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Team SCbio

Build. Innovate. Advance.

Since its inception in 2004, SCbio has supported the life sciences industry. The SCbio Foundation and SCbio work hand-in-hand to continue the mission of building the business of life sciences in South Carolina. To connect with the SCbio Team, email us at info@scbio.org.

SCbio Team

A person in a suit and tie.

James Chappell

President & CEO
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Erin Ford, Executive Vice President, SCbio

Erin Ford

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & COO
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A person in a blue jacket.

Carla Whitlock

Director of Member Relations
& Engagement
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Connor Watkins, Director of Marketing, SCbio

Connor Watkins

Director of Marketing
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Paige Durham at SCbio

Paige Durham

Communications Coordinator
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Chelsey Lee

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Lead
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Elizabeth Patterson

Programming and events coordinator
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Carol Beard, SCbio

Carol Beard

Finance and Operations Coordinator
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Heather Fisherauer

Director, SCbioEdge member services
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Mike Lane

IT Manager; available technologies



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James Chappell, Ph.D.

James Chappell, Ph.D., serves as the president and chief executive officer of SCbio, South Carolina’s life sciences economic development and industry association, where he leads initiatives to grow one of the state’s most dynamic and fastest-expanding sectors. Since taking the helm in November 2021, he has focused on expanding South Carolina’s life sciences ecosystem through strategic partnerships, talent development and increased investment in innovation. 

Prior to joining SCbio, Chappell spent nearly a decade at Louisiana Economic Development, where he rose to become executive director of competitiveness and entrepreneurship. There, he led the creation and execution of Louisiana’s $100 million venture capital and small business funds, helped recruit globally recognized companies to the state and served on the Louisiana MediFund board, where he helped steer biosciences and healthcare development.

Chappell holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from Clemson University, a doctorate from Louisiana State University and a postdoctoral fellowship in stem cell biology focused on cancer and diabetes at Harvard Medical School. A former three-year varsity football letterman at Clemson, he is married and the proud father of two children.

Erin Ford

Erin Ford serves as the executive vice president and chief operating officer of SCbio, South Carolina’s official life sciences industry association and economic development organization. In her leadership role, Ford oversees strategic initiatives across SCbio’s three statewide offices, working closely with its board of directors and a strong network of members. She manages the organization’s operations and financial activities, leads workforce development and industry strategies, and plays a key role in shaping policy and economic development efforts to promote South Carolina’s life sciences sector. 

Ford collaborates extensively with public and private stakeholders to promote policies and programs that foster innovation, strengthen the talent pipeline and boost the state’s competitiveness in attracting and retaining life sciences companies. Her efforts help establish South Carolina as a leading state in biosciences growth and investment.

Before joining SCbio, Ford served as a sales and marketing executive at Poly-Med Inc., a global leader in absorbable polymers and medical device technology. She also served on the SCbio board of directors as chair in 2016. Earlier in her career, she was a business recruitment officer at the Upstate S.C. Alliance, where she was the primary contact for life sciences companies seeking to expand or relocate to South Carolina. From 2013 to 2015, Ford served as an ex officio SCbio board member and led a regional biosciences task force of industry leaders from the Upstate.

Ford holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication from La Salle University in Philadelphia. 

Carla Whitlock

Carla Whitlock serves as director of membership relations and engagement with SCbio, South Carolina’s official life sciences industry association and economic development organization. Whitlock oversees strategy for membership engagement for life sciences companies and support organizations.  She manages the organization’s existing industry program in coordination with the S.C. Department of Commerce and provides connections between member organizations and other partners.

Prior to joining SCbio, Whitlock worked with the S.C. Technical College System’s Apprenticeship Carolina division.  In that capacity, she led efforts to create and register apprenticeship programs across the state.

In addition to her extensive workforce experience, Whitlock’s career has included public accounting, tax credits and economic development consulting, government relations (federal and state), marketing and business development.  Before joining Apprenticeship Carolina, Whitlock was a Project Coordinator with Pickens County, South Carolina, where she worked with agencies in economic development, tourism, transportation and emergency management. She has worked with many industries, including the life sciences, manufacturing, financial services, energy, information technology and health care.

Whitlock has been a featured speaker and panelist during conferences and events hosted by The White House, National Governors Association, Urban Institute, Appalachian Regional Council, U.S. Department of Labor, NAACP, International Monetary Fund, S.C. ETV, Washington Press Club, nationally recognized economic development organizations and numerous trade associations.  She has also contributed to several local, state and national publications as a leading expert related to workforce issues.

As an S.C. Technical College System Leadership Academy graduate, Whitlock also completed the National Basic Economic Development Course through the University of North Carolina. She is a native of Liberty, South Carolina, and graduated from Southern Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science in accounting.

Connor Watkins

Connor Watkins joined the SCbio team in January 2024 as the organization’s first full-time marketing director.

Prior to joining SCbio, Watkins worked at Nephron Pharmaceuticals, where he led corporate events, community partnerships and sponsorships, and supported corporate communications initiatives for the West Columbia-based manufacturer. Nephron is a worldwide leader in production of generic respiratory and 503B outsourcing medications, ophthalmics and injectable medications, employing more than 1,200 associates.

