Leadership Team
Damon Cox
Interim President and CEO
Damon Cox
Interim President and CEO
Damon Cox is serving as Interim President & CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, an economic development and investment agency dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the life sciences in Massachusetts. He directs and oversees the center’s operations, investment strategy, programs, and partnerships.
Mr. Cox also serves as the Assistant Secretary for Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In this role he works closely with the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and MassVentures to implement and execute innovation strategies for the commonwealth. Cox also served as co-chair of the MLSC Board of Directors as Secretary Kennealy’s designee between 2018 and 2019.
Before joining the Baker-Polito administration in 2018, Cox oversaw The Boston Foundation’s economic development portfolio of investments in workforce development, innovation, and economic mobility, where he steered capital and support to women and underrepresented minorities starting businesses. During this time he established the Business Equity Fund in collaboration with Eastern Bank and the Business Equity Initiative. In addition, he led a joint effort with MassChallenge, to increase participant diversity, resulting in 30 women- and minority-led start-ups completing rigorous business training and mentorship. Cox earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of North Florida.
Jennifer Griffin, Ph.D.
Vice President, Industry Strategy and Investments
Jennifer Griffin, Ph.D.
Vice President, Industry Strategy and Investments
Jennifer joined the MLSC in September of 2017 as the Vice President, Industry Strategy and Investments. In her role, she develops and manages the investment strategy for initiatives and partnerships with the life sciences industry, including private, public, and nonprofit stakeholders, in order to support the needs of the Commonwealth’s life sciences ecosystem. Prior to joining the MLSC Jennifer spent time in both the academic and private sectors of the industry. She began her career in technology licensing as an Associate Licensing Officer at MIT’s Technology Licensing Office where she worked alongside faculty, researchers, investors, and entrepreneurs to commercialize early-stage life science technologies.
Most recently, as a Sr. Consultant with Back Bay Life Science Advisors, Jennifer provided a variety of strategic advisory services to private and publicly-traded biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device clients. Jennifer is a proud Massachusetts native having received degrees from both UMass Amherst (BS, Microbiology) and UMass Medical School (Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences).
Beth Nicklas, Esq.
General Counsel and Vice President of Education and Workforce Partnerships
Beth Nicklas, Esq.
General Counsel and Vice President of Education and Workforce Partnerships
Beth Nicklas joined the MLSC in June of 2009. In her role as General Counsel and Vice President of Education and Workforce Partnerships, Beth serves as the principal legal adviser to the MLSC and manages the program development and implementation of all initiatives targeted at academic and workforce development organizations, including STEM education. Beth brings a diverse background of private and public sector experience to her position at the MLSC including six years working as a consultant for the federal government with the Cambridge-based firm of Industrial Economics. She graduated from Columbia University School of Law and holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard.
Cheryl Sadeli, CPA, CGMA
Vice President of Finance
Cheryl joined the Center in January 2015. In her role as the Vice President of Finance, Cheryl oversees the Center’s entire accounting and finance function. In addition to finance, accounting, and budgeting, Cheryl also manages the Center’s tax incentive program and serve as a Board Observer to the Accelerator Loan portfolio companies. Prior to joining the Center, Cheryl worked at Jobs for the Future, a Boston based national non-profit, and KPMG LLP. Cheryl received her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Computer Information Systems from Rhode Island College and her MBA from Bryant University. She is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and a Chartered Global Management Accountant. In her free time, Cheryl enjoys yoga, traveling and reading mysteries and historical fiction.
Sharon Tapper
Operations Director & Executive Assistant to the CEO
Sharon Tapper joined the MLSC in April 2017 in the role of Executive Assistant and Office Coordinator. Sharon’s responsibilities involve high-level, direct support to the CEO including scheduling, project work and internal/external coordination of group meetings. Sharon also supports the Center’s Board of Directors, Board Committees and Scientific Advisory Board. Prior to her work at the MLSC, Sharon was a Business Manager at a private law firm in Newton. Through her career she has worked in various Administrative, Accounting, and Office Management positions. Sharon holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Simmons College.
Martha A. Waldron
Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Martha Waldron joined MLSC in September of 2017 as Vice President of Marketing & Communications overseeing marketing, program communications, media relations, social media and government relations. She will work with Center leadership to set the strategic marketing direction, develop communications plans, and leverage partnerships to raise the Center’s profile and to advance its mission. Prior to this, Martha was at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs where she was awarded the Commonwealth Citation for Outstanding Performance in 2016. Previously she served in senior leadership roles at WGBH, Girl Scouts, American Lung Association, Beth Israel Hospital, and Benson Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at MGH. She was recognized by the Boston Business Journal as Chief Marketing Officer of the Year in 2011. Martha earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Regis College.
