Remembering Sam Taylor
"As champion of economic development through the life sciences, including small business, Sam Taylor was a tremendous leader, tireless advocate and loyal partner that the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology & Innovation was grateful to work with. Sam’s legacy created economic opportunities that benefitted the state and improved the livelihood of its citizens. The board wishes to express their deepest condolences to Sam’s family, friends and his team at NCBIO." -- The North Carolina Board of Science, Technology & Innovation
"In late 1993, a half dozen CEOs of bioscience start-ups recognized the critical need to form an Industry group to alert North Carolina government leaders about our special needs. We met Sam at WCSR, bringing us the unique combination of legal expertise and partnering skills to create the structure, connect us to North Carolina’s network and fuse us to the brand new BIO organization in DC. He was our one-man staff in the first years as we tripled membership, gained credibility with large firms and lobbied the state. Without Sam, NC BIO would never have made it to become the bioscience organizational leader of the South. Everyone will miss his leadership, vision, humor and friendship." -- Dennis Burns
"Sam was a stalwart for our industry and an example for all of us. He was more patient and tenacious than any of us could muster by making a difference step by step with a long-term vision in mind. I was fortunate to join Sam on the founding board of NCBIO and served as the first treasurer. We worked together for many years, slowly growing the organization and its influence. Sam’s leadership and his ability to partner with others resulted in a better industry and many relationships among the leaders in NC and the southeast US. Thank you Sam. You made a difference. You will be missed!" -- Tim Gupton
"My memories of Sam Taylor will always be his gentle manner. He was always the same whether in a business setting or the times I ran into him in public. When he talked to you it was like you were the only person there. He was steadfast and a great communicator." -- David Yardley, Director of Training and Development, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies
"Sam was incredibly kind. Always willing to stop and listen. His authenticity will be missed dearly." -- Josh Jones, Manager, Frankel Staffing Partners
“Sam was an early champion for biotech in the southeast and his impact in growing the sector in NC, and even regionally, is part of his legacy. His colleagues at Georgia Bio are deeply saddened to learn of his passing. We wish his family, friends and colleagues our deepest sympathy. Please know that we are thinking of you during this difficult time.” -- Maria Thacker, President & CEO, Georgia Bio
"Sam was a true icon in the NC life science community. I got to know Sam as a board member, executive board member and past Chairman of NCBIO. Sam was kind, thoughtful and had a great wry sense of humor. Above all, he was extremely dedicated to advancing the life sciences in North Carolina – so many people and companies have benefited because of his tireless efforts to advance legislation and initiatives for what could be argued is the most important economic sector in the state. Sam, RIP, you will be greatly missed." -- Ed Field
"I first got to really know Sam around 2000 when I started the government relations practice at SAS. Sam was generous to me as he shared his insights of NC politics and how it worked with spot on accuracy and flavored with his wry humor. He brought together the NC life science industry, championed their needs and educated our state on the importance of those companies to our future. He was a true North Carolina leader. Sam will be sorely missed by those of us that knew him." -- Mary Musacchia
"While I lead Gore’s biotechnology Business Development team, my background is not in life science; in fact, I had led an air pollution control related business for Gore. So when I joined the Gore PharmBIO team 12 years ago, Sam was one of the first biotech industry people I met. While I may not know much now, I REALLY, didn’t know anything 12 years ago. I remember having lunch with Sam. He was incredibly kind, patient and helpful. He guided me to the right people, gave me more of his time than I deserved, and always went out of his way to offer ideas and insights. Gore has enjoyed a great relationship with NC BIO, all begun and cemented by, Sam. He and his family will remain in my prayers." -- Douglas Puzia, Gore PharmBIO Products