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Two Industry Leaders Recognized at Governor’s Life Science Summit
Francisco R. Velázquez, M.D., S.M., receives Innovator of the Year Award and Martin Simonetti receives Volunteer of the Year Award from Life Science Washington
SEATTLE – November 3, 2017 – Life Science Washington, the state’s life science trade association, recognized two industry leaders at this year’s Governor’s Life Science Summit.
Former President and CEO for Pathology Associates Medical Laboratories LLC (PAML), Francisco R. Velázquez, M.D., S.M., received the Innovator of the Year Award and Martin Simonetti, COO at Mist Pharmaceuticals LLC, received the Volunteer of the Year Award.
The Life Science Washington Innovator of the Year Award recognizes a member of the state’s life science community who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, investment and innovative thinking within the community.
As President and CEO for PAML, Dr. Velázquez played a key role in the acquisition of PAML by LabCorp, presumed to be the biggest Washington state life science industry transaction in in 2017.
Dr. Velázquez served as CEO of PAML for five years where he helped grow the company as critical health care provider in the greater Spokane area. He is currently a board member for Health Sciences and Services Authority of Spokane County as well as Greater Spokane Incorporated where he has played a leading role with the Vision 2030 initiative. The initiative aims to grow Spokane’s medical education, research and life science industries significantly, with specific goals in creating more than 9,000 jobs and $1.7 billion in annual economic impact by 2030.
Dr. Velázquez is a nationally-recognized pathologist with extensive experience as a physician executive, and faculty member at several leading institutions. He also serves on the executive committee for the Life Science Washington board of directors, as well as the strategic planning committee.
Current Life Science Washington Chairman of the Board, Martin Simonetti, received the association’s Volunteer of the Year award. Simonetti has more than 35 years of experience as a biotech executive and entrepreneur.
As a longtime Life Science Washington board member, and now board chairman, Simonetti has been instrumental in helping the association to reinvigorate its leadership board and committees, as well as update governing bylaws to better serve membership. Simonetti was on the search committee for a new CEO in 2016 and is serving as the initial board chair for the Life Science Washington Institute, a new 501(c)(3) arm of the association.
Simonetti also serves on the board of Nexgenia, VLST Corporation and Pathways Group, Inc. Previously he served on the Board of Directors of Alexandria Real Estate Equities and Icagen, Inc., until its sale to Pfizer in 2011.
“Our life science community is tremendously grateful to Dr. Velázquez and Marty Simonetti,” said Dr. Leslie Alexandre, President and CEO of Life Science Washington. “Their leadership and dedication continue to elevate Washington state as a powerhouse in life science discovery, innovation, and healthcare delivery.”
About Life Science Washington
Life Science Washington is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(6) trade association whose mission is to stimulate life science innovation, job creation and ecosystem vibrancy across Washington state through engagement, collaboration, promotion, and advocacy. Serving more than 500 members, Life Science Washington brings together research institutions, investors and innovators to grow the state’s life science economy. More information can be found at www.lifesciencewa.org.
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