MassBio Staff
MassBio Senior Management
Robert K. Coughlin, President & CEO
As President and CEO of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, Bob's mission is to foster a positive environment that enables each biotechnology company to achieve its full potential in Massachusetts, making the state a world center for biotechnology. He is very familiar with all areas of the Massachusetts life sciences super cluster and is a passionate advocate for research and the biotechnology community.
Bob has spent his career in both the public and private sectors, most recently serving as Undersecretary of Economic Development within Governor Deval Patrick's administration in 2007. Prior to that, he was elected as State Representative to the 11th Norfolk district for three terms. In the legislature both healthcare and economic development were his priorities.
In the world of business he specialized in the environmental services industry and moved on to capital management and venture capital. He has held senior executive positions in both fields.
He is a graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy where he majored in Marine Engineering, and is a Lieutenant in the United States Naval Reserve.
Coughlin has also been active in the community, having served on the boards of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital. He has served as the honorary chairman of the Great Strides Cystic Fibrosis Walk since 1996. In 2009 he co-chaired the Children's Hospital Boston signature event, Champions for Children's.
Joseph Fazio, Vice President, Finance & Administration
Mr. Fazio has been with MassBio since January 2004 and is currently the Vice President of Finance and Administration. At MassBio he is responsible for guiding senior management in financial planning and results management, developing and maintaining necessary accounting policies and systems, directing all aspects of accounting operations, managing relationships with insurance providers, auditors, and banks, managing HR and other administrative support functions for the organization, and generally helping insure that members receive maximum value for their MassBio financial commitment.
Joseph came to MassBio with significant Controller-level experience. Most recently he worked for four years in the biotech industry, employed as Controller by Eligix/BioTransplant, a development stage company focused on cancer therapies. He also served as Controller with a chemical manufacturer, as well as with a restaurant equipment distributor.
Joe received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He is a lifelong resident of the Boston area, and is married with three adult children.
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John Hallinan, Chief Business Officer
John Hallinan joined MassBio in 2012 as the Chief Business Officer and oversees the MassBio Innovation Services programs.
John’s fiscal experience in the life sciences and software industries reflect positions of increasing responsibility across a broad range of strategic and operational disciplines. His background encompasses venture financings, corporate development, technology licensing, and mergers and acquisitions.
Prior to MassBio, John was the Chief Financial Officer at Cytel, a leader in the design and implementation of adaptive clinical trials, and he had been active with MassBio—serving on the Economic Development Advisory Group and as co-chair of the Finance Committee & Entrepreneur’s University.
Before joining Cytel, John served as CFO at Signet Laboratories, a leading supplier of diagnostic assays to the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Prior to Signet, John was interim CFO at Cambium Learning, a private equity-backed publishing company that completed two acquisitions during his tenure. John was the Chief Financial Officer of AnVil, Inc. a venture-funded silico drug discovery company, where he led the company’s healthcare market business development efforts. At CambridgeSoft Corporation, John rose to CFO of that leading pharma/bio applications and enterprise solutions supplier. As Animation Technologies’ CFO, he guided the company’s first and second rounds of venture funding.
John holds a BBA from St. Bonaventure University and is a certified public accountant. He lives with his wife Denise in Marlborough, MA.
John Heffernan, Vice President, Policy & External Affairs
John has extensive experience in association management, communications, government and public affairs.
As a member of the senior management team at MassBio, John oversees federal and state policy, and economic development, spearheading efforts to create and maintain a climate in which the life sciences industry can thrive. He manages a diverse team of professionals related to communications, state and federal policy and economic and workforce development.
He also manages both state and federal Political Action Committees (PAC) and works closely with legislators and staff to communicate issues of import to the Life Sciences community. He led an effort to revitalize the Massachusetts Biotech Caucus, which creates a venue to educate legislative staff, elected and appointed officials and other stakeholders on the vital role industry plays in the economy and healthcare.
