John Newby

John Newby, CEO of Virginia Bio

John Newby is the Chief Executive Officer of Virginia Bio, the statewide non-profit trade association for the life science industry in Virginia.123 He assumed this role in August 2019, stepping down from his previous position as Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.23

As CEO, Newby provides strategic direction and fosters member engagement for the association, which comprises over 300 companies, research institutions and affiliate members.1 Under his leadership, Virginia Bio's membership has grown by 33% in four years with a 90% retention rate.1

Newby has a diverse background, including13:

• Practicing corporate, intellectual property, and Hatch-Waxman biopharmaceutical law at international law firms and a multinational company
• Commanding an Air Force special operations unit supporting U.S. Army Special Forces groups and serving in Iraq as an aviator
• Serving as Deputy Secretary of Veterans & Defense Affairs in the Office of the Governor of Virginia
• Leading the Virginia Department of Veterans Services as Commissioner, overseeing an 850-personnel, 45-location state agency

He received a B.S. from the United States Air Force Academy with Military Distinction and a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.13

As CEO, Newby aims to promote innovation and growth in Virginia's life sciences ecosystem through strengthened networks, advocacy, capital investment, talent attraction, development, and retention.4 He is committed to advancing the next generation of leaders in the industry.4