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BioHouston leads efforts to position the region as a global life science hub

We convene, connect, catalyze and curate a diverse community.

Bolstered by the support of Houston’s academic and research powerhouses, BioHouston, Inc. stands tall as a non-profit tax-exempt [501(c)(3)] corporation. With unwavering confidence, we spearhead a dynamic initiative to position the Houston region as an assertive global force in life science and biotechnology commercialization.

Our resolute mission is to foster an environment that not only sparks technology transfer and research commercialization but also propels the economic wealth of Houston to new heights, securing its standing as a formidable global player in life science commercialization.

Through strategic and impactful activities, BioHouston holds unparalleled influence in propelling the Houston region to the forefront of world-class competition in the life science industry.

Meet our CEO
Ann Tanabe

Ann Tanabe assumed the role of CEO at BioHouston in 2015, following four years of successful service as the company’s COO. Prior to her tenure at BioHouston, Ann demonstrated her leadership acumen as the Vice President of Investor Relations at Synthesis Energy Systems, a publicly traded alternative energy company, from May 2008 to December 2010.

Her extensive experience in the biotechnology sector includes notable roles as the Vice President of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations, as well as Investor Relations Director at Encysive Pharmaceuticals, a publicly traded biotechnology company, spanning from July 2003 to May 2008.

>   Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Chairman: Jeffrey Wade, JD
Bruce Given, MD
Joe Cunningham, MD, Managing Director, Santé Ventures
David McWilliams
Daniel J. Moore, Chairman of Board, LivaNova PLC

Additional Directors

Margaret “Meg” A. Boulware, Partner, Boulware & Valoir
Giuseppe N. Colasurdo, MD, President, The University of Texas Health Science Center
Atul Varadhachary, Ph.D., Managing Partner, Fannin Innovation Studio
Dan Watkins, PhD, Managing Director, Mercury Fund

Directors Emeritus

R. Bruce LaBoon, Senior Partner, Locke Lord
E. Ashley Smith, Retired from Stewart Information Services, Corp.

Ann Tanabe assumed the role of CEO at BioHouston in 2015, following four years of successful service as the company's COO. Prior to her tenure at BioHouston, Ann demonstrated her leadership acumen as the Vice President of Investor Relations at Synthesis Energy Systems, a publicly traded alternative energy company, from May 2008 to December 2010.

Her extensive experience in the biotechnology sector includes notable roles as the Vice President of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations, as well as Investor Relations Director at Encysive Pharmaceuticals, a publicly traded biotechnology company, spanning from July 2003 to May 2008.


In the earlier part of her career, Ann contributed significantly to Texas Biotechnology, the precursor to Encysive Pharmaceuticals, where she served as Investor Relations Manager and Corporate Communications Coordinator from October 2000 to July 2003. Before stepping into the biotech realm, Ann held various positions at Rochem Separation Systems.

Ann is an alumnus of Loyola Marymount University, where she earned her BA degree. Beyond her impactful role at BioHouston, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the industry landscape. Ann is a distinguished member of the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Product Development Advisory Committee. Additionally, she actively contributes her expertise to various advisory boards, including The University of Houston BME Industrial Advisory Board, Rice University’s Professional Science Master’s Program Advisory Board, and Houston Community College’s Biotechnology Advisory Committee. She also serves on the External Advisory Committee for the UTMB Health Education Center.

Since 2000, Ann has been an active and influential member of the Houston Chapter of the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI). Her multifaceted contributions and commitment underscore her dedication to advancing the realms of biotechnology and life sciences.