Staff Team
Shannon Ambrose
Finance & Business Systems Analyst
Shannon Ambrose joined the MLSC in May of 2019 as the Finance & Business Systems Analyst. Shannon will be responsible for the maintenance and general software configuration of our current systems i.e. CRM and Smart Simple, documenting system issue logs, resolving system problems, and developing reports. She will also be assisting us and playing a key role in the implementation of NetSuite ERP system and ongoing training. Prior to joining the MLSC, Shannon worked on implementing software solutions, most recently working on projects at Shire and Anika Therapeutics as Senior Financial Analyst.
Monica Anc
Manager of Industry Strategy and Investments
Monica Anc joined the MLSC in the spring of 2016 as a Senior Program Associate. In this role, Monica assists in the execution of the MLSC’s industry programs, which include initiating program launch, implementing application processes, and coordinating applications evaluation through peer and Scientific Advisory Board review processes. Prior to joining the MLSC, Monica worked as an Immigration Paralegal and held earlier roles in state and federal government. Monica graduated from Northeastern University with a Master of Arts degree in Political Science, where she was awarded a grant in connection with a Department of State internship in the Political and Economic Section of the U.S. Embassy in Budapest, Hungary. She enjoys learning photography, traveling, and playing soccer in her spare time.
Henrietta Binortsor
Office Administrator
Henrietta joined the MLSC in January 2020 as an Office Administrator. Her responsibilities include coordinating new employee on-boarding, planning and tracking inventory, and coordinating with vendors to maintain computer software and hardware licenses. Henrietta has worked across various industries including oil, finance, and the life sciences. Prior to joining the MLSC, she worked as an administrative assistant at Thermo Fisher Scientific where she analyzed survey responses to generate reports, assisted in webinar setup, and invitation distribution. Henrietta is a service woman in the United States Army Reserve. She received her bachelor’s in Sociology from the University of Ghana and is currently a graduate student at Northeastern University studying Project Management.
Meghan Gerardo
Senior Marketing Associate
Meghan Gerardo joined the MLSC in September 2018 as Senior Marketing Associate. In this role, Meghan manages the center’s web content and event partnerships. Prior to joining MLSC, Meghan worked as the Communications & Donor Relations Manager for the American Pharmacists Association. She also served as Foundation Manager for the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists previously. Meghan received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Keene State College.
Christopher Gilrein
Director of Business Development
Chris Gilrein joined MLSC in May of 2018. Chris is focused on exploring new economic development strategies for the Commonwealth’s diverse regions to take advantage of the Center’s programs and opportunities to fully participate in and contribute to the economic competitiveness of the life sciences ecosystem. Prior to joining the Center, Chris spent several years working in the state legislature, first as a Legislative Director and ultimately as Chief of Staff to former Senator Benjamin Downing. Most recently he served as Policy and Regulatory Manager for a community solar company, developing legislation and representing the company’s interests in state capitals throughout New England. A lifelong Massachusetts resident and proud “Double Beacon”, Chris earned both a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Boston.
Nancy T. Goryl
Senior Grants Analyst
Nancy Goryl joined the MLSC in January 2014 as Staff Accountant & Programmatic Compliance Associate. In this role, Nancy’s primary responsibility is the collection, tracking and maintenance of documentation and financial information in compliance with grant agreements. She supports the Vice President of Finance and the Senior Financial Analyst with daily internal finance operations. Her previous position was at IMN, a digital marketing company in Waltham, MA. She has a B.A. from Connecticut College and a Certificate in Accountancy from Bentley University. Nancy’s hobbies include creating and viewing art, hiking and volunteering for animal causes.
Ryan H. Mudawar
Senior Director, Education and Workforce Partnerships
Ryan Mudawar joined the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) in 2009. As Senior Director, Education and Workforce Partnerships, he oversees the MLSC’s STEM education and workforce development programs and initiatives. Most notably, he has managed the MLSC’s Internship Challenge, a program that has created more than 4,000 internships for college students with over 750 companies, since its launch in 2009. The success of the program has led to the creation of the High School Apprenticeship Challenge, which sponsors internships and lab training programs for over 100 high school students annually. He also administers equipment and professional development grants to public high schools and middle schools, capital grants for colleges, and industry-matched grants for research institutions.
