BioNJ announced the election of its 2026 officers and board members during its 33rd Annual Dinner Meeting and Innovation Celebration on February 5. The event gathered hundreds of industry executives to recognize achievements, honor contributions, and foster networking within New Jersey’s life sciences sector.
Christopher Cozic, executive vice president and chief people officer at Genmab, was unanimously elected as chair by the BioNJ Board. He succeeds Emer Leahy, Ph.D., MBA, president and CEO of PsychoGenics, who now becomes immediate past chair. Other newly elected officers include Michael Schoen, senior vice president at BeOne Medicines as vice chair; Christopher Mortko, Ph.D., MBA, vice president at Merck Corporate Licensing as treasurer; and Susan L. Levinson, Ph.D., CEO of BioAegis Therapeutics as secretary.
Debbie Hart, president and CEO of BioNJ, expressed appreciation for Dr. Leahy’s leadership: “We are deeply grateful for Dr. Leahy’s stewardship and unwavering commitment to BioNJ over these past two years,” said Hart. “During her chairpersonship, she strengthened our voice, expanded our reach and championed innovation and Patient needs that drove tangible policy and legislative progress across New Jersey. Dr. Leahy’s contributions leave a lasting impact that will continue to benefit BioNJ, the life sciences community and, most importantly, Patients.”
Hart also commented on the transition in leadership: “We look forward to working with incoming Chair Chris Cozic to support our members during this pivotal time for the industry — one that demands unity, resilience and bold leadership to advance progress for Patients,” added Hart. “Christopher Cozic’s talent for inspiring others and building strong, mission‑driven teams will be invaluable as we work together to strengthen New Jersey’s life sciences ecosystem and advance our mission — to help our Members help Patients.”
Cozic shared his perspective on taking up the new role: “It’s an honor to serve as Chair of BioNJ, a community that represents the heart of New Jersey’s biotech and pharmaceutical industry,” said Cozic. “Working alongside the Board, the BioNJ Team, our members and partners across the State, I look forward to championing BioNJ’s strategic priorities, advancing the life sciences innovation ecosystem, supporting the creation and retention of high-quality jobs and strengthening collaboration across industry, government and academia. By bringing people together around shared goals, we can ensure New Jersey remains a global leader in life sciences innovation ― bringing new, life-saving medicines to Patients around the world.”
New board members elected include Mary Elizabeth Blake from Amicus Therapeutics; Kevin Hamill from Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine; Christine Kingsbury from Ascendis Pharma; Allyson McMillan-Youngblood from Acadia Pharmaceuticals; and Martin Whalen from Bristol Myers Squibb.
Board members Alexandra Gruener (Pfizer), Matthew B. Klein (PTC Therapeutics), and Robert Zamboldi (Novartis) were re-elected for another two-year term.
