Georgia Life Sciences Board of Directors Update 2026

Georgia Life Sciences Announces New Board Members and Executive Committee Leadership

February 4, 2026. Georgia Life Sciences (GLS) is pleased to welcome five new leaders to its Board of Directors and announce its newly appointed Executive Committee, strengthening the organization’s leadership at a pivotal time for Georgia’s growing life sciences ecosystem.

 

New Board Members

  • Kenny Cordell, Senior Audit Manager, Crowe
  • Lori Chmura, CEO, Nyra Medical
  • Emily Dinu, Founding Partner, Numinous Capital
  • Courtney Law, Vice President, Life Sciences Commercial Banking, J.P. Morgan
  • Samir Patel, President & CEO, Moonlight Therapeutics

 

These new board members bring deep expertise across finance, investment, entrepreneurship, and life sciences innovation, reflecting the breadth and momentum of Georgia’s sector.

 

New Executive Committee

  • Dave Penake, Saol Therapeutics – Chair
  • Scott Rizzo, Bend Bioscience – Vice Chair
  • Wayne Elowe, Greenberg Traurig – Secretary
  • Nathan Caplinger, Avantor – Finance & Audit Committee
  • Ashley Cornelison, Portal Innovations – Governance & Nominating Committee

 

“This leadership team represents the strength, diversity, and ambition of Georgia’s life sciences community,” said Maria Thacker Goethe, President and CEO, Georgia Life Sciences. “Their collective experience will help guide GLS as we advance policies, partnerships, and programs that enable companies to start, scale, and stay in Georgia.”

 

Georgia Life Sciences looks forward to the contributions of its new board members and executive leadership as it continues to support innovation, workforce development, and economic growth across the state.

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