BioConnect Iowa and the Iowa Biotechnology Association Announce Joint Leadership Agreement
(Des Moines) April 1, 2026
BioConnect Iowa and the Iowa Biotechnology Association announced today that they have reached an agreement to share leadership through a joint service arrangement.
Through the agreement, Jessica Hyland, who has served as Executive Director of IowaBio since January 2019, will now lead BioConnect, alongside IowaBio.
Hyland will take on the leadership role at BioConnect, replacing interim President & CEO, Jim Register, who has led the organization since August 2025.
Dan Jacobi, BioConnect Board President said, “On behalf of the BioConnect Board of Directors, I am very pleased to make this announcement. Jessica is a well-known, dynamic leader in the bioscience public policy and development space in Iowa, and I know she will make a significant contribution to BioConnect’s mission of accelerating bioscience innovation and commercialization in Iowa. I want to thank the board of IowaBio for its flexibility in working with BioConnect to bring this arrangement to fruition.”
“IowaBio and the biotechnology industry in Iowa have greatly benefited through the strength of Hyland’s leadership. We’re excited to see the positive impact the shared leadership model between IowaBio and BioConnect has on the greater biotech ecosystem,” said Nolan Mente, Board Chair IowaBio.
“The two organizations, though separate, are very much aligned in their missions to grow Iowa’s biotech economy. I am excited to begin this role and lead, with my eyes on the strengths and resources of each,” Hyland said.
About BioConnect Iowa
BioConnect Iowa is the state’s public-private partnership for economic development in Iowa’s targeted bioscience platforms and was established after the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the Iowa Innovation Council commissioned a third-party analysis of Iowa’s bioscience industry in 2017. BioConnect Iowa drives economic opportunity in Iowa by advancing bioscience innovation and commercialization. Through strategic partnerships and programs, the organization supports entrepreneurs and accelerates the growth of Iowa’s bioscience sector.
About IowaBio
The Iowa Biotechnology Association (IowaBio), is a 501(c)6 non-profit trade association,“The research institutions and economic development organizations. IowaBio represents more than 100 members
spanning the state, invested in Iowa and in the biotech industry. IowaBio’s mission is to elevate, support, advocate for, and connect Iowa’s diverse biotechnology member companies, agricultural and life sciences ecosystem, and STEM talent pipeline.