Our 2024 Hall of Fame inductee is Sharon Peterson, founder and past Executive Director of the Montana BioScience Alliance
In 2004, Sharon Peterson and a group of other forward-thinking Montanans had the vision of a dynamic and vibrant biotechnology sector in the state. Their belief was based on conversations with entrepreneurs looking to build businesses in Montana or relocate established businesses from other parts of the country. Sharon believed that when those entrepreneurs were paired with biotech research and training programs at Montana’s universities, along with savvy economic development professionals around the state, a successful sector could take root – and it did.
Drawing on her decades-long experience in government, education, and nonprofits, she secured support and funding, recruited a dedicated board of directors, and started the Montana BioScience Alliance. She led the alliance through the past 20 years of development until her passing in June 2024.
Friends and colleagues have bestowed praise and admiration for Sharon and her work in the bioscience arena and for the Montana BioScience Alliance. Here are just a few:
Alliance Board Chair Cynthia Tsai reflected on the impact of Sharon’s contributions over the 20 years she guided the organization:
“Sharon’s vision back in 2004 is now a reality. It is evident in our labs, classrooms, small businesses, and healthcare facilities, where amazing and significant accomplishments are taking place every day. Montana is now recognized as a leading player in the biotech sector. Through the hard work, dedication, and sheer tenacity of Sharon Peterson – we are on the map.”
Alliance Vice President Ron Zook credits Sharon for always having an eye on the future and the continued growth of a dynamic and thriving bioscience sector:
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Sharon for many years as part of the Montana BioScience Alliance organization. Sharon’s focus and passion were unique in that she placed an equal emphasis in supporting our biotechnology research and commercialization initiatives as well as focusing on the next generation of scientists and engineers through support of STEM education in our high schools. Her leadership and contributions to these initiatives are unprecedented.”
A long-time friend and professional colleague, John Rogers, attended Bio International with Sharon several years ago. This is the industry’s annual premier trade show and draws a broad range of bioscience professionals from around the world:
“It was there that I realized the level of respect that Sharon had achieved among her counterparts from across the country. At the first reception of her peers, we essentially stood in place while other state directors approached Sharon to literally “pay their respects” to her. I was not terribly surprised by this – but I was really proud that her peers obviously admired her as much we do in Montana.”
Born in Butte, Montana, Sharon grew up in Winifred, where she cultivated a deep connection to her community and a passion for education. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Montana State University and later completed a Master of Business Administration from the University of Montana, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to learning and personal growth.
In addition to honoring Sharon by inducting her into the Hall of Fame, the Montana BioScience Alliance board has created the Sharon Peterson STEM Scholarship, an annual $2,500 award to support Montana teachers in STEM fields. By empowering educators, the scholarship seeks to inspire the next generation of scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers – fulfilling Sharon’s vision for a brighter, STEM-powered future.
“In addition to its contributions to the state’s economy, the bioscience industry conducts important research and develops products that address serious challenges in our country. Bioscience enterprises are an excellent example of how Montana can attract and support long-term, high-paying jobs and contribute to important developments in health and other technology frontiers. At the Montana BioScience Alliance, we are ensuring our state’s bioscience organizations and companies can flourish.” Sharon Peterson, July 2022