Chairman, BVGH Board of Directors; President & CEO, Biotechnology Innovation Organization (2005 – 2020)
Jim is the outgoing President & CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) in Washington, D.C. BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers, and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial, and environmental biotechnology products.
Jim represented Pennsylvania’s Eighth District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 through 2004. As a leader on healthcare issues, he authored numerous bills signed into law, including legislation to promote pediatric labeling for pharmaceuticals, reform medical device review and approval, and expand research and establish innovative programs to address traumatic brain injury. His legislation to reform medical liability insurance passed the House several times but stalled in the Senate.
From 2001 to 2004, Jim served as Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation with oversight authority over all issues in the full Committee’s vast jurisdiction. He held hearings on topics ranging from bioterrorism to corporate governance to the safety of nuclear power plants.
Prior to his election to Congress, Jim served six years in the Pennsylvania General Assembly (1980-86) and six years in the Pennsylvania Senate (1986-1993). He specialized in health, environment, and children’s issues.
Jim graduated from Dickinson College in 1973 with a BA in Social Work. From 1977 until 1980, he worked as a social worker with abused and neglected children at the Bucks County Children and Youth Social Service Agency.