May 12, 2008
May 12, 2008 - (Washington, DC) - McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP (MLA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Colwell as a Senior Advisor in the Washington, DC office, effective May 5, 2008. Colwell will focus on life sciences and public health preparedness.
Prior to joining MLA, Colwell served as the Director of Healthcare Regulatory Affairs at the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). While there, he directed policy issues related to biodefense/emerging diseases, vaccines, diagnostics, and personalized medicine.
“Having someone with Chris’s experience and knowledge join our practice is a tremendous resource to the firm,” said John Clerici, Chair of the Life Sciences and Public Health Preparedness practice. “His extensive background in the biotechnology industry will significantly benefit our practice and clients.”
Previously, Colwell also worked in the FDA's Office of the Commissioner in the Office of Counterterrorism Policy and Planning (OCTPP), where his duties included acting as liaison to Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, he worked with former Congressman James Greenwood where he focused on internet pharmacy regulation issues, and at PhRMA, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America in Washington, DC.
Colwell received his Masters in Public Policy from Georgetown University. He did his undergraduate studies at Pennsylvania State University, earning a B. S. in chemical engineering. He is a member of the American Public Health Association and the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering.