Board of Directors. “We’re confident he will bring the necessary passion, leadership, and know how to push the Massachusetts ecosystem to the next frontier in life sciences and beyond.”
Taylor previously served in roles at Pfizer, Sanofi, Biogen, EMD Serono (Merck KGaA), as well as biotechnology companies such as Finch Therapeutics and Verastem Oncology. His most recent experience includes serving as Chief Medical Officer, Executive Vice President, and Advisor at Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics.
"I am thrilled to join the MLSC as its President and CEO,” said Dr. Kirk Taylor. “My predecessors have created a world-class organization, focused on economic growth and health equity in the life sciences for Massachusetts. I look forward to working with my team to advance the MLSC, through innovation and cross sector partnerships with local communities, in this era of AI, scientific breakthroughs, and the ARPA-H Catalyst Hub."
With experience leading both small and large teams, Taylor identifies as a lifelong learner, passionate about addressing patient needs, health equity, and diversity in the pharmaceutical field. He has been previously recognized with a Merck, KGaA, Darmstadt Germany Recognition Award for his DE&I efforts and work on policy development while serving on a COVID-19 taskforce. He was also recognized as part of the 2023 PharmaVoice 100, an honor highlighting influential and devoted industry leaders. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Harvard College and Doctor of Medicine from the State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University. While in college, Taylor also studied piano at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge. After his neurology residency, he finished a post-doc in neuropathic pain and headache at the UCSF Department of Neurology. Taylor has also completed Executive Leadership training programs at Stanford, INSEAD and Harvard Business Schools.
Taylor joins the MLSC at an exciting time, which includes the recent announcement by Governor Healey of nearly $20 million in life sciences funding through MLSC to advance innovation in research and development, data science, drug delivery, and women’s health. The Center also recently launched a new Health Equity program to provide grants in areas around health equity. MLSC also plays a key role in the ARPA-H Investor Catalyst Hub, which the federal government selected Massachusetts to host after a highly competitive process.
About the MLSC
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is an economic development investment agency dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the life sciences in Massachusetts, home to the most verdant and productive life sciences ecosystem in the world. Through public-private funding initiatives, the MLSC supports innovation, research and development, commercialization, and manufacturing activities in the fields of biopharma, medical device, diagnostics and digital health. Since its creation in 2007, the MLSC has strategically deployed approximately $1 billion in Massachusetts, through a combination of grants, loans, capital infrastructure investments, tax incentives and workforce programs. These investments have created thousands of jobs and propelled the development of new therapies, devices and scientific advancements that are improving patient health and well-being in Massachusetts and beyond.