Former director at Biotechnology Industry Organization to lead efforts to commercialize algae-derived fuel, food, feed and other products
WASHINGTON, DC (June 18, 2014) The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO), the trade association for the algae industry, today announced Matthew Carr, Ph.D. as its executive director. Dr. Carr has more than a decade of policy and advocacy experience, most recently serving as Managing Director of the Industrial and Environmental section at the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). He will be focused on continuing to develop ABO’s membership and lead the organization’s efforts to accelerate the development of algae technologies that serve trillion-dollar markets in fuels, feed, food and chemical industries.
Dr. Carr’s appointment comes at a time of growth in the algae industry. Increasing numbers of companies are manufacturing a range of sustainable products from algae, including biofuels, animal feeds, Omega-3 fatty acids, plastics, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Yet there are still a variety of regulatory issues, typical with this type of disruptive innovation, which must be addressed for the industry to fully access these markets.
“Matt is well-known and respected throughout the biotech community and among government and policy officials on The Hill and Administration,” said Margaret McCormick, chair of ABO’s board of directors. “His ability to develop strong relationships with member companies, understand and articulate their business challenges, as well as his expertise in the issues facing the algae industry make Matt the perfect fit for ABO.”
Dr. Carr spent nearly a decade at BIO, the world’s largest trade association representing biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the US and more than 30 other nations. Dr. Carr focused on biotechnology companies who are developing new products and technologies derived from renewable sources or manufactured in sustainable processes. He helped them navigate the complex regulatory environment and create mutually beneficial outcomes for consumers, government and the companies themselves.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside ABO and several of its members during the past five years on ensuring that federal and state policy supports the growth of the biobased economy. I have admired the passion and potential for this industry to make a significant impact on our nation’s economic, energy and food security,” said Dr. Carr. “I am honored to be joining the organization and looking forward to the road ahead.”
Prior to joining BIO, Dr. Carr was the American Meteorological Society Congressional Fellow on the Senate Agriculture Committee for Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), where he contributed to the development of the biomass provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
Before starting his career in Washington D.C., Dr. Carr was an environmental reporter for the Dallas Morning News and was a Mathematics Director at The Harbor School in Vashon, Washington. He volunteers with the Earth Conservation Corps and is a part of River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation’s Environmental Task Force, Religious Education Program.
Dr. Carr received a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Washington and a B.Sc. in Atmospheric & Ocean Sciences (Honors) from McGill University.
About the Algae Biomass Organization
The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) is a 501 c(6) non-profit whose mission is to