New chief takes leadership positions in Georgia life science-based industry
BYLINE: Tim Rausch, The Augusta Chronicle, Ga.
Aug. 25--A man who started his career as a cancer researcher will now lead the Augusta BioBusiness Center and Georgia Medical Center Authority.
Donald Colbert comes to Augusta from Binghamton, N.Y., where he was the president and director of Innovative Technologies Development Corp., which assisted high-tech start-up companies.
Dr. Colbert replaces Lenie Roos-Gabridge, who retired last month after five years of leading the Georgia Medical Center Authority.
As the executive director, Dr. Colbert will oversee the development of life science-based industry growth in Georgia and the Augusta BioBusiness Center, a business incubator for such companies.
Bill Brundage, chairman of the authority's board of trustees, said Dr. Colbert's credentials fit the bill. "He has a Ph.D. in an appropriate field, molecular biology, so he has the scientific and technical background. On top of that, he's been in the business development side." Mrs. Gabridge was instrumental in starting the authority, becoming part of the state's budget, as well as beginning the center.
"Her background was different than his, but hers was perfect to get something like this up and running -- the political side, getting support," Mr. Brundage said.
He said Mrs. Gabridge helped find her replacement, who started in mid-July.
"Lenie, a credit to her, took a program that was close to being folded and turned it around. I'm humbled by the job she did," Dr. Colbert said.
Dr. Colbert has been on the management teams for technology commercialization organizations in Ohio, Maine, New York and Illinois.
His credentials will carry weight in recruitment, Mr. Brundage said, and he will work well with the faculty at the Medical College of Georgia. "He's really one of them." Dr. Colbert earned his doctorate in molecular biology from Brown University in 1976. He held a two-year post as senior investigator for child cancer treatment at the National Cancer Institute in Maryland.
"He brings a great skill set to the role," said Dr. Daniel Rahn, president of MCG and a member of the authority board.
Over his career, Dr. Colbert has played a role in the establishment of 25 for-profit and nonprofit organizations and secured $35 million in grants and investments.
Mr. Brundage said the new director will use "venture capital" to raise more money for the authority to expand its activities.
Dr. Colbert said he took the Augusta job because he was interested in working with life sciences again after spending several years with engineering schools.
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