PHL Life Sciences Names Dr. Patrick Oates New Advisory Board Chair

PHL Life Sciences Names Dr. Patrick Oates New Advisory Board Chair

PHILADELPHIA – Today PHL Life Sciences, a business development division of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), announced the appointment of Patrick M. Oates, Ph.D., as the new Advisory Board chair. PHL Life Sciences works to increase Philadelphia’s recognition as a leading hub in the life sciences industry and a destination for the industry’s meetings, conventions and business opportunities. In 2019, events booked by PHL Life Sciences resulted in 279,000 hotel room nights and a regional economic impact of $215 million.

“Patrick will be an incredible resource and asset for PHL Life Sciences as we continue to connect industry associations and planners with our city’s strong life sciences network for the most successful healthcare, medical and higher education meetings here in Philadelphia.” said Bonnie Grant, executive director of PHL Life Sciences.

Oates, who has a doctorate in physiology and molecular biology, serves as senior vice president of business development and strategic planning for EMSCO Scientific Enterprise, Inc., a local, minority-owned distributor of laboratory supplies and equipment, chemicals and pharmaceutical excipients. He is responsible for establishing partnerships for pharmaceutical companies and other life science entities to foster commercial growth.

“As a lifelong Philadelphian and life scientist, I look forward to serving as the next chair of the PHL Life Sciences Advisory Board,” said Oates. “Philadelphia is an ideal destination for life science pursuits and medical meetings because of the extraordinary innovation and research taking place in the region, especially in the areas of cell and gene therapy. The city is primed to resume its position as the nation’s leader in life sciences and I am proud to raise awareness with association leaders and meeting planners.”

Prior to joining EMSCO Scientific Enterprises, Inc., Oates served in multiple roles of increasing responsibility at GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi-Aventis, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and Cherokee Pharmaceuticals, a division of PRWT Services, Inc. Oates has a degree in animal science from Tuskegee University and earned his doctorate from Howard University.

Effective January 1, 2023, Oates will succeed PHL Life Sciences co-chairs Heather Steinman, vice president for business development and executive director of technology transfer at The Wistar Institute, and Darryl Williams, senior vice president of science and education at the Franklin Institute.

About the PHLCVB:

The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) creates positive economic impact across the Philadelphia region, driving job growth and promoting the health and vibrancy of our hospitality industry by marketing the destination, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and attracting overnight visitors. The PHLCVB’s work engages our partners, the local Philadelphia community as well as culturally and ethnically diverse regional, national and international convention, sporting event and tourism customers. The PHLCVB is also the official tourism promotion agency for the city of Philadelphia globally and is responsible for growing the number of overseas leisure visitors who come to the region each year. To learn more, visit www.discoverPHL.com.

About PHL Life Sciences:

PHL Life Sciences, a division of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), works to increase Greater Philadelphia’s recognition as a leading hub in the life sciences land a world-class destination for the industry’s meetings, conventions and business opportunities. Connecting Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware leaders in medical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, higher education, research, venture capital and health care industries, the division works to collaboratively brand the region as “America’s Life Sciences Meetings Destination.” To learn more, visit www.DiscoverPHL.com/lifesciences.