Georgia Bio Names Ashley Williams Haltom New VP of Government Affairs

Ashley Williams Haltom headshot

Atlanta, Georgia (December 11, 2020) – Georgia Bio, the state’s public policy and business solutions organization representing Georgia’s life sciences sector, announced an addition to its team hiring Ashley Williams Haltom as the Vice President of Government Affairs. In this role, she will provide expanded leadership in developing and implementing sound public policy strategies for Georgia Bio members and strengthen the voice of life sciences in the state.

“At this critical juncture, life sciences play a more prominent role than at any point in recent history. My top priority is to provide information and resources to policymakers on Georgia’s life sciences ecosystem and the important role that it plays in our state,” said Mrs. Haltom.

As Georgia’s biotechnology, medical device, agbio, and digital health communities continue to grow, the addition of Mrs. Haltom bolsters the organization’s government relations activities. Those activities seek to drive solution-oriented public policies and advocacy that support life sciences research, investment and innovation in the state.

Mrs. Haltom has almost a decade of experience working in politics and government, serving in roles with then-Governor Deal’s Office of Workforce Development, the Georgia House of Representatives, and state and federal campaigns. Most recently, she served as the Communications Director and Staff Lobbyist for a statewide trade association. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in International Affairs.

“This role, with ongoing support from our lobbyist Cornerstone Government Affairs, will deepen our relationship with policymakers,” said Maria Thacker Goethe, Georgia Bio’s president and CEO. “Ashley will enhance awareness at the state level for the contributions our life sciences sector and member companies make to Georgia’s economy and improvements in patient care. I am delighted to welcome her to Georgia Bio.”

About Georgia Bio

Georgia Bio ( www.gabio.org ) is the state’s private, non-profit life sciences association. Members include pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies, medical centers, universities and research institutes, government groups and other business organizations involved in the development of life sciences related products and services.

Media Contact:
Kristina Forbes
404-920-2043
kforbes@gabio.org

September 11, 2025
Members are invited to join G2G’s Monthly GBG Reporting Service Webinar on September 18, 2025 . The first portion ( 12:00–12:30 PM ET ) is free and open to all, offering a high-level overview of current federal funding trends. The second half ( 12:30–1:00 PM ET ) is a premium consultation available only to Georgia Life Sciences members, offering direct access to G2G’s expert team—who have helped secure over $550 million in non-dilutive government funding since 2007. Register here: https://www.g2gconsulting.com/event/non-dilutive-funding-g2gs-monthly-gbg-reporting-service-webinar-14-3/2025-09-18/ Key opportunities this month include DARPA’s Expedited Research Innovation System for CBRN threat defense technologies, BARDA’s I-CREATE diagnostic funding and VANGUARD biomanufacturing tools development (each offering up to $200,000), NIAID tuberculosis and influenza research units (up to $1.5–$2.5 million annually), DoD’s $4 million Advanced Medical Monitor development through MTEC, and multiple SBIR opportunities for sensors and field-deployable diagnostics (up to $209,575 for Phase I awards). The September GBG report highlights 13 immunology and infectious disease opportunities, 10 cognitive and brain health programs, and several biotechnology and biomanufacturing initiatives across federal agencies including the Army, ARPA-H, BARDA, and NSF. Georgia Life Sciences members can access the complete 29-page report with detailed deadlines and eligibility requirements [insert link or portal instructions here]. GLS members can access the full 29-page report with deadlines and submission details by logging into your member portal.
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