Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers is pleased to announce that Stephanie Batchelor, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) Vice President for its industrial & environmental section, has been named Consulting Editor of Industrial Biotechnology, the Official Journal of BIO's World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology.

Ms. Batchelor replaces Brent Erickson in his former role of Consulting Editor. We are very grateful to him for all his years of service to the Journal and his efforts to bring the best of BIO to our readers across the globe.

Ms. Batchelor is an experienced government affairs professional and esteemed advocate for companies advancing the biobased economy. As Vice President of the Industrial and Environmental Section, Ms. Batchelor provides policy, regulatory, and strategic support and guidance to technology companies that are leaders in the production of biofuels, renewable chemicals, biobased products, and biomanufacturing processes. Ms. Batchelor specializes in sustainability, renewable chemicals, biofuels, and biobased products policy. Previously, she held the position of Managing Director, where she led BIO's Industrial and Environmental state government portfolio, key climate and sustainability initiatives, and international advocacy efforts within the sector. Working in partnership with BIO's member companies, Ms. Batchelor also serves as the team leader for below50 USA and was a founding member of the California Air Resource Board's low carbon fuel standard advisory panel. She is the Chair for the Women in Industrial Biotechnology group. Prior to joining BIO, Ms. Batchelor focused on EU energy and transportation policy at the European Economic and Social Committee. Ms. Batchelor holds a Master of Arts in International Relations and Politics from New York University. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and History from the State University of New York at Albany.

"Now, more than ever, the role that industrial biotechnology companies can play in solving some of the world's toughest challenges is critically important – from eliminating plastics pollution with innovations in renewable chemicals and synthetic biology to reducing the nation's greenhouse gas emissions with new sustainable fuels," said Ms. Batchelor. "However, as is often the case in D.C., our industry is not immune to political battles that stifle progress. As the premier publication for the industry, I look forward to sharing BIO's progress throughout the year in working with lawmakers to ensure the potential of these breakthroughs is realized."