Achillion, Pfizer Executives to Chair Connecticut Bioscience Growth Council

Mary Kay Fenton, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Ken Hiscoe, director of U.S. government and corporate affairs for Pfizer, Inc., have been appointed co-chairs of CBIA’s Connecticut Bioscience Growth Council.
Established in January 2015, the overarching mission of the Connecticut Bioscience Growth Council is to grow Connecticut’s bioscience sector.
The council also facilitates collaboration among the Connecticut life science community and communication with Connecticut and federal policy makers, as well as the public.
“The innovative research and development taking place in Connecticut’s bioscience cluster is truly amazing. In order to build upon these medical breakthroughs, the council aims to support pro-growth policies,” said Fenton.
“In particular, how state budget issues are resolved both in the short run and long-term can directly affect how many new life sciences ventures are started in Connecticut.
“The expertise and voice of the Connecticut Bioscience Growth Council will be critical this legislative session.”
The council works to support basic and translational research through programs like the Connecticut regenerative medicine/stem cell initiative, by building connections between university researchers and biopharma companies and by promoting the value of biotechnology to all areas of life sciences research and development, from genomic analysis of human disease to agriculture.
“There are a host of issues that affect biopharma companies and the Connecticut Bioscience Growth Council is the most effective tool we have for explaining to policy makers the connections between their actions and the growth or contraction of our industry,” said Hiscoe.
This legislative session, the council will ask state legislators to:

• Reform state tax policy, especially protecting and stabilizing research & development-related tax credits
• Continue to improve the state’s business climate including transportation, education
• Understand the value of medicines and costs of research and development
• Protect intellectual property and the validity of patents

Paul Pescatello assumes the role of senior counsel and executive director of the council.
“Mary Kay and Ken have a depth of biopharma real-world experience that is unparalleled,” said Pescatello.
“With their leadership, the council will help the bioscience industry build a solid foundation of great jobs and a vibrant, growing Connecticut economy.”
About Mary Kay Fenton
Mary Kay Fenton is executive vice president and chief financial officer of New Haven-based Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
At Achillion, Fenton is responsible for financial strategy development and capital formation, financial reporting and compliance, and treasury and tax functions. She is also responsible for operating functions such as risk management, legal compliance, facilities management, purchasing, and information technology.
Prior to joining Achillion, Fenton was responsible for life sciences clients in Connecticut and western New York with the Technology Industry Group at PricewaterhouseCoopers where she advised fast-growing bioscience and technology companies on initial public offerings and other SEC matters, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic alliances.
Fenton holds an bachelors degree in economics from the College of the Holy Cross and MBA in finance from the University of Connecticut.
About Ken Hiscoe
Ken Hiscoe is director of U.S. government and corporate affairs for Pfizer, Inc.
He joined Pfizer in 2007 as director of public affairs at Pfizer’s Worldwide R&D Headquarters in Groton and worked in Pfizer’s New York City headquarters as director of political affairs.
Before joining Pfizer, Hiscoe served as district director and senior advisor to Congresswoman Nancy Johnson. He managed several of her successful re-election campaigns. He previously worked for Fort Worth Congresswoman Kay Granger as director of field operations focusing on business, military, and community outreach.
Ken is a past member of the Canton Board of Selectmen and received a bachelors degree from Westfield State College and a masters degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University.

CBIA is Connecticut’s largest business organization, with thousands of member companies, small and large, representing a diverse range of industries from every part of the state. For more information, please email or call Meaghan MacDonald (860.244.1957).