While at Nephron, Watkins directed the production of corporate events, wrote and distributed corporate communications to state and national media, and created content for internal and external executive communications while working directly for Nephron CEO Lou Kennedy. 

Prior to joining Nephron in 2021, Watkins served as multimedia strategist for the Lexington (S.C.) Chamber and Visitors Center, developing and implementing communications and marketing programs for the 800-member association. While with the Lexington Chamber, Watkins was honored with multiple awards for communications excellence by the Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

Watkins holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communication from the University of South Carolina and is a graduate of Leadership Lexington County. 

Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Chelsey Lee

Chelsey Lee is a biomedical engineering professional passionate about advancing healthcare innovation through technology, commercialization and strategic partnerships. She currently serves as entrepreneurship and innovation lead at SCbio, where she oversaw South Carolina’s inaugural life sciences accelerator. In this role, Lee works closely with early-stage oncology and neuroscience startups, guiding them through commercialization strategies, regulatory pathways and investor engagement. Her leadership has helped cultivate a thriving life sciences ecosystem by connecting founders with industry leaders, academic institutions and funding partners.

Lee earned a Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering from Clemson University, with concentrations in biomedical device commercialization, materials science and business management. During her studies, she gained hands-on experience through research and capstone projects, including the development of a pediatric drug delivery device, animal model research and support for the U.S. market entry of an exosuit device. Her academic achievements are complemented by multiple certifications, including the Certified Quality Science Professional designation, orthopedic medical device sales specialization and SolidWorks mechanical design certification.

Post graduation, Lee gained career experience through internships in manufacturing, medical device sales, surgical support and research with organizations such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, Arthrex, KLS Martin and the Medical University of South Carolina. These opportunities provided her with extensive exposure to operating room environments, product development, regulatory processes and clinical collaboration.

Beyond her technical expertise, Lee is a dedicated community builder and advocate for women in science and engineering. She has been recognized with the Eugene M. Langan III Service Award for her outstanding contributions to the Clemson Bioengineering Department. Lee remains active in professional organizations, including the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and the Biomedical Engineering Society. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys golf, reading, art, church and spending time with family.

Elizabeth Patterson

SCbio is pleased to welcome Elizabeth Patterson as the association’s first programming and events coordinator, a new role created to strengthen South Carolina’s life sciences ecosystem through events that encourage collaboration and innovation.

Patterson will be responsible for planning and executing all SCbio events, including regional networking gatherings, virtual programs, board meetings and participation in international conferences and trade shows. She will also oversee daily operations at SCbio’s Main Street Labs, a 100,000 square-foot development in downtown Greenville that serves as a laboratory hub for life sciences.

“Elizabeth’s wealth of knowledge and experience in event coordination and logistics will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow and connect the life sciences community across the state,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident she will play a key role in enhancing our member experience and increasing community engagement.”

Prior to joining SCbio, Patterson served as store events specialist at the Belk Corporate Office, where she planned and executed promotional events, grand openings and personal appearances. She also created and launched Belk’s inaugural Holiday Open House event, which contributed to an increase in seasonal sales.

Patterson’s other previous roles include event manager for West End Events at Fluor Field, where she executed large-scale gatherings with over 3,000 attendees. She also held the role of events and social media coordinator for Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas, where she orchestrated all signature fundraisers and meetings.

Patterson has been an active member of the Red Shoe Society Young Professionals Group, where she served as president of its board of directors from 2023 until 2025.

Patterson holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in marketing from Winthrop University.

Carol Beard

Carol Beard joined the SCbio team as an Administrative Assistant in July 2022. She handles various tasks, including scheduling, database management, invoicing, meeting preparation and general team support. Prior work experience includes programming for various nonprofits, administrative work in a university setting and accounts receivable for Norfolk Southern Railway.

Beard has extensive volunteer experience encompassing non-profit operations, membership relations, training, events and program management, community engagement, publicity and communications, and board structure and bylaws. She is passionate about community collaborations for racial and economic equality, public education and preserving green spaces. 

Beard holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from LaGrange College and is pursuing a Master of Arts in organizational leadership from Lewis University.

Heather Fisherauer

Heather Fisherauer is an intelligent, multi-talented, diligent digital product management professional, adept at communicating effectively, in both written and verbal formats, at all levels of the organization, including senior executive-level leadership. Fisherauer can work and influence successfully within a matrix environment and build effective business partnerships with all team members. She was recognized internally and externally as a thought leader and subject matter expert, and has experience with Agile practices, frameworks, workflow and collaboration tools.

Fisherauer’s accomplishments include:

• Reduced SG&A by 15% ($400K annually) with efficiency-based restructuring of 130 employees nationally.
• Cured breach of contract for national customer worth $3M annually by developing customer-centric standard operating procedures. 
• Worked with small and medium-sized enterprises for contract renewals and requests for proposals worth $60M annually in 2022.
• Developed new business program targeting a 305% whitespace opportunity.
• Developed and delivered over 250 training sessions for the operations and sales teams.
• Identified $51M in whitespace opportunity for programs she supported.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.