our mission

Connecting the region's unique clinical, research, manufacturing, and technology strengths

ABOUT PLSA

A Catalyst for Growth

The PLSA is the voice for one of the most dynamic life sciences ecosystems in the country. Founded by Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC, Highmark Health, Henry L. Hillman Foundation and Richard King Mellon Foundation, we’re on a mission to make it known that Pittsburgh is a global destination for – and source of – talent, capital, and transformative health innovation.

Meet our Team

Megan Shaw

President & CEO

Megan drives strategic growth and cross-sector collaboration to position the region as a global leader in life sciences. She brings two decades of experience in healthcare strategy, venture investment, and scaling innovation from lab to market.

Austin Price

Vice president of external affairs

Austin leads all communications and government affairs and has led important business and public policy results in government, private , and non-profit sectors.

Jenn Rick

Community manager

Jenn serves as the primary link between PLSA, its constituents, and the broader life sciences community in the Pittsburgh region. Jenn possesses a unique mix of scientific and business skills with a focus on collaboration and working across multi-disciplinary lines.

Kate Nielsen

Industry Workforce Consultant

Kate leads research on life sciences workforce trends and future growth opportunities. Her work focuses on aligning industry needs with regional workforce development providers to strengthen the talent pipeline and support the sector’s long-term competitiveness.

Cally Uhl

Events and Marketing Coordinator

Cally specializes in planning and executing impactful events, developing strategic marketing initiatives, and fostering meaningful industry connections. Cally works closely with cross-functional teams to promote brand visibility, support business objectives, and strengthen relationships within the life sciences ecosystem.

Bre Bishop

project assistant

Bre develops and implements strategies to expand and engage the regional life sciences community, driving collaboration and growth. Bre supports PLSA leadership and partners in building a vibrant ecosystem that advances innovation across the sector.

our board

Alison Beam, JD

Senior Vice President, Chief Government Affairs Officer, UPMC

Daniel Onorato, JD, CPA

Executive Vice President, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Highmark Health

Evan Facher, PhD, MBA

Vice Chancellor, Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Associate Dean, Commercial Translation, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Sam Reiman

Director and Trustee, Richard King Mellon Foundation

Tim McNulty

Associate Vice-President of Government Relations, Carnegie Mellon University

D. Tyler Gourley

Executive Vice President, Hillman Family Foundations

Megan Shaw

President & CEO, Pittsburgh Life Sciences Alliance

We love this region, its people and history are woven in the DNA or each of our organizations. PLSA is a commitment to the region's future - where life sciences innovations created here improve opportunity locally and change lives globally, for generations to come.

Read our board’s open letter

industry advisory council

These regional companies serve on PLSA's Industry Advisory Council, providing guidance and insight on regional needs, trends and future opportunities.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

The Pittsburgh Life Sciences Alliance is proud to work collaboratively with these organizations to advance the innovation ecosystem and foster economic development locally and across the Commonwealth.

Become a pARTNER

Ready to connect?

Companies

Looking to grow or expand in the Pittsburgh region? We can connect you to the right partners and help you troubleshoot growth barriers.

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Talent

Looking to move to, stay in, or recently relocated to the Pittsburgh region? Dynamic start-ups, growth stage, and mature companies are looking for top talent. We can help you connect with the right people and bring your skills and talent to this ecosystem.

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Investors

Looking to invest? From pre-seed to growth stage, to highly profitable mature companies, there are life sciences and healthcare technologies across all sub-sectors that could offer value to your portfolio.

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