In the world of life science, connection is the key to discovery. Biocom is proud to highlight organizations on their membership anniversaries who have joined in our mission to create a more connected, more collaborative industry in California. Their stories are our story, and we look forward to many more years of shaping the future of life science together to change the world for the better.

Please briefly describe your company, its mission, and your role.

The purpose of the Assurance practice at Ernst & Young LLP (EY) is to inspire confidence and trust to help build a better working world. We do so by protecting and serving the public interest, promoting transparency, supporting investor confidence and economic growth, and nurturing talent to provide future business leaders for the global marketplace.

This translates to a service offering for our clients that supports them in building stakeholders’ confidence and trust, managing regulatory responsibilities, and driving long-term, sustainable growth.

As the leader of our Life Science practice in San Diego, I am proud of the over 20 partners and managing directors dedicated to serving the local life science community and providing high assurance, tax, strategy, transaction and consulting services. In addition, we work closely with the global network of EY offices focused on the industry.

Tell us your favorite way of getting involved with Biocom

I have been on the board of directors of Biocom and the Finance committee for over a decade, and it has been a valuable experience in my personal and professional growth. The breadth of the experiences of the board members and their willingness to openly contribute to the success of the CA biotech industry is astonishing. In addition, I have been impressed by Biocom’s response to economic challenges in the industry, where they have doubled down on driving value to its members by focusing on key challenges and being a leader in finding solutions. The economic and social upheaval arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and social justice movements is causing companies to re-prioritize certain aspects of corporate strategy at all levels. I am especially proud of the significant contributions and progress made by the members of the Return to Work and Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness committees. I take pride in thinking that having contributed my talents to the financial focus of Biocom may have contributed in a small way.

Where do you see your company or industry going in the next decade? What excites you about the future?

While San Diego’s life science community has grown significantly over the past decade, we are still a community driven by the entrepreneurial spirit. A vast majority of our businesses are startups that are still driving toward commercial success. At EY, we help support entrepreneurs through every step of their growth journey to becoming the leaders of tomorrow.

I think the way in which the biotech community has stepped up during this pandemic is a beacon to the future of the industry. My hope is that through committed efforts in DEI and STEM, two key focus areas for Biocom, the industry will bring a wealth of previously untapped talent to science and those new faces will solve issues not yet addressed, or maybe not even yet faced — that is what excites me.