UofM's Ted Townsend Appointed Chairman of Life Science Tennessee Board

Townsend, formerly at Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Brings Deep Experience to Role

May 10, 2018 - Ted Townsend, Chief Economic Development and Government Relations Officer for the University of Memphis, has been appointed board chairman of Life Science Tennessee. Townsend replaces Josh Brown, who accepted a new position at Pfizer as the National Vice President for U.S. Government Relations based in New York.

Life Science Tennessee is a statewide member organization whose mission is to advance and grow the life science industry in Tennessee.

"I look forward to bringing my experience starting a biotech company and promoting economic development with the state to Life Science Tennessee during a time of great opportunity," said Townsend. "I want to thank Josh for his service to this organization and the leadership and staff who are working to elevate the life sciences in our state.

"Through advocacy and mentorship, as well as continued partnerships with our nationally-renowned research institutions such as Vanderbilt University and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, we can bring new technologies, new jobs and life-saving innovations in health care to Tennesseans."

Townsend has served on the Life Science Tennessee board of directors for six years. Prior to his position at the UofM, he spent seven years at the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD), with nearly half of that term as Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer.

While at ECD, Townsend managed the $200 million state economic development incentive and operational budget, assisted in procurement of more than $40 million in federal grants for community development projects and developed legislative policy.

Townsend is also the co-founder of the Memphis-based arGentis Pharmaceuticals, a diversified growth stage biopharmaceutical company acquiring a portfolio of assets already in clinical development for autoimmune and ophthalmic disorders.

More than 40,000 people work in life science companies, research institutions and economic development organizations throughout Tennessee. Life Science Tennessee focuses on expanding the life science industry in the state through education and networking, including through its annual conference LST|CON, economic development and advocacy at both the state and federal level.

CONTACT

Chuck Gallina | 901.678.1756 l cgallina@memphis.edu