FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RICHMOND, Va., October 1, 2026 – Cindy Groff-Vindman, Ph.D., has been appointed by Governor Abigail Spanberger to the board of the Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority. As a political subdivision of the Commonwealth, the Authority Board works to grow the regional innovation economy and strengthen Virginia’s position as a leader in biotechnology and life sciences innovation.
“Cindy brings a unique combination of scientific expertise and experience at the intersection of biotechnology, emerging technologies, biomanufacturing, and national security,” said Michael Steele, president and chief executive officer of the Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority, doing business as Activation Capital. “Her perspective will be invaluable as we continue building the infrastructure, partnerships, and pathways needed to advance life sciences innovation, accelerate commercialization, and translate scientific discovery into new companies, jobs, and economic growth across Virginia.”
Groff-Vindman serves as Lead for Emerging Technologies at Dara Systems, where she develops AI-enabled solutions designed to strengthen the resilience, security, and operational performance of critical infrastructure. A molecular geneticist by training, she brings more than 15 years of experience leading emerging technology initiatives across the U.S. Department of Defense, industry, and nonprofit organizations. Her work has spanned biotechnology, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and national security, supporting more than $300 million in federal research and development investments.
Earlier in her career, Groff-Vindman spent approximately eight years in scientific and technology leadership roles supporting the U.S. Army, including serving as Government Chief Technology Officer for BioMADE, where she helped guide Department of Defense strategic technology investments in industrial biomanufacturing. Her experience spans the full technology development lifecycle, from scientific research and technology maturation to acquisition and deployment, and includes work advancing synthetic biology and emerging biotechnology capabilities. She also served as an Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity Fellow at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Groff-Vindman earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from the University of Georgia and her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Binghamton University. She has held teaching positions at James Madison University, the University of Maryland Global Campus, and Northern Virginia Community College and has published research examining biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and biosecurity. Her recent work includes research exploring the convergence of AI and synthetic biology, including new biological AI capabilities.
“I am honored to join the board at such an important moment for biotechnology in Virginia,” said Groff-Vindman. “The Commonwealth has tremendous strengths in research, manufacturing, agriculture, talent, and national security that create an opportunity to build a more connected and resilient biotechnology ecosystem. I look forward to working with Activation Capital and partners across Virginia to help translate scientific discovery into new capabilities, companies, jobs, and economic growth.”
About the Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority
The Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia created by Chapter 946 of the 1993 Virginia Acts of Assembly. The Authority disseminates knowledge related to scientific and technological research and development, including biotechnology, and promotes industrial and economic development across the Commonwealth.
For more information, visit activation.capital.
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