FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RICHMOND, Va., January 15, 2026 – Elizabeth Anne Whalley, BSN, RN, MBA, JD, CHC, CHRC, has been appointed 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.
“The appointment of Elizabeth Whalley further strengthens our mission to supercharge biotech innovation in Central Virginia and build a thriving hub for life sciences and technology,” said Michael Steele, president and chief executive officer of the Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority, doing business as Activation Capital. “Activation Capital has entered 2026 with historic momentum, and Elizabeth’s experience and perspective will help advance a collaborative ecosystem that brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, and problem solvers to tackle some of the world’s most complex challenges.”
Whalley serves as Chief Legal and Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary at Phlow Corp., a public benefit corporation dedicated to addressing critical shortages of essential medicines in the United States. Phlow launched its early operations within the Virginia Bio+Tech Park, reflecting the innovation ecosystem the Authority was created to support.
Earlier in her career, Whalley worked as a medical and psychiatric nurse in the Boston area before transitioning into leadership roles across the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and life sciences sectors. Her professional background spans regulatory strategy, compliance, clinical research oversight, and healthcare innovation across both public and private organizations. In addition to her corporate leadership roles, Whalley has advised and supported a range of healthcare and life sciences initiatives focused on patient safety, innovation, and public health.
Whalley received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Boston College School of Nursing and earned her MBA in Executive Management from St. John’s University College of Business Administration. She received her JD in Health Law and Economics from George Mason University and holds certifications in Healthcare Compliance and Healthcare Research Compliance. She is actively engaged in advancing children’s health initiatives across the Commonwealth and serves on several nonprofit and civic boards in support of that work. In 2025, Whalley was named to the Richmond Times-Dispatch 2025 Class of Women Who Drive Richmond and was recognized by Virginia Business through its In-House Counsel Awards.
“I am honored to join the board at a pivotal moment for Virginia’s life sciences ecosystem,” said Whalley. “We are building on a strong foundation, expanding programs, and supporting entrepreneurs and researchers across the Commonwealth. I look forward to contributing to efforts that create meaningful jobs, attract investment, and help bring innovative solutions to life right here in Virginia and across our great nation.”
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.