Biotech council picks a new leader
Robert Coughlin (above) replaces Thomas Finneran at the biotech council.
The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council today chose Robert Coughlin, a former state representative and undersecretary of business development for Governor Deval Patrick, to be head of the prominent business group.
Late last week, State Senator Jack Hart, a Boston Democrat and the only other contender for the job, said he was withdrawing his name from consideration.
Choosing Coughlin fulfilled the wish of many biotech council members that the group hire another political insider. Thomas Finneran, the former council chief and former speaker of the Massachusetts House, resigned in January after pleading guilty to obstruction of justice for misrepresenting his role in a legislative redistricting plan.
Finneran’s legal problems overshadowed any accomplishments he may have logged during his two-year tenure at the council.
‘‘In my role as undersecretary for business development, I have worked closely with the biotechnology and life sciences industry,’’ said Coughlin in a statement. ‘‘This community is dedicated to developing new therapies, and serves as a great economic engine for the state and nation.’’
Coughlin, of Dedham, officially starts in October.
(By Jeffrey Krasner, Globe staff)
