Delaware Bio is searching for a new president and CEO as Helen Stimson announces departure

Helen Stimson, who has held the position of president and CEO of Delaware Bioscience Association for the past three years, is stepping down effective June 1. She will be moving on to the position of chief operating officer of the Delaware bioscience company Adesis.

Stimson, who was previously VP of Agilent Technologies, stepped up to fill vacancy left by Bob Dayton in early 2017. She is the first woman president of the organization.

“Obviously, [we] are saddened at the thought of Helen’s departure, but she’s a shining star,” said Jamie Pedrick, DelawareBio’s marketing manager, via email. “I’m not surprised that other industry leaders feel the same way about her. I know she will be quite successful in her new role, and they are quite lucky to have landed her.”

During her time as head of Delaware Bio, Stimson’s accomplishments include increased membership, development of training and networking programs and the launch of the Delaware BioDome meeting and office space on Concord Pike.

More recently, Delaware Bio established a virtual coronavirus pandemic hub.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to have served the Bioscience Association for the last three years,” said Stimson in a press statement. “The industry in Delaware is vibrant and growing with the addition of new startups, significant new product and service introductions and with the influx of cash from some large venture capital deals. I look forward to contributing to the industry’s success by returning to my business roots and driving the growth of Adesis. I plan to be an active member of the Delaware Bioscience Association and will work to support a smooth transition to a new leader.”

The Delaware Bio board of directors has established a search committee to find a new leader of the association.

“During this transition period, it is our priority to ensure that we receive input broadly in naming the best individual to lead, while maintaining a stable and effective organization during the pandemic and beyond,” said Chairman Chris Yochim. “In that regard, we are fortunate that the staff Helen has assembled at Delaware Bio is extremely professional and accomplished, and fully capable of managing the organization’s near-term operations.”