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John Newby
Experienced, results-driven CEO and Association professional
John Newby, CEO of Virginia Bio
John Newby is the Chief Executive Officer of Virginia Bio, the statewide non-profit trade association for the life science industry in Virginia.123 He assumed this role in August 2019, stepping down from his previous position as Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.23
As CEO, Newby provides strategic direction and fosters member engagement for the association, which comprises over 300 companies, research institutions and affiliate members.1 Under his leadership, Virginia Bio's membership has grown by 33% in four years with a 90% retention rate.1
Newby has a diverse background, including13:
- Practicing corporate, intellectual property, and Hatch-Waxman biopharmaceutical law at international law firms and a multinational company
- Commanding an Air Force special operations unit supporting U.S. Army Special Forces groups and serving in Iraq as an aviator
- Serving as Deputy Secretary of Veterans & Defense Affairs in the Office of the Governor of Virginia
- Leading the Virginia Department of Veterans Services as Commissioner, overseeing an 850-personnel, 45-location state agency
He received a B.S. from the United States Air Force Academy with Military Distinction and a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.13
As CEO, Newby aims to promote innovation and growth in Virginia's life sciences ecosystem through strengthened networks, advocacy, capital investment, talent attraction, development, and retention.4 He is committed to advancing the next generation of leaders in the industry.4
Highlights
Virginia Bio congratulates City of Roanoke, VA Mayor Sherman Lea, Sr. on the occasion of his final State of the City Address. After two decades of public service and two terms as Roanoke Mayor, Mayor Lea will leave a legacy of civic leadership in the Roanoke Valley, including his steadfast support for the continued growth of the biotechnology and healthcare economies across the region. Happy to see many friends of the biotech industry with us today, including Eric Sichau, President of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce; Marc Nelson, Director of Roanoke Economic Development; amy white of Virginia Western CC, Erin Burcham, President of VERGE, Mark Lawrence, VP of Governmental and External Affairs at Carilion Clinic, and Rebekah Gunn, Director of Government Relations at VT. #Innovation #collaboration #StarCity
Great things are happening in Roanoke! This morning John Newby visited with Aileen H., Director of Innovation at Carilion Clinic, and Hal Irvin, AVP of Health Sciences and Technology Outreach at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC. Received a great tour of Carilion's Center for Simulation, Research and Patient Safety, and Cariilion Innovation's new incubator space (under construction; opening Spring 2025). Our friends in Roanoke continue to show how collaborative Innovation grows a vibrant life science ecosystem!
