SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — MD4 Utah and the Intermountain Biomedical Association (IBA) today announced joint plans to merge into Utah‘s new, independent life science association. The merger decision follows unanimous votes of approval by the boards of directors of both IBA and MD4 Utah.

The two organizations will also provide key leaders for the new association’s transition team, including:

• Kimball Thomson, current executive director of MD4 Utah, who will lead the transition team and serve as President and CEO of the new association
• Peter Knauer, current chairman of the board of IBA, will serve as VP of Operations for the transition team and the new association
• Ping Fong, Jr., IBA co-founder, board member and past chairman, will serve as VP of Strategic Initiatives
• Michael Feldman, PhD, IBA board member, will serve as VP of Business Development
• Susannah Hutchins, Director of Administration and Special Projects, will serve in the same capacity for the new organization

The team will work in close collaboration with Suzanne Winters, PhD, Life Science Cluster Director for the State of Utah, who is leading the effort to execute the Utah Cluster Acceleration Partnership, the core strategic plan for the state’s life science sector.

“We are deeply honored to serve with the IBA team in this exciting new endeavor on behalf of Utah‘s life science community,” said Thomson. “For more than two decades, IBA has been an active, trusted champion providing Utah companies with insightful, relevant education and training in quality and regulatory affairs.”

“This merger represents a genuine opportunity to significantly expand the influence and legacy of IBA,” said Knauer. “We look forward to working together with the MD4 team, the State of Utah and other strategic partners to help drive the growth and development of Utah‘s life science industries.”

Utah‘s new life science association will be officially launched and named at the 2012 Utah Life Science Summit, presented by MD4 Utah, IBA, the AdvaMed Emerging Growth Company Council and the Utah Technology Council (UTC). The single-day, multi-track event will take place Thursday, November 8, 2012 at The Grand America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City.

Registration Information
To register and for more details, please visit www.md4utah.org/events-calendar/2012-md4-iba-summit/register-page-for-md4-summit-event/ or www.ibaut.com/events/2012-iba-md4-annual-summit/.

About MD4 Utah

MD4 Utah was created to help unify, catalyze, coordinate and consolidate activities and programs that will increase Utah‘s influence as a major epicenter in the global life science sector. The organization exists to increase the economic impact of Utah‘s life science sector/ industries by developing and disseminating information through a dynamic web portal, informative newsletters and events, and by supporting legislation and other key initiatives.

About IBA
The Intermountain Biomedical Association (IBA) is an association of Regulatory, Quality and Manufacturing professionals who seek to promote education, networking, and advocacy efforts in Utah‘s life science field. IBA has a 20-year track record of delivering on these efforts through its all-volunteer board.

To register for the event or for more information, visit http://md4utah.org/events-calendar/2012-md4-iba-summit/register-page-for-md4-summit-event/.

SOURCE MD4 Utah; IBA