Management Team--Staff

Jacqueline R. Northcut
President and CEO

Jacqueline Northcut joined BioHouston as its President and CEO in December 2002, creating an organization that is the foundation for what BioHouston has become today. She is passionate about building the life science industry in the state of Texas and over the last 25 years has assisted the governor and two mayors of Houston in their efforts to create a sustainable industry in the state.  She is also the CEO of Texas BioAlliance, an organization affiliated with BioHouston. 

Prior to joining BioHouston, Jacqueline was a partner with Arthur Andersen. For 18 years, she worked with emerging businesses from the initial start up phase through maturity in various industries including biotechnology, venture capital, medical device and several service industries including numerous initial public offerings and rollups.  While at Arthur Andersen she led several biotechnology industry initiatives including the national Association for Biotechnology Financial Officers.  She has a demonstrated track record of experience and leadership in public and private financings and mergers and acquisitions. 

She received her BBS from Harding University in 1984.

Ann Tanabe
COO

Ann Tanabe joined BioHouston in January 2011 as COO. Prior to joining BioHouston, Ann served as vice president of investor relations at Synthesis Energy Systems, a publicly traded alternative energy company from May 2008 to December 2010.

Prior to this position, Ann served as vice president of corporate communications and investor relations and investor relations director at Encysive Pharmaceuticals, a publicly traded biotechnology company from July 2003 to May 2008.

From October 2000 to July 2003, Ann served as investor relations manager and corporate communications coordinator for Texas Biotechnology, the predecessor company to Encysive Pharmaceuticals.  Prior to 2000, Ann held a variety of positions at Rochem Environmental and Rochem Separation Systems. Ann earned a BA degree from Loyola Marymount University.

Elizabeth Wellington
Membership Coordinator

Elizabeth joined BioHouston in July 2011 as the membership coordinator.  She is involved with organizing and managing all of BioHouston's events as well as various member services. Elizabeth received her BA in political science and English from Houston Baptist University in 2010.

Diana LeBlanc

Executive Assistant

Diana joined BioHouston in 2011 as Ms Northcut’s Executive Assistant.  Her job also includes overseeing many of the day-to-day activities necessary to keep the office running smoothly.