Enriching Minnesota’s Future Through The Biosciences
Staff
Staff Biographies
Jeremy Lenz, Vice President of Operations
Jeremy Lenz is the original staff person for the BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota since the organization was founded in 2005. His role is to lead the BioBusiness Alliance’s next statewide collaborative project, Destination 2025, a strategic planning process to help give clarity to the investments that are needed for Minnesota to sustain a long term competitive position in bioscience-based industry.
Prior to joining the BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota, Jeremy worked in economic development for eight years in governmental and non-profit agencies including the City of Saint Paul, Phalen Corridor Initiative and the East Side Neighborhood Development Corporation. He is a 2006 recipient of the American Marshall Memorial Fellowship from the German Marshall Fund.
Alan Spillers, Director of Development
Alan Spillers joined the organization in January, 2008. He is responsible for securing the funds to support the BioBusiness Alliance’s mission and vision. Alan’s 35 years of experience in the non-profit sector includes a strong background in program development, executive staff leadership, board and fund development. Prior to joining the Alliance, he served as the Capital Campaign Director for the YMCA of Metropolitan Minneapolis. Alan has an undergraduate degree in Communications and American History, and a Masters in Communications from Arizona State University.
Rebekah Kent, Senior Program Manager
Rebekah (“Bekah”) Kent joined the organization in January, 2007. She is the point person for the BioBusiness Resource Network, which supports companies and develops biobusiness infrastructure in the state.
Bekah has a degree in Political Science and Psychology along with a joint degree in Law and Health Services Research and Policy from the University of Minnesota. She came to us from Anglia Ruskin University in England where she taught public health and social policy. Prior to then, she was with Halleland Consulting at Halleland Lewis Nilan & Johnson.
Gregg Mast, Senior Program Manager
Gregg has been with the BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota since January, 2008. He is responsible for convening and leading diverse stakeholder groups to develop a long-term strategic direction for Minnesota in the subject areas of renewable energy, biomaterials and food products for Destination 2025. In his role, he also leads and supports statewide capacity building projects, including company recruitment.
Gregg brings a background in green entrepreneurship to the organization, having successfully founded and led Earthtech Energy, an agricultural biomass pellet fuel company. He has also worked in various corporate finance capacities throughout his career, most recently, at Allianz Life, a U.S. subsidiary of Allianz SE.
Amy Johnson, Senior Manager: Public Relations, Communications and Outreach
Amy Johnson joined the organization in August, 2006. She is currently responsible for managing the organization’s communications and outreach activities. Through 2007 she served as the project leader for the renewable energy analysis team for Destination 2025. Amy has a degree in Biology and Environmental Studies from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. She received a Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in Environmental Law and Policy from the University of Colorado at Denver. Her work experience is primarily in the government sector. She served as a Public Affairs Specialist for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in Minneapolis for almost five years. Amy also worked for the U.S. Department of the Interior and the State Department in Washington D.C., and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Colorado.
Melissa Kjolsing, Communications Assistant
Melissa joined the organization in January, 2008. Her responsibilities include assisting with a broad range of communications and related activities as well as print and online design, production development and promotion. She received her degree in Mass Communications and Women’s Studies from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Susan Melton, Administrative Assistant
Susan Melton joined the BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota in September, 2007 as our Administrative Assistant. She has extensive experience in all areas of office management and support. She has worked in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Susan worked as an office manager for over six years for a cellular sales company, and most recently served as assistant to the Executive Director of Washburn Child Guidance Center, a children’s mental health agency. Susan’s well-rounded background is a welcome addition to our team.