Nominations are now open for the prestigious 2024 Iowa Biotech Leader of the Year Award! We are currently accepting nominations from December 4, 2023, through January 12, 2024. The winner of this esteemed award will be announced and honored during the Iowa Biotech Showcase and Conference (IBSC) on February 28 in Ankeny, Iowa.

Ideal candidates for this award are individuals who exemplify outstanding leadership, consistently introduce innovative biotechnology products and services to the market, and actively advocate for the advancement of Iowa's biotech industry.

Leadership: Recognize an individual who plays a pivotal role in their organization and industry, demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities.

Innovation: Acknowledge someone who consistently brings groundbreaking biotechnology products and services to the forefront of the market.

Advocacy: Celebrate those who effectively collaborate with business and public policy leaders to promote and propel the biotech industry in Iowa.

The Iowa Biotech Leader Award aims to honor exceptional individuals who have shown leadership within their organizations and the industry, consistently delivered innovative biotech solutions, and actively advocated for Iowa's biotechnology sector.

Past honorees include:

• 2023: Jill Zullo, Global Managing Director of Bio-Intermediaries at Cargill Bioindustrial
• 2022: Heidi Nebel, Managing Partner of MVS, and Chris Nelson, CEO of Kemin
• 2021: Corteva Agriscience COVID-19 Diagnostic Project Leaders
• 2020: Dr. Todd Krone, Co-Founder & CEO of PowerPollen
• 2019: Dr. Michael Abramoff, CEO & Founder of IDx
• 2018: Robert G. Riley Jr., Owner of Corn Oil One
• 2017: Dr. John Swart, CEO & President of Exempler Genetics

The 2024 recipient will be selected by a committee comprising of individuals with significant roles in Iowa's biotechnology industry.

If you have any questions about the award or the selection process, feel free to reach out to Jessica Hyland at jessica@iowabio.org. Don't miss this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the trailblazers shaping the future of Iowa's biotech landscape!