New York Medical College becomes founding member of NY BioHud Valley
NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. (May 3, 2012) – One of the nation’s leading public health experts has joined the board of directors of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. (HVEDC).
Dr. Robert W. Amler, who serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs and Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Practice at New York Medical College, previously served as Regional Health Administrator for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and has advised the U.S. Surgeon General and EPA Administrator on various scientific and policy issues. As Chief Medical Officer with the Centers for Disease Control’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, he conducted or directed over 100 research studies across a wide range of areas. He is currently overseeing development of a state-of-the-art research facility at New York Medical College that will soon be the Hudson Valley’s own biotechnology incubator.
In addition, New York Medical College has joined NY BioHud Valley, an organization that aims to enhance the biotechnology industry in the region. Founded in 1860, New York Medical College is one of the nation’s oldest and largest private health sciences universities, and a member of the Touro College and University System.
“I am very pleased to join the HVEDC Board and work closely with its affiliated organization, NY BioHud Valley,” said Dr. Amler. “We feel that there is a strong connection between these organizations and the work we are doing to develop the Biotech Incubator. I am looking forward to expanding the scope and recognition of the tremendous biotech industry right here in the Hudson Valley.”
The Biotech Incubator project at New York Medical College is one phase of a public-private enterprise initiative in biotechnology research, education, and new product development. Funded by New York State, U.S. Government and private institutional sources, it will be housed in a 122,000 square-foot facility dedicated to scientific progress in medical countermeasures, disaster preparedness, clinical training and other public health priorities. It will make the Hudson Valley a hub for this type of research, as well as provide about 140 full-time and 75 part-time jobs.
HVEDC created NY BioHud Valley to act as a partner to county, state and federal governments in fostering an environment that allows businesses in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries to expand, while also attracting new companies to the Hudson Valley. The organization also engages in pro-business advocacy designed to reduce legislative burdens, promotes collaboration between businesses and educational institutions and assists companies with access to venture capital.
“We are extremely fortunate to welcome Dr. Robert Amler to the board of directors of HVEDC, as well as name New York Medical College a founding member of NY BioHud Valley,” said Mike Oates, President and CEO of the HVEDC. “Dr. Amler has a proven track record in multidisciplinary collaborations. The biotech initiative he is shaping will become the keystone for a collaborative research corridor in our region. His expertise will be vital to the success of both organizations.”
“Dr. Amler’s personal passion for accelerating the growth of the Hudson Valley’s life sciences cluster is inspiring,” stated Westchester County’s Director of Economic Development, Larry Gottlieb. “He has been a key member of the BioHud Valley team right from the organization’s inception, so today’s announcement only solidifies his crucial role in bringing us to the next level of cluster development.”
Dr. Amler’s distinguished career also includes establishing the North American network of Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSUs), which has now expanded to four continents. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the Center for Disease Control’s Epidemic Intelligence Service.
About Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC): HVEDC represents seven counties in Hudson Valley. This public-private partnership markets the region as a prime business location to corporate executives, site selection consultants and real estate brokers. HVEDC also helped start the branding and promotional effort for NY BioHud Valley. For more information on Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation or to review available business sites, visit www.hvedc.com or call CEO Mike Oates at 845-220-2244.