John is a native of Boston and received a Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University and successfully completed the Emerging Leaders Program at the Center for Collaborative Leadership at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.
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Sarah MacDonald, Vice President, Development & Communications
Sarah is Vice President of Development and Communications at MassBio. Before joining MassBio, Sarah served in a variety of association and policy positions, including Interim Executive Director of the Massachusetts Pharmacists Association and Deputy Chief of Staff in the Department of Business Development for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. At MassBio, she is responsible for enhancing the organization's standing as a leading voice in the biotechnology industry by conceiving, developing and executing a comprehensive internal and external communications strategy. Sarah oversees MassBio’s marketing efforts, production of a quarterly newsletter and content development for www.massbio.org.
Sarah is a graduate of Hartwick College and has a Master’s degree from Northeastern University. She also successfully completed the Emerging Leaders Program at the Center for Collaborative Leadership at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Sarah is proud to serve the residents of the town of Dedham as a selectman.
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Kendalle Burlin O'Connell, Esq., Vice President, Member Services
K
endalle is the Vice President of Member Services and serves as In-House Counsel for MassBio. Kendalle first came to MassBio in 2008 as Director of the Purchasing Consortium and was named Director of Strategic Alliances last year. She has grown the offerings of the MassBio Purchasing Consortium by adding new supplier agreements and increasing the value of existing agreements through building valuable partnerships with the supplier companies. Beyond continuing to oversee MassBio’s Purchasing Consortium, Kendalle is responsible for member programs, outreach and engagement, as well as new member development.
Prior to joining MassBio, Kendalle practiced law in the areas of Estate and Medicaid Planning, Probate and Asset Protection, and Labor and Employment Law. She holds a B.A. from Sacred Heart University and a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School. She resides in Georgetown, Mass., with her husband, Steve.
Email Kendalle Burlin O'Connell
MassBio Staff
Peter Abair, Director, Economic Development & Global Affairs
Peter Abair is MassBio’s Director of Economic Development. Prior to joining MassBio, he served the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in several different economic development functions including Director of the Massachusetts Department of Economic Development, Massachusetts Office of Business Development, and Associate Director of the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development. He has served in the administrations of four governors and began his career on the Washington, D.C. staff of one of the great advocates of the National Institutes of Health, the late Congressman Silvio O. Conte. He is a member of the MetroNorth Regional Employment Board and a past Trustee of the Berkshire Community College.
Peter holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and International Relations from Boston University and a Masters in Public Policy and Administration from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. A native of Pittsfield, MA, he now resides with his family in Sudbury.
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Jon Allard, Director, Sales & Business Development
Jon joined MassBio in August of 2009 as Manager of Business Development. He is responsible for membership acquisition and the implementation of a comprehensive marketing strategy. Prior to joining MassBio, Jon was a Marketing Specialist with Boston Globe Media. He is passionate about the life sciences and has a strong history of building and nurturing long-lasting professional relationships.
Jon graduated from The Florida State University with a B.S. in Communications.
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Erica Beck, Manager, Operations
Erica joined MassBio in November of 2011 as Manager of Operations. She oversees the general office operations for MassBio and MassBioEd, and performs various Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions. Prior to joining MassBio, Erica worked in a non-profit setting at Boston College, and was an International Account Coordinator for International Forest Products Corporation. Erica received her B.A. in English with a minor in Philosophy from Boston College in 2006, and has also studied mental health counseling. She currently resides in West Roxbury, Massachusetts.
Rakhshita Dhar, Manager, Innovation Services
Rakhshita joined MassBio in October of 2010 as Innovation Services Manager. She is in charge of managing Innovation Services programs including MassCONNECT and the Innovation Exchange.
Rakhshita earned her MS in Biotechnology from Georgetown University. Prior to MassBio she interned at Adjuvant Global Advisors, a life science business development firm in Bethesda, MD.
She is passionate about life sciences and its interaction with the world of business and commercialization.