Ryan currently serves on the MassBioEd Skills Advisory Group, MetroWest STEM Education Network Executive Committee, Boston & Metro North STEM Network Leadership Committee, Dearborn Industry Advisory Council, MassBay Biotech Advisory Board, and the EBHS CTE Pathway Advisory Board.
Prior to joining the MLSC, Ryan worked at several at non-profit organizations throughout Greater Boston. He received his Master’s in International Relations in 2007 from Suffolk University and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2005. Ryan is a Massachusetts native, hailing from Springfield.
Ciara Murphy
Finance Manager
Ciara Murphy joined the MLSC in February 2017 as a Senior Staff Accountant. In her role as Finance Manager, she assists the Vice President of Finance in overseeing the Center’s accounting, finance, and budgeting functions . Ciara supports the administration of the Capital, Accelerator Loan and Tax Incentive Programs. She also serves as a Board Observer to Accelerator Loan portfolio companies . Prior to her work at the MLSC, Ciara was an Audit Manager at a public accountancy firm in Limerick, Ireland. Ciara holds a BBS in Accounting and Finance from the University of Limerick and received her professional accountant qualification and license from Chartered Accountants Ireland. She enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Cheryl Purnell
Senior Education & Workforce Associate
Cheryl Purnell joined the MLSC in 2015 in the role of Program Associate. She supports all aspects of the Academic and Workforce Development Program, Internship Challenge and STEM programs and represents MLSC at job fairs and meetings. Prior to joining MLSC, Cheryl worked in the Wellesley, MA school system, most recently in the Middle School special education department. Cheryl holds a Bachelor’s degree in Corporate Systems from Boston College. She enjoys cooking/nutrition, needle crafts, and spending time with family and friends.
Carla Reimold, Ph.D.
Director of Industry Strategy and Investments
Carla joined the MLSC in April of 2018 as the Director of Industry Programs. In her role, she develops and manages the investment strategy for several initiatives with the life sciences industry, including private, public, and nonprofit stakeholders, in order to support the needs of the Commonwealth’s life sciences ecosystem. Prior to joining the MLSC, Carla was the recipient of a NIH F32 NRSA fellowship to support her postdoctoral research at Boston Children’s Hospital, as well as a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program recipient which supported her graduate research.
Most recently, as Principal, Technology Development Fund (TDF) at Boston Children’s Hospital, Carla coordinated the TDF funding cycles and proposal evaluations, served as a project manager for funded technologies, and negotiated agreements with contract research organizations and external collaborators. Carla received her Bachelor of Science in biological and agricultural engineering from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA. She earned a PhD in biomedical engineering from the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Carla has authored and co-authored 16 peer-reviewed publications in the fields of tissue engineering and wound repair.
Joseph P. Sullivan
Director of Public Affairs and Communications
Joe Sullivan joined the MLSC in January 2018 as Public Affairs Manager. Joe helps oversee the development and implementation of the MLSC’s government relations and communications strategies, which aim to raise the profile of the Center and support the life science industry across the Massachusetts ecosystem. He also serves as a primary contact for elected officials on the local, state, federal, and international levels. Prior to his current role, Joe served as Communications Strategist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Previously he worked in the public affairs department for the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth and as a legislative aide for former state Sen. Stephen M. Brewer. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Northeastern University. Joe enjoys keeping up with current events, finishing dead last in marathon distance and trail/adventure races, and spending time with his family and friends.
Annie Walsh
Senior Program Associate
Annie Walsh joined the MLSC in 2017 and currently serves as a Program Associate on the Industry and Academic & Workforce Development teams. In this role, she aids in the management and execution of grant programs. In addition, she performs research and analysis for program implementation and metrics. Prior to joining the MLSC, Annie was a Laboratory Technician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and a Medical Records Clerk at Capital Care Medical Group. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Northeastern University. Annie’s hobbies include knitting, doing puzzles, and playing board games with friends.
MLSC Team
Meet the dedicated staff committed to supporting the growth and development of the life sciences with innovative programs.
Board of Directors
Meet the Board of Directors responsible for the financial health of the agency and its investment in life sciences economic and workforce development.
Advisory Committees
Learn more about the Biomanufacturing Advisory Panel, the MassNextGen Executive Coaches, and the Data Science Review Panel.