About Us
Staff
INTERIM PRESIDENT
Lilia Holt is the Interim President at the Rhode Island Life Science Hub. With more than a decade of experience in financial services, economic development, and program coordination, she previously served as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the Rhode Island Life Science Hub and Vice President of Business Development at the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation.
Since the launch of the RI Life Science Hub in June 2023, Lilia has played a central leadership role in strategically advancing and scaling Rhode Island’s life sciences ecosystem in alignment with statewide economic development priorities. She has built and strengthened strategic partnerships across government, academic institutions, healthcare systems, and industry to advance scientific translation, clinical collaboration, and business expansion. She was instrumental in the development of Ocean State Labs, the state’s first life science incubator, and has led business attraction efforts to bring new life science companies and high-quality jobs to Rhode Island, including the expansion of Organogenesis. Lilia continues to design and implement programs to catalyze company growth milestones and strengthen workforce development initiatives statewide.
Holt holds an MBA from Simmons University and a BA in Sociology and Psychology from Suffolk University. A native Rhode Islander, she is a graduate of Classical High School in Providence, Rhode Island.
SENIOR GRANT PROGRAM MANAGER
Hailey Bathurst is the Senior Grant Program Manager at the Rhode Island Life Science Hub. With experience in economic development, public-sector funding, and innovation ecosystems, she manages the Hub’s portfolio of grant programs designed to support the growth and commercialization of life science companies in Rhode Island.
Since joining the Rhode Island Life Science Hub, Hailey has led the design, implementation, and management of funding programs. She works closely with founders, research institutions, and industry partners to translate scientific innovation into economic opportunity while overseeing the full lifecycle of the Hub’s grant portfolio, including program design, award management, compliance, and impact reporting.
Prior to joining the Hub, Hailey worked in blue technology at SeaAhead, where she led federally funded programs and partnerships to advance ocean and climate technology innovation. Her work included launching and managing an accelerator program in coastal Mississippi, working with startups, government partners, and industry stakeholders to scale ocean technology ventures. Earlier in her career, she worked with Social Enterprise Greenhouse in Rhode Island and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Namibia, where she developed entrepreneurship and economic development initiatives supporting local businesses and youth programs.
Hailey holds an M.A. in International Development and Policy from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and an M.S. in Political Science and Law from Roger Williams University.
Mission
The Rhode Island Life Science Hub's mission is to serve and grow the Rhode Island Life Science community, to act as an economic development organization and central coordinating entity for Life Sciences, to invest in business development opportunities that enhance the RI Life Sciences sector, to accelerate economic growth and job creation through the translation of scientific research and therapy development, to enable infrastructure and workforce development promoting economic prosperity and improved health for the region.
Vision
Our vision is to pioneer exponential growth of the Life Science industry in Rhode Island, inspiring innovative therapy development and transformative healthcare, establishing the state as a globally recognized Life Science leader.
Core Values
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Collaboration – Working together as a team to achieve common goals.
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Excellence – Striving for high standards and quality in all aspects of our work.
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Innovation – Embracing creativity and continuous improvement.
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Stakeholder Focus – Prioritizing stakeholder needs and delivering exceptional service.
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Respect – Valuing individuals and treating others with dignity and consideration.
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Empowerment – Supporting employees by providing opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership.
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Adaptability – Being flexible and resilient in responding to changes and challenges.
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Trust – Building and maintaining confidence in relationships with employees, stakeholders, and partners.
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Curious – Learn every day through constant questioning and exploration.
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Purposeful – To do everything with the highest level of thoughtfulness, preparation, and focus.
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Embrace Challenges – To approach every day with an underdog mentality and never be complacent.
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Empathetic – To be genuine and embrace others’ perspectives.
The Rhode Island Life Science Hub aims to strengthen the life science sector in the state and encourage collaboration and innovation among public, private, and academic institutions.
The Rhode Island Life Science Hub was established in 2023 to facilitate the growth of the state’s life sciences sector. This includes the development of medical advances and scientific breakthroughs with companies who specialize in the fields of medical devices, biomedical technology, medical therapeutic therapies, biogenetics, biomedical engineering, biopharmaceuticals, genomics and life sciences.
To make this vision a reality, Gov. Dan McKee appointed a Board of Directors that includes leaders in the sector representing industry, higher education and health care.
Board Members
PRESIDENT, BEACON BANK - CHAIR
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF COMMERCE - VICE CHAIR (EX-OFFICIO)
CHIEF VISIONARY OFFICER & GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, ALMONTE GROUP LLC - TREASURER
VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS, AMGEN RHODE ISLAND
DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, CITY OF PROVIDENCE (EX-OFFICIO)
CO-PRESIDENT & CEO, PRO-CHANGE BEHAVIOR SYSTEMS, INC.
PRESIDENT & CEO, BROWN UNIVERSITY HEALTH (EX-OFFICIO)
DEAN, WARREN ALPERT MEDICAL SCHOOL, BROWN UNIVERSITY (EX-OFFICIO
PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND (EX-OFFICIO)
PROVOST, PROFESSOR OF ENGINEERING, BROWN UNIVERSITY (EX-OFFICIO)
FORMER GENERAL SECRETARY-TREASURER, LABORERS' INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA (LIUNA)
VICE PRESIDENT, DEVICE AND TRANSLATIONAL ENGINEERING, VERTEX PHARMECEUTICALS
PRESIDENT & CEO, CARE NEW ENGLAND (EX-OFFICIO)- SECRETARY
PRESIDENT, RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE (EX-OFFICIO)