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Stephanie Donovan, Receptionist
Stephanie joined the MassBio team in November of 2012, as the Receptionist. She is originally from the Boston area, but was living in Florida for the past 11 years. She graduated from Indian River State College, with her Associates Degree in Education. She plans to continue her education in the Boston area, seeking a degree in Communications. Before MassBio, Stephanie worked in the hospitality industry and for the New York Mets Spring Training. Stephanie has assisted on planning and organizing a dozen different Charity sporting events, donating to local charities and St. Jude. She is thrilled to have to opportunity to be working in the biotech industry and is eager to develop her career.
Brittany Gavrilles, Policy Co-Op
Brittany joined MassBio in January of 2013 as the Policy Co-op. She is entering her junior year at Northeastern University where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a concentration in Public Policy and Administration and a minor in Environmental Studies. Prior to her time at MassBio, Brittany completed a six month co-op working for State Senator Sal DiDomenico and also served as an intern at a Boston consulting firm. Brittany is looking forward to combining her love of politics with her interest in the biotech industry.
Susan Martin, Manager, External Affairs
Susan Martin joined MassBio in September of 2011. She brings over 16 years of legislative experience working for Members of the Massachusetts State Legislature to her role as Manager of External Affairs. Susan is responsible for managing multiple public policy projects as well as tracking and analyzing legislation and regulations at both the state and federal level. Prior to joining MassBio, Susan served as Staff Director for former State Representative Steve Tobin and former State Senator John O’Brien. She also worked with the legal team at the Senate Committee on Ways and Means under former Chairwoman Patricia McGovern. Susan holds a Bachelors Degree from Curry College and is a graduate of Boston Latin School.
Jeff Ouimette, Manager, Information Technology & Design 
Jeff joined MassBio as Manager of Information Technology in July of 2008, and is in charge of maintaining the organization’s information technology and designing all its marketing materials. Prior to joining MassBio, Jeff was Director of Media Services for the Pawtucket Red Sox Baseball Club, where he ran the daily IT operations, while designing all of the creative design (web, graphic, & video) for the club.
Jeff is a Rhode Island native and attended Northeastern University. He currently resides in Foxboro, MA with his wife Jennifer and his two daughters, Lucy & Lily, and his son Jeffrey Jr.
Email Jeff Ouimette
Lauren Perna, Manager, Member Outreach
Lauren joined MassBio in February of 2010, As the Manager of Member Outreach, Lauren focuses on maintaining and developing member relationships. Prior to joining MassBio, Lauren managed logistics with a high-end office furniture company and before that was a Store Manager with Olympia Sports. Lauren is a graduate of Dedham High, and she holds a B.A. in both Communications and American Studies from Fordham University. Lauren currently resides in Norwood with her dog, Tessie.
Jessica Roche, Manager, Communications
Jessica joined MassBio in September 2009. As the Manager of Communications, Jessica works to develop and execute a strategic communications plan to increase the visibility of MassBio, its programs and services, its member companies, and the life sciences industry in general. Jessica holds a B.A. in English from Wheaton College (MA) with a concentration in media and cultural studies and a minor in education.
Lea Sansone, Assistant, Membership
Lea joined MassBio in July of 2012 as the Member Services Assistant. Her role includes working with the membership and events team and assisting with member outreach, committees, and other related projects. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2012 with a degree in Marine and Coastal Policy. She is interested in policy and life sciences and is looking forward to developing her career in the biotech industry.
Susan Silberman, Director, Member Services
Susan is the Director of Member Services where she oversees membership management and focuses on onboarding new members and member outreach to ensure our member organizations are receiving full value and access to MassBio’s resources. Prior to this, Susan was the Director of Operations at Women Entrepreneurs in Science and Technology (WEST) where she was responsible for membership growth and outreach, event planning and logistics, revenue tracking and external communications. Her industry experience spans chemical manufacture for R&D and small molecule drug discovery, Environmental Health and Toxicology risk assessment, IP technical support, SBIR contract management, client & vendor relationship management as well as domestic & international procurement and sourcing.
