Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
June 27, 2008
Dr. Arnold Naimark, Chair of
Genome Prairie's Board
of Directors, announced today the appointment of Dr. Wilf
Keller as the new President and CEO of Genome Prairie.
"Dr. Keller's research experience, accomplishments and exemplary
record of leadership at the National Research Council - Plant
Biotechnology Institute make him the ideal choice for President
and CEO," commented Dr. Naimark. Dr. Keller has held the
position of Director of Research and, most recently, Acting
Director General, at NRC-PBI.
Dr. Keller's appointment comes at a very important time for
Genome Prairie. Genome Canada's Applied Genomics Research in
Bioproducts and Crops (ABC) Competition is currently underway
and involves several crops and bioproducts researchers in
Saskatchewan and Manitoba. This competition creates an
opportunity to bring a substantial amount of additional funding
for genomics research to these provinces to advance agricultural
production; and the use of renewable feedstocks for the
production of bioproducts.
"Under the leadership of Jerome Konecsni, Genome Prairie has
established itself as a prominent leader in development and
implementation of genomics research projects in Manitoba and
Saskatchewan", said Keller. "I am pleased to have the
opportunity to work with Genome Prairie and look forward to
facilitating further advances in genomics research and its
applications in the prairie region and beyond."
Dr. Naimark also took the opportunity to acknowledge the work of
current President and CEO, Jerome Konecsni.
"Jerome's leadership style, passion and commitment have
established a firm foundation for future development based on
effective collaboration regionally, nationally and
internationally," said Naimark.
Mr. Konecsni will serve as President and CEO until June 30,
2008, at which time Dr. Ashley O'Sullivan will become acting
President. Dr. Keller will assume full Presidential
responsibilities on October 1, 2008.
Genome Prairie leads large-scale genomics and proteomics
research projects in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. With its
national and international partners, Genome Prairie has
supported nearly $160 M of research activity in
plant, animal and human genomics, bioinformatics,
instrumentation development and bioethics since 2000.
Through network establishment and regional priority
consultations, Genome Prairie facilitates research linkages with
funding from provincial governments, industry and Genome Canada
- a not-for-profit organization implementing a national strategy
in genomics and proteomics research to benefit all Canadians. |
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