Cynthia Bens

Biotechnology Innovation Organization is the world's biotechnology organization, providing advocacy, business development and communications services for more than 1,200 members worldwide. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology technologies. Corporate members range from entrepreneurial companies developing a first product to Fortune 100 multinationals. also represent state and regional biotech associations, service providers to the industry and academic centers.

The American Frozen Food Institute operates as a member-driven national trade association. The firm advances the interests of all segments of the frozen food and beverage industry. It works to advance food safety and advocates before legislative and regulatory entities on the industry’s behalf. The company is headquartered in McLean, VA.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and support services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. With national headquarters in Tucson, MDA has more than 200 offices across the country, sponsors some 200 hospital-affiliated clinics and supports more than 330 research projects around the world. MDA supports more research on neuromuscular diseases than any other private-sector organization in the world. MDA scientists are in the forefront of gene therapy research and have uncovered the genetic defects responsible for several forms of muscular dystrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease), childhood spinal muscular atrophy and several other neuromuscular conditions. The Association's comprehensive services program includes diagnostic and follow-up medical consultations, flu shots, support groups, MDA summer camps for youngsters, a medical equipment program, assistance with equipment repairs and resource referral. Through its national advocacy program, MDA works to make life better for people with muscular dystrophy and related muscle diseases by providing representation in matters of public policy and research advancement, nationally and internationally; and facilitating active involvement in these areas by the people it serves. MDA was created in 1950 by a group of adults with muscular dystrophy, parents of children with muscular dystrophy and a physician-scientist studying the disorder. Since its earliest days, it has been energized by its number-one volunteer and national chairman, entertainer Jerry Lewis.

ARM is a Washington, DC-based multi-stakeholder advocacy organization that promotes global initiatives necessary to facilitate access to life-giving advances in regenerative medicine. The organization promotes legislative, regulatory reimbursement, investment, technical, and other initiatives to accelerate the development of safe and effective regenerative medicine technologies. ARM also works to increase public understand- ing of the field and its potential to transform human healthcare. Prior to the formation of ARM in 2009, there was a need for more coordinated and cohesive advocacy representing the interests of the companies, research institutions, investors and patient groups that comprise the entire regenerative medicine community. Today ARM has more than 140 members and is the leading global advocacy organization in this field.

The National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. operates as a non-profit federation of voluntary health organizations to help individuals with diseases and disorders. Its services are focused on the identification, treatment, and cure of disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and service. The company was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Danbury, CT.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a donor-supported non-profit organization which focuses in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. The foundation funds cystic fibrosis research. It also supports and accredits a national care center network recognized by the National Institutes f Health as a model of care for a chronic disease. The company was founded in 1955 and is headquartered in Bethesda, MD.

Dutko Worldwide, Inc. provides government affairs management & strategic counsel solutions. It helps to build public-private partnerships with federal, state and international levels of government. The company was founded in 1981 by Dan Dutko and is headquartered in Washington, DC.

Kirax Corp. researches, develops, manufactures and distributes pharmaceutical products. The firm provides specialty care therapies to treat oncology, pain, inflammation, acute, and supportive care areas of unmet medical need. The company was founded by Mark E. Pruzanski, David M. Tanen and Edmundo Muniz in 2005 and is headquartered in Bonita Springs, FL.

US Food & Drug Administration operates agencies to protect health and human services. It protects and promotes public health through the control and supervision of food safety, tobacco products, dietary supplements, prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs, vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, blood transfusions, medical devices, electromagnetic radiation emitting devices, cosmetics, animal foods and feed and veterinary products. The company was founded by Theodore Roosevelt and Harvey Washington Wiley on 30th June, 1906 and is headquartered in Silver Spring, MD.

MyCareTeam, Inc. provides Internet-based diabetes management software services. The firm offers MyCareTeam, weight management, and Allscripts Integration. The company was founded by Jim Mingle, Stephen C. Clement, Betty Levine, and John Paglierani and is headquartered in Chelmsford, MA.

MedStar Research Institute provides scientific, administrative, and regulatory support for clinical research. The non-profit company is based in Hyattsville, MD.

APCO Worldwide LLC engages in the provision of advisory and advocacy communications consultancy solutions. It offers communications, public affairs, government relations, legal, risk, organizational transformation, international relations, corporate responsibility, and brand marketing services. The company was founded by Margery Kraus in 1984 and is headquartered in Washington, DC.