Susan received a BA degree from Mount Holyoke College; BSc, Cum Laude, in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst; completed all coursework including qualifier examinations for the PhD in Genetic Toxicology at MIT, and a Short Course in Risk Assessment at the Harvard School of Public Health. She is an active member of AWIS, the Association for Women in Science; MIT Alumni Association; Mount Holyoke College Alumnae Association; MHC NPO, Mount Holyoke College Non-Profit Organization Alumnae; UMASS Amherst Chemistry Students & Alumni; AMITA, Association of MIT Alumnae and the Appalachian Mountain Club.
Halley Smith, Executive Assistant to the President & CEO
Halley joined MassBio in 2008. As the Assistant to the President & CEO, Halley manages scheduling, correspondence and travel planning for the President & CEO. In addition, Halley provides high-level support for Senior Management and pitches in on various MassBio projects and initiatives. A resident of Nahant, Massachusetts, Halley is a graduate from the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and was an active member of the PsiChi National Honors Society.
Lilly Stairs, Communications & MassBioEd Co-Op
Lilly joined MassBio in January 2013 as the Communications and MassBioEd co-op. She is entering her junior year at Northeastern University where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Public Advocacy. Lilly most recently served as the Teacher’s Assistant for Dr. Greg Goodale’s Advocacy Writing class where she functioned as the liaison between students and 6 non-profit organizations, sharing her knowledge of brand messaging and communications outreach. In her free time, Lilly can be found out and about enjoying the beautiful city of Boston!
Elizabeth Steele, Director, Events
Elizabeth is the Director of Events where she plans and oversees Signature Events for the organization. Most recently, she served as a consultant to MassBio where she assisted in running the organization’s involvement in the 2012 BIO International Convention. Prior to MassBio, Elizabeth was the Associate Director of the Massachusetts Office of International Trade & Investment, where she managed foreign direct investment for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and was a main organizer of Governor Patrick’s Innovation Economy Missions to Israel, the United Kingdom, and Brazil. Elizabeth also worked at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver where she provided large scale transportation management for Gameday Management Group.
Elizabeth is a graduate of Clemson University with a BS in Political Science. She also holds an MPA from Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School and a MS in Political Science with an International Relations specialization from Suffolk University.
Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation Staff
Lance Hartford, Executive Director
Lance Hartford is the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation and is responsible for achieving the mission of promoting and delivering quality biotechnology educational experiences in schools, the workplace and in the community. Prior to this position, he worked as an executive in the not-for-profit sector for over twenty years providing leadership and innovation as the Chief Operating Officer of the Massachusetts Bay Red Cross, Crittenton Hastings House and Harvard Hillel. He also served as a consultant to the sector in areas of strategic planning, organizational development and financial development. Lance serves on several not-for-profit boards and for several terms held the position of Treasurer of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts.
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Robert Ross, Senior Director, BioTeach Programs
Robert Ross is the Senior Director, BioTeach Programs for the Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation. In this position, Dr. Ross oversees programs aimed at developing opportunities in science education and interest among students in the life sciences particularly biotechnology.
Before joining the MassBioEd Foundation, Dr. Ross served seven years as the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Cape Cod Community College. Additionally he had served as chief academic and student affairs officer at Tunxis Community College in Connecticut and was Special Assistant to the President at the University of Rhode Island while an American Council on Education (A.C.E.) Fellow. Earlier he was a founding faculty member at Bunker Hill Community College serving in a variety of progressively responsible positions for 27 years.
Dr. Ross also serves as Executive Director of the New England College Council, a non-profit organization serving Associate Degree Granting Institutions across the six state area. He is a Professional Associate at the Gestalt International Study Center and a GISC Certified Coach. He serves as board chair of Fenway High School in Boston and is the former board chair of the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod, and the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies.
Ross received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, a Masters of Education degree in higher education administration and human relations, and a Doctorate of Education, all from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He is a licensed psychologist.
Email Bob Ross
Julie Deschenes, Director, Learning Center
Julie joined the 
MassBioEd Foundation as the Manager of the Learning Center in April 2011. With 17 years of trade association experience she brings with her an extensive knowledge base in public affairs, workforce development education and training, coalition building, and e-learning programs acquired during her tenure at the municipal association, and at the home care and banking trade associations, respectively.
Julie is a graduate of MCLA, and has a Master’s in Public Administration from Suffolk University. She enjoys participating in community activities such as fundraising for local charities, volunteering on municipal committees and councils. Julie’s interests include yoga, running, and keeping up with her two children’s numerous activities.
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Larissa Fawkner, Director of Corporate and Community Relations
Larissa is the Director of Corporate and Community Relations for the Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation. In this position, she directs the Foundation’s partner engagement, fundraising, and external relations. These functions fulfill the mission to support the biotechnology industry’s growing need for a skilled, educated workforce. Larissa has a diverse career in external relations and has directed strategic stakeholder engagement in both the private and nonprofit sectors. Most recently, she managed community relations for the Boston Globe and the Boston Globe Foundation. Larissa’s early career was dedicated to STEM education in the informal science environment. She graduated with a BA from Syracuse University, holds a Professional Certificated from the Boston College Carroll School of Management’s Center for Corporate Citizenship, and has been nominated as 2014 Fellow by the University of Massachusetts-Boston Center for the Collaborative Leadership Emerging Leaders Program. Larisssa and her husband live on Boston’s south shore.
Nadia Prokofieva, Program Coordinator
Nadia joined the MassBioEd Foundation in July 2012 as a Program Coordinator. Prior to joining the team, Nadia worked as a Project Associate at the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research at the City University of New York. While there, her work focused on the coordination of special research projects supporting the research mission of the University.
Nadia has lived and traveled abroad extensively and considers herself to be a citizen of the world. A graduate of the University of Eastern Finland, Nadia earned her B.A. and M.A. in Social Sciences, majoring in Human Geography and minoring in Public Policy and Environmental Science. She also holds a fundraising certificate from New York University. In her spare time, Nadia is a keen photographer and enjoys reading, biking, cooking, and spending time with her husband and their two cats.
Alice Rushforth, Director, Biotechnology Education Programs
Alice Rushforth joined the MassBioEd team in January 2013 as the Director of Biotechnology Education Programs. She comes to the organization with extensive research experience in both academia and industry. She taught a range of undergraduate biology courses at MIT, including research-intensive laboratory courses, and has been involved with K-12 science outreach and education programs for over ten years. Most recently, Alice served as Managing Director for the NSF-funded Science and Technology Center on Emergent Behaviors of Integrated Cellular Systems at MIT. She holds a BA in Biology from Earlham College and a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In her position as Director of Biotechnology Education Programs at MassBioEd, Alice is looking forward to working closely with Massachusetts schools and teachers to improve science literacy and encourage student interest in biotechnology.
Also see our Board of Directors.
About MassBio
MassBio is a not-for-profit organization committed to advancing the development of critical new science, technology and medicines that benefit people worldwide.
Founded in 1985, MassBio represents over 600 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, research hospitals, and service organizations involved in life sciences and health care, and works to advance policy and promote education, while providing member programs and events, industry information, and services.
Latest Updates
- May 8, 2013 MassBio Recognizes Marlborough as a Major Massachusetts Life Sciences Hub: City Biz List - 5/6/2013
- May 8, 2013 Marlborough commended as tech hub: MetroWest Daily News - 5/7/2013
- May 6, 2013 MassBio Recognizes Marlborough as a Major Life Sciences Hub in Massachusetts: PR.com - 5/5/2013
- May 6, 2013 Elections may have big impact on tech, biotech: Boston Globe - 5/5/2013
- May 6, 2013 Life Sciences Boom Prompts Expansion For Franklin Firm: Worcester Businness Journal - 5/1/2013