Missouri Biotechnology Association Board of Directors - 2012

Kelly Gillespie, Executive Director, Missouri Biotechnology Association

Kelly Gillespie has served as Executive Director of the Missouri Biotechnology Association (MOBIO) since June, 2005. MOBIO is a statewide nonprofit trade association dedicated to development and growth of the Missouri biotechnology and biomedical industry, with an emphasis on state advocacy efforts benefitting the life sciences. Prior to his appointment as MOBIO's Executive Director, Gillespie was vice president of governmental affairs with the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. At the state chamber, he served as the group's head lobbyist and oversaw the legislative and political initiatives of Missouri's business and employer community.

At MOBIO, Gillespie advocates for public policies that support the state's building of its research capacity, the enhanced development of a highly educated work force, and policies that promote a positive environment for creating, attracting, and retaining life sciences business growth in Missouri. His work is to coordinate the statewide collaboration necessary between the academic and research institutions as well as the private life science companies that share the common vision of making biotechnology a preeminent economic force in Missouri.

MOBIO is the designated state affiliate of the Biotechnology Industry Organization. Gillespie is active in the Council of State Bioscience Associations, serving on the CSBA executive committee for the past four years. Through May 2011, Gillespie has been elected by his counterparts in other states to serve as national Chairman of CSBA.

Prior to joining the Missouri Chamber in 1998, Gillespie served as director of annual funds for the Southwest Missouri State University Foundation in Springfield. A native of Kansas City, Gillespie earned his bachelor degree in political science from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Gillespie and his wife, Diane, and their daughter, Sarah, reside in Jefferson City.

www.mobio.org