The Georgia Research Alliance announces that it has named Russell Allen as the organization’s new President and CEO.

Russell joins GRA after serving as the president and CEO of Georgia Bio for the past five years. Georgia Bio is the state’s life science industry association, charged with promoting and advocating for the interests and growth of medical technology and biopharmaceutical companies.

Before Georgia Bio, Russell served as president and CEO of BioFlorida, Florida’s bioscience association. His earlier career in Georgia includes co-founding and leading a regional partnering and commercialization association, BioSouth, and serving as the first VP of Biosciences at the Metro Atlanta Chamber.

“We are excited to welcome Russell to GRA,” said Larry Gellerstedt, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Georgia Research Alliance. “He brings a wealth of expertise in the bioscience and technology sectors and has experience working together with corporations, universities, and government on a shared mission for growing Georgia’s economy.”

Early on in his career, Russell was a tech entrepreneur and launched one of the country’s first digital marketing and consulting firms, based in Atlanta. Subsequently, he created and led a marketing agency with a focus on healthcare and biotechnology. Recently, Russell partnered with healthcare leaders and the GRA to found the Bio/Med Investor Network, aimed at connecting early-stage biomedical and health innovation companies with angel investors. Russell currently serves as a director on numerous industry boards and advisory councils and served as chairman of the U.S. Council of State Bioscience Associations.

“Our universities are drivers of innovation and new startups,” said Russell Allen. “GRA has been a tremendous asset to our state for almost three decades; I look forward to carrying on its legacy and helping grow our innovation economy in Georgia.”