SCbio appoints first marketing director

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A former Nephron Pharmaceuticals communications expert is leading efforts to support South Carolina’s rapidly growing life sciences industry as the company’s first full-time marketing director.

After an exhaustive search of marketing and communications professionals across the region, SCbio has appointed Connor Watkins as its first full-time marketing director, effective January 1, according to a news release.

Nephron Pharmaceuticals is a global leader in the manufacture of generic respiratory and 503B outsourced, ophthalmic and injectable drugs and employs more than 1,200 people. Watkins led corporate events, community partnerships and sponsorships and supported West Columbia’s corporate communications initiatives. Manufacturer based in.

During his time at Nephron, SCbio’s founding partner, Watkins directed the production of corporate events, wrote and distributed corporate communications to state and national media, and worked directly with Nephron CEO Lou Kennedy to provide internal and external support. Created content for executive communications. He has chaired the SCbio Board of Directors three times and currently serves on the organization’s trustee and steering committee.

Prior to joining Nephron in 2021, Mr. Watkins, a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications and the Lexington County School of Leadership, was a multimedia strategist for the Lexington Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center. in charge of developing and implementing communications and marketing programs for an 800-member association. While working at the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, Watkins received multiple awards for outstanding communication from the Carolina Chamber of Commerce Executives.

“SCBIO and South Carolina Life Sciences will lead this dynamic, forward-thinking industry and tell its story, helping our hundreds of life sciences companies and thousands of employees and innovators continue to grow and thrive. We are excited to welcome Connor to our team.” said James Chappell, CEO of SCbio. “Competition for this position was extremely strong, but we are confident that his experience in life sciences and extensive background in marketing and communications will serve us well as we continue to build, develop, and grow our industry here in South Carolina. We felt this was the exact combination we were looking for and are naming our organization our first full-time Marketing Director. We believe he will be a strong leader to take SCbio’s marketing into the future. I am.”

Watkins succeeds Sam Patrick, who has served as SCbio’s part-time marketing director for the past six years, but is leaving his marketing consulting firm, Patrick Marketing & Communications, after 15 years. This is stated in the announcement.

Today, South Carolina’s life sciences industry is a $25.7 billion annual industry and is growing faster than any other Southeastern state. SCbio is South Carolina’s investor-led economic development organization dedicated to building, developing, and growing the state’s life sciences industry. The industry includes more than 1,000 companies that are directly involved in the research, development, and commercialization of innovative healthcare, medical device, industrial, environmental, and agricultural biotechnology products. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has made life sciences a top priority for the state to continue the growth and expansion of industry in the Palmetto State, the statement said.

“While working at Nephron, I saw firsthand how South Carolina’s life sciences industry impacts and saves lives across the country,” Watkins said. “Our state is an emerging leader in this industry and should be celebrated. I’m excited to join the SCbio team and continue our great work to grow the Life Sciences industry.”

Since 2017, SCbio has soared in profile, soared in membership ranks, increased revenue by more than 400%, focused on strong economic development, and served as a voice for the life sciences industry. SCbio implements multifaceted workforce development and entrepreneurship initiatives, creates ongoing programs to encourage women’s participation in the life sciences field, and actively pursues diversity and equity inclusion efforts. We have supported and encouraged student participation in the industry.

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