The Life Sciences Greenhouse of Central PA Announces Change in Leadership
President and CEO Mel Billingsley, PhD, Retiring after 20 Years at Helm
Harrisburg, PA ̶ March 24, 2022. The Life Sciences Greenhouse of Central Pennsylvania (www.LSGPA.com) announced today the retirement of CEO and President, Mel Billingsley, Ph.D. Billingsley led the life sciences-focused investment fund headquartered in Harrisburg, PA, since its founding in 2002.
During Billingsley’s tenure LSGPA invested $37 million into 72 companies and projects. Collectively, these entities have attracted $736 million in follow-on funding and led to the creation or retention of 1770 jobs in the Commonwealth. LSGPA also help fund and develop several business incubators in Central Pennsylvania.
“There was no model for a public-private, life sciences-focused fund of this type back in 2002,” said Thomas A. Penn, Chair of LSGPA’s Board of Directors. “Mel proved to be an outstanding leader and leaves the Greenhouse well positioned to support a new generation of healthcare startups.”
Billingsley is succeeded by Michele Washko, MA, MBA, who brings to the organization more than 25 years’ experience in the life sciences industry, including serving as VP Strategic Services for LSGPA from 2005-2015. Washko also worked at Merck & Co., Inc., in new product launches and for Geisinger Health System in its Institute for Advanced Application. In 2017 she founded Life Science Innovations, a boutique consulting firm specializing in innovation and commercialization of healthcare technologies.
“In addition to deep industry expertise,” said Billingsley, “Michele brings to this role a passion for working with entrepreneurs and a demonstrated commitment to growing the life sciences in Pennsylvania.”
Billingsley noted that he looks forward to continuing to contribute to the advancement of the life sciences field through continued service on the LSGPA Board of Directors.
About LSGPA
The Life Sciences Greenhouse of Central Pennsylvania speeds commercialization of life sciences technologies through early stage investment and business development services. Initial funding was provided by proceeds of the Master Tobacco Settlement Act. To learn more about the organization’s investment philosophy or to download application guidelines visit www.LSGPA.com.
