Two Baltimore Business Leaders are BioHealth Innovation, Inc.'s Newest Board Members

ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- BioHealth Innovation, Inc. (BHI), a regional private-public partnership focusing on commercializing market-relevant biohealth innovations and increasing access to early-stage funding in Central Maryland, announced today the appointment to its Board of Directors of two Baltimore-based business leaders: M&T Bank Corporation Senior Vice President/Regional President Baltimore Scott E. Dagenais and Ernst & Young's Baltimore Office Managing Partner Jay S. Ridder.

"As the first Central Maryland intermediary created to connect Baltimore's strengths in university and hospital biohealth research with the bioscience industry and federal lab assets in Montgomery County, it is important for the BHI Board to have leadership and representation from both parts of our region," said Scott Carmer, BioHealth Innovation, Inc. Chairman of the Board and MedImmune Executive Vice President of Commercial Operations. "I am pleased to welcome Scott and Jay to the BHI Board.  They will both bring valued expertise from the Baltimore community and also provide depth in commercial banking and accounting experience."

About Scott E. Dagenais

As Senior Vice President and Regional President Baltimore for M&T Bank Corporation, Mr. Dagenais is responsible for five Specialty Business lines within the Commercial Bank including Healthcare, Not-For-Profit Banking, Government Banking, Commercial Equipment Finance and Financial Institutions as well as for the Baltimore region as a whole.

Mr. Dagenais joined M&T Bank in 1985 in the Finance Department.  He previously served as Controller and as Regional President in both New York State and Pennsylvania. Prior to joining M&T Bank Corporation, Mr. Dagenais worked with Peat, Marwick & Mitchell, CPAs from 1978 to 1985.

Mr. Dagenais received his B.B.A. from the Western Michigan University with a major in Accounting. He is a Board Member, Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and Misericordia University, Dallas, PA.

"It's an honor for me to join the BHI Board," said Mr. Dagenais. "I look forward to helping foster innovation and entrepreneurship in Maryland. Supporting the growth and success of businesses in the community is a core part of M&T's philosophy."

About Jay S. Ridder

Mr. Ridder is Ernst & Young's Baltimore Office Managing Partner. A 20-year veteran with Ernst & Young LLP, he is responsible for all of the Baltimore office's resources, including oversight of the firm's assurance, advisory, tax and transaction services.

Mr. Ridder previously served as the Baltimore office Assurance Leader, the East Central Region Insurance Industry Leader and as Ernst & Young LLP National Managed Care Leader. His extensive client experience includes providing assurance, advisory, and transaction services to life and health insurance, property casualty, managed care and asset management companies.

Mr. Ridder received his Bachelor's degree in Accountancy from Franklin & Marshall College. He is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.

"I am eager to join the Board of Directors at BioHealth Innovation. Their mission of turning Central Maryland into a leading biohealth entrepreneurial and commercialization region is critical for our business community," said Mr. Ridder. "Ernst & Young is committed to supporting growth, innovation and entrepreneurship here in Maryland and around the globe, and I look forward to working with the incredible entrepreneurial support network at BioHealth Innovation."

About BioHealth Innovation, Inc.

BioHealth Innovation, Inc., is a regional innovation intermediary focused on commercializing market-relevant bio-health innovations and increasing access to early-stage funding in Maryland. Learn more at www.biohealthinnovation.org.

SOURCE BioHealth Innovation, Inc.