Kelly Slone: elevating the life sciences in Utah.

AuthorWhitesides, Hilary Ingoldsby
PositionAround Utah - Interview

After a successful career in Washington D.C., Kelly Slone never expected to find the perfect job back home in Utah. When it started its search, BioUtah never expected find a president and CEO with Slone's level of expertise. For both sides it seems to be a perfect--if unexpected--match.

After working in Washington D.C. for so long, what drew you to this position?

I grew up in Utah and my whole family is here. When I was in college I was able to get an internship in Washington for three months, and it turned into 32 years. I never ever thought I'd have a career in Washington D.C., but I was very fortunate to have a great run.... When I heard about the BioUtah job I felt like I would be the perfect candidate considering my background. Representing Utah and the life science industry was a really enticing and exciting opportunity for me.

What initially attracted you to working in the life sciences industry?

My father was a sales rep for a pharmaceutical company so I grew up in the medical industry. I always felt passionate about the life sciences. After college I ended up having the opportunity to work for Senator Hatch, who was the chairman of the Senate Labor Committee at the time, and I started to learn about the policy side of things. Two years later, my direct boss went to work for the Department of Health and Human Services and asked me to go work with him, where we were able to do a lot of work with legislation. I was the liaison between that department and the White House. I ended up gaining a lot of background and experience in healthcare policy through those experiences.

How will your job experiences help you in your new role?

[Later in my career] I got a job with the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA). I was the first person hired to deal with life science venture capitalist issues and was able to create a foothold for life science policies and innovation. I worked with entrepreneurs and educated them about what was happening in Washington that...

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