Staff

Sam Taylor, JD, President

Sam Taylor was active in the formation of NCBIO in 1994, and has served the Organization in various capacities, including chief administrative officer and lobbyist since that time.  In his current role, he is responsible for the Organization’s strategic direction including the public policy agenda for NCBIO and its members in advocating before the North Carolina General Assembly, state executive agencies and North Carolina’s delegation to Congress.

Laura Gunter, MBA, Executive Vice President

Laura Gunter works with Sam Taylor on advocacy at the General Assembly and also with the North Carolina Congressional delegation.  She also recruits new members to the organization and develops the forums and networking opportunities for members.

Brenda Summers, MPA, Ed.D., Director of Workforce Programs

Brenda Summers previously served as NCBIO’s Director of Communications and now works with the Biotech Manufacturers Forum and other member companies on workforce, talent and training issues as the industry grows in North Carolina Her previous experiences includes consulting, teaching nonprofit courses at area universities, and working for nonprofits and government.

David Etchison, Communications Director

David Etchison has more than 25 years of experience in communications, public relations and marketing. He served as director of communications for the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for 15 years and handled email marketing for UNC-TV before joining NCBIO.

Amber Niebauer, Events Director

Amber Niebauer coordinates and directs NCBIO’s events and networking opportunities for our members. She oversees event planning, including developing topics and securing speakers for the Forums, Annual Meeting and Legislative Reception. Amber previously served as a program and resource development manager at the NC Biotechnology Center.

John Wagner, Program Manager, Biotech Manufacturers Forum

John Wagner works with the biomanufacturing companies and affiliate organizations in sharing knowledge and best practices that engage and facilitate the development of new and innovative ways to support business.  He also works with the education partners in the NCBioImpact training program to ensure that the companies have access to trained workers as they expand sites or replace retiring workers.  John was the site manager for the start up of the Merck facility in Durham. 

Casey Nelson, Executive Assistant/Operations Manager

Casey Nelson oversees the daily operations of the office.  She works with staff on membership, database management, invoicing and payments, and computer operations.  She assists Sam Taylor with Executive Committee and Board meetings.  She is also a North Carolina Notary Public.