Governor McKee Announces Additional Appointments to the Rhode Island Life Science Board
PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee today announced the appointments of Brian Britson, Dr. Kerry E. Evers, Ph.D., and Dr. Patrice M. Milos, Ph.D., to serve on the board of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub. These appointments fulfill the statutory requirement that the Governor appoint a senior executive of a Rhode Island-based life science company specializing in biomanufacturing; a representative of a president or senior executive of a Rhode Island-based life science company; and a representative from a life science trade association, respectively.
“Patrice, Brian, and Kerry are key leaders in the life sciences sector here in Rhode Island,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Creating good paying jobs in key growth sectors like the life science sector is one component of the Administration’s strategy to raise incomes in Rhode Island. These appointees bring a broad depth of experience that will help ensure that we solidify our position as a national leader in the life science sector for decades to come.”
Governor McKee has appointed, and the Rhode Island Senate confirmed Neil Steinberg to Chair this board.
“We are very fortunate to have a talented and committed board and I look forward to working with all of the members to build the Rhode Island Life Science Hub,” said Chairman Steinberg.
Earlier this week, in his State of the State address, Governor McKee announced that his FY 2025 budget proposal will ask the General Assembly to put on the November 2024 ballot the building of a new life science school at the University of Rhode through a bond referendum.
In November, Governor McKee appointed Armand Sabitoni and Ernie Almonte to the Rhode Island Life Science Hub board. These appointments fulfilled the statutory requirement that the Governor appoint a representative of organized labor and a member of the public who shall be a certified public accountant and a member of the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Created in the FY24 RI Ready budget, the Rhode Island Life Science Hub will be the central entity and coordinating organization of life science initiatives on behalf of the State of Rhode Island. In addition to this new public body, the FY24 budget also included Governor McKee’s proposal to invest $45 million in the life science sector for the development of much-needed wet lab incubator spaces and resources to grow this sector.
Dr. Kerry Evers is the co-President and CEO of ProChange Behavior Solutions, a nationally recognized behavior-change consulting firm and solutions provider that leverages a science-based approach to behavior change, empowering people to make life-changing breakthroughs.
Dr. Evers is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Rhode Island’s Kingston campus where she received her Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology in 1998. Her thought leadership has led to over $7 million of NIH-funded research and has served on various boards and committees throughout her career. In 2023, she was named one of the Most Influential Women Leaders in Health Promotion by the American Journal of Health Promotion.
“I am honored to be appointed to the board of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub. Rhode Island has a wealth of talent in the life sciences who are dedicated to furthering innovation and breakthroughs in their respective fields,” said Dr. Kerry Evers. “I look forward to working with Governor McKee, Chair Neil Steinberg, and other members of the board to further highlight and develop these resources to allow Rhode Island to become a national and international leader in this space.”
Dr. Patrice Milos is currently the Chair of the Board to RI Bio, the professional trade association and hub for the life sciences in the greater Rhode Island area. She has been a leader in innovative science and novel technologies to benefit human health throughout her career.
Her professional experience also includes active membership on boards of directors for ProThera Biologics, the Slater Technology Fund, SeqLL, Inc., and 54gene, and serves as a senior advisor to a number of early-stage life science companies.
“Today, the opportunities for patients offered across the broad discipline of life sciences have never been greater,” said Dr. Patrice Milos. “I look forward to working with our RI life science companies, Neil Steinberg, fellow Board members, and our legislature to support the Rhode Island Life Science Hub, as collectively our community joins together to grow this innovative industry for our citizens, our state, and our region.”
Brian Britson has an extensive background in biotechnology, manufacturing, engineering, and project management. Britson has worked for one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies for more than 20 years and currently leads its Rhode Island location.
Additionally, he is an active member of the boards of directors for the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) and the Rhode Island Public Expenditures Council (RIPEC).
“I look forward to the opportunity to partner with the board to elevate the profile of the biotechnology industry in Rhode Island,” said Britson.
These appointments are in addition to appointments the Governor previously made and members of the Board who are in place by statute.
