Mike Guerra Named Chair of Council of State Bioscience Associations
California Life Sciences President & CEO to Lead National Coalition Representing America’s $3.2 Trillion Bioscience Industry
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA) today announced the appointment of Mike Guerra, President and Chief Executive Officer of California Life Sciences (CLS), as Chair for a two-year term. Guerra will lead the national coalition of state and territory-based life sciences trade associations representing the grassroots network of innovators, researchers, manufacturers, and accelerators driving America’s bioscience leadership.
Guerra’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the U.S. life sciences industry, which generated over $3.2 trillion in total economic impact in 2023 and supports hundreds of thousands of high-paying jobs nationwide. Under his leadership, CSBA will tackle critical challenges facing the sector at state, federal, and global levels, with a unified voice advocating for policies that strengthen America’s competitive edge.
“The bioscience ecosystem in America is unmatched anywhere in the world, but we face real threats to our leadership—from growing competition with China to the need for robust funding of basic research at universities, as well as sustained support for the entire innovation pipeline,” said Mike Guerra. “Working together through CSBA, state associations across the country will advance policies that ensure breakthrough treatments reach the patients who need them most.”
Guerra brings extensive leadership experience to the role. As CEO of California Life Sciences, he represents more than 1,300 member companies and has demonstrated the power and economic impact of California’s life sciences ecosystem—supporting more than 1 million jobs statewide, generating $392 billion in total economic output annually, and attracting nearly $20 billion in venture capital in 2024. His deep understanding of the innovation pipeline—from early-stage university research through small biotech startups navigating clinical trials to larger partners scaling breakthrough therapies—has made him a trusted voice when it comes to creating policies that accelerate treatments for rare diseases and advance transformative innovations like cell and gene therapies and CAR-T immunotherapies.
“Through his leadership of California Life Sciences and understanding of biotech innovation, Mike Guerra has demonstrated what’s possible when science, hope, and expertise come together in advocacy,” said John F. Crowley, President and CEO of BIO, which convenes CSBA.
“His vision for strengthening America’s bioscience ecosystem and its promise will be an invaluable asset to CSBA and the entire biotech industry.”
About Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA)
The Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA) is a coalition of independent state and territory-based non-profit trade associations, each of which advocates for public policies that support responsible development and delivery of innovative life-sustaining and life-saving biotechnology solutions. Convened by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), CSBA’s collective voice represents the true grassroots network of innovators, researchers, manufacturers, and accelerators across the country.
About California Life Sciences
California Life Sciences is the voice for more than 1,300 biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical technology companies, research institutions, and leading universities. The organization advances public policy that promotes innovation and improves access to transformative technologies while supporting California’s position as the global leader in life sciences. For more information, visit www.califesciences.org.
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