Delaware BioScience Association (Delaware Bio) announced that Michael Fleming will become the organization’s next President effective today. He succeeds Helen Stimson who has led the organization since 2017.
“Continuity in leadership during the current environment is vital to both our member companies and our mission to support the life science ecosystem in Delaware. We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate that Michael Fleming, a proven strategic leader with deep roots in Delaware, will become the new President of Delaware Bio. Michael’s experience with life science companies and his expertise in marketing, branding, communications, and public policy will be of great value as we strive to find new and effective ways to support our members,” stated Christopher Yochim, chairman of Delaware Bio’s Board of Directors and head of Business Development at National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL)
Fran DiNuzzo. CEO of the spacesuit and protective equipment maker ILC Dover, and a member of Delaware Bio’s Board of Directors, added, “Importantly, Michael is appreciative of the many challenges and diverse needs of our members and recognizes the critical role these companies play in growing and supporting Delaware’s economy and public health. Given his demonstrated solution-minded approach to business challenges, his high energy and enthusiasm for making a difference in Delaware, and his ability to create and drive high performing teams, we are confident that with his leadership Delaware Bio will retain its reputation as a valued partner and dedicated advocate for our community of life science companies.”
Fleming is a senior biopharmaceutical industry executive with global experience in strategy, marketing, communications, corporate social responsibility, community program development, public policy, and publishing.
He spent 18 years at the global biopharmaceutical company GSK, most recently as Head of Global Medical and Regulatory Communications.
Fleming stated, “I am honored and excited to lead this outstanding organization. There has never been a time when the extraordinary value of Delaware Bio members has been more clear. At this moment, great companies and researchers right here are developing and manufacturing treatments and vaccines, new testing technologies and critical safety equipment to address the global pandemic – among so many other advances. Delaware’s health and economic future depend on ensuring this state is the most dynamic, attractive hub in the country for scientific innovation.”
Helen Stimson, chief operating officer of Adesis, Inc., and former President of Delaware Bio, stated, “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many innovative scientists, clinicians and dedicated business professionals all focused on improving the lives of patients, our food supply, our environment and the health and well-being of the general public. Their work is hugely important to Delaware on multiple fronts and I am confident that Michael is the right person to lead the organization and that he will continue to strengthen its resources, relevance and influence.”
Fleming began his career as an aide to the late US Senator William V. Roth, Jr., first as a legislative assistant on Capitol Hill and then as the senator’s Wilmington state office director. He has served on multiple boards and committees with organizations including the Children’s Health Fund, The Barnes Foundation, West End Neighborhood House, St. Patrick’s Day Society, Delaware Adolescent Program Inc. and the University of Delaware Alumni Association.
Fleming is a graduate of Salesianum School, the University of Delaware, and Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
Fleming and his wife Christy Eagleton Fleming have three children and live in Wilmington.
Delaware Bio’s members include pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, medical device manufacturers, agricultural biotech and chemical companies, research and testing companies, hospitals and medical institutions, and other organizations and related service companies.
Its 130 member companies and organizations represent 8,000 Delaware jobs.
