Gov. Martin O'Malley named on Friday a longtime veteran of Maryland's bioscience industry to lead the Department of Business and Economic Development's efforts to increase the biotechnology and science sector in the state. Judith A. Britz, a scientist and entrepreneur with 25 years of bioscience experience, was named executive director of the Maryland Biotechnology Center, where she is expected to help the state's 400 bioscience companies grow and create new jobs. She most recently had her own consulting firm where she advised companies on therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Britz previously served as president and chief executive officer of Cylex Inc. and general manager of Sienna Biotech Inc., both in Maryland. She has held positions in business development and research and development at Becton Dickinson and Johnson and Johnson. She has a doctorate from Stanford University in immunology and medical microbiology.

- Gus G. Sentementes