South Carolina Life Sciences Names Connor Watkins to Lead Organization's Marketing

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Dec. 14, 2023 - PRLog -- Following a thorough search that considered marketing and communications professionals from across the region, SCbio (https://www.scbio.org/cpages/home) has named Connor Watkins as its first full-time marketing director. He will assume his new duties on January 1, 2024.

Watkins joins SCbio from Nephron Pharmaceuticals where he led corporate events, community partnerships and sponsorships, and supported corporate communications initiatives for the West Columbia-based manufacturer.

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.

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. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication.

"SCbio and South Carolina life sciences are excited to welcome Connor to help lead and tell the story of this dynamic and forward-looking industry, and to help our hundreds of life sciences companies and thousands of employees and innovators continue to grow and prosper," said James Chappell, CEO of SCbio.

"Competition for the position was extremely strong but we felt that his experience in life sciences coupled with his broad marketing and communications background were the precise mix we sought as we continue to build, advance and grow the industry here in South Carolina. We believe he will be a strong leader to lead SCbio marketing into the future."

Watkins succeeds SCbio's part-time marketing director of the past six years, Sam Patrick, who is ending his Patrick Marketing & Communications marketing consultancy after 15 years to spend time with family and friends.

South Carolina life sciences today is a $25.7 billion annual industry and growing faster than in any other Southeastern state. SCbio (https://www.scbio.org/cpages/home) is South Carolina's investor-driven economic development organization exclusively focused on building, advancing, and growing the life sciences industry in the state. The industry has more than 1,000 firms directly involved in the research, development, and commercialization of innovative healthcare, medical devices, industrial, environmental, and agricultural biotechnology products.

"While working at Nephron, I witnessed how the life sciences industry in South Carolina impacts and saves lives throughout our country," said Watkins. "Our state has become an emerging leader in this industry and should be celebrated. I am excited to join the SCbio team and continue its great work in growing the life sciences industry."

Since 2017, SCbio has seen its visibility skyrocket, its membership ranks soar and its revenues grow by more than 400%, implemented a strong economic development focus, and serves as the voice of the life sciences industry.

For additional information on SCbio, please visit www.SCbio.org.