The Keystone LifeSci Collaborative (KLSC) today announced the appointment of Maurie Smith as its first-ever Managing Director, effective immediately. This marks a significant moment for the Keystone LifeSci Collaborative as it fulfills its initial goal of hiring a dedicated leader to propel its life science industry-led initiatives forward. Smith brings over a decade of experience in anchor-based economic development, with a specialization in creating and managing large industry-specific collaboratives focused on policy, programmatic, and physical initiatives.
In her new role, Smith will not only lead the Collaborative’s ongoing efforts from the past year, but also intensify coordination with industry leaders and public and community partners, including the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia and Life Sciences Pennsylvania. Her initial focus will be on attracting additional life science industry leaders across the Greater Philadelphia region to be part of KLSC, particularly in counties currently with less representation. Furthermore, she aims to foster relationships with similar organizations to create a more coordinated and comprehensive approach for the life sciences industry across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
“Life Sciences PA has been honored to participate in the formation and growth of the Keystone LifeSci Collaborative,” said Christopher Molineaux, President & CEO of Life Sciences Pennsylvania. “The addition of Maurie adds topspin to the organization and its mission to enhance the competitiveness of the life sciences industry in our region through collaboration between industry leaders and community stakeholders. Together, we expect to ignite innovation and job growth in the sector and make Pennsylvania an attractive place to open and operate a life sciences organization.”
Smith’s previous role as Vice President at U3 Advisors, a nationally recognized consulting firm based in Philadelphia, equipped her with the expertise to lead KLSC. At U3 Advisors, Smith led the Organizational Design and Capacity Building Practice Area, playing a key role in creating sustainable, resilient communities through strategic partnerships, collaborating with educational, medical, and non-profit institutions nationwide to develop economic development programs and initiatives. Most recently, she has been involved in projects in Fort Worth, Texas; College Park, Maryland; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In Philadelphia, Smith partnered closely with the city’s leading educational, medical, and planning institutions to forge strategic partnerships focused on workforce development solutions and physical infrastructure investments in some of the city’s most underserved neighborhoods.
Peter Grollman, Senior Vice President at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and a member of the Keystone LifeSci Collaborative, expressed his enthusiasm about Smith’s appointment: “Pennsylvania is unmatched when it comes to developing breakthroughs that cure people throughout the world. Under Maurie’s leadership, the Keystone LifeSci Collaborative will be well positioned to connect our broader community to jobs and other economic opportunities that are fueled by this industry. She is an effective leader and pushes the limits on what’s possible.”
Cait Garozzo, Executive Director of the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI), also shared her excitement: “Maurie’s track record speaks for itself. Her ability to build and lead impactful collaboratives is tremendous, and we are thrilled to see how she will shape the future of the Keystone LifeSci Collaborative. This is an exciting time for the life sciences community, and Maurie’s leadership will undoubtedly elevate the Collaborative’s efforts.”
The Keystone Life Sci Collaborative is supported by funding from the American Rescue Plan’s Good Jobs Challenge (GJC) and aims to address ongoing shared business priorities and enhance regional competitiveness in the life sciences industry. Today, the KLSC is comprised of nearly 40 C-suite life science industry partners from across the six-county Greater Philadelphia region that are committed to advancing research, development, and regional competitiveness, including Adaptimmune, Century Therapeutics, Integral Molecular, Iovance Biotherapeutics, Lampire Biological Laboratories, and Pfizer. New member companies are encouraged to join and participate in the quarterly meetings and action teams to help move the life sciences industry forward. Joining the industry partners are over 75 public and community partners including the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, Montgomery County Community College, Life Sciences PA, University City Science Center, and the Philadelphia Education Fund.
To contact Smith, send an email to msmith@keystonelifesci.org or connect with her on LinkedIn. To learn more about the Keystone LifeSci Collaborative, visit www.keystonelifesci.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jennifer Tran
(610) 401-8421
jen@jentranconsulting.com
Chris Richman
(609) 970-3065
chris@universitycity.org
To download Maurie Smith’s headshot: CLICK HERE.