Bioindustrial Manufacturing and Design Ecosystem (BioMADE) has named Dr. Jill Zullo as executive vice president and chief operating officer. Zullo is a pioneer in biotechnology commercialization and has spent her career introducing products to new bioindustrial markets.
Zullo joins BioMADE’s executive team, which includes Friedman; Melanie Tomczak, head of programs and chief technology officer; Jayne Laiprasert, general counsel; Rachel Mee, interim chief financial officer; Jack Starr, chief manufacturing officer; and Genya Dana, chief strategy and bioeconomic development officer.
By supporting the development of biomanufacturing technologies, BioMADE and its network of nearly 300 members across 37 states are striving to strengthen American competitiveness, create a more resilient supply chain, reshore manufacturing jobs and produce more sustainable products without relying on foreign sources of energy. One of BioMADE’s goals is to build a diverse and globally competitive STEM workforce to ensure American workers are prepared and ready to fill new jobs within the rapidly growing industry. BioMADE was catalyzed by the U.S. Department of Defense and is a member of Manufacturing USA.
Zullo joins BioMADE from Cargill, where she spent nearly three decades developing new technologies, from the foods we consume every day to the industrial biotech innovations that will propel us into the future. Most recently, she served as the interim president and CEO of NatureWorks, a Cargill joint venture that led the biomanufacturing development of Ingeo polylactic acid (PLA), a biobased suite of plastics and fibers to replace fossil-based materials.
“Throughout my career, I have championed the growth of renewable markets to spur innovation in sustainable biotechnology and drive economic growth in rural regions across the country,” said Zullo. “At BioMADE, I look forward to applying my expertise in commercialization to continue to strengthen the U.S. bioeconomy. I’m excited to collaborate with eager teams of bioindustrial manufacturing practitioners who share my passion for bringing new and exciting technologies from the lab to commercial scale production.”
Previously, Zullo held the position of global managing director, BioIntermediates at Cargill Bioindustrial where she built a renewable intermediate business. In this role, she also spearheaded Qore, a joint venture between Cargill and HELM, a German-based chemicals company, for the production and marketing of renewable 1,4 butanediol (QIRATM), which is used for renewable spandex, packaging, and industrial materials. These efforts motivated Cargill to invest $350 million in an Iowa production facility.
“We’re thrilled to be welcoming Dr. Zullo to the BioMADE team,” said Dr. Douglas Friedman, chief executive officer. “Her breadth of experience and passion for the industry will take BioMADE to the next level as we build our infrastructure network, support innovative research and secure America’s leadership in the 21st century bioeconomy.”
Additionally, Zullo serves as a board member for Project Scientist, a non-profit that empowers the next generation of women STEM leaders, and Ayana Bio, a biotechnology startup. Zullo earned her B.S. in biology from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and her Ph.D. in food technology from Iowa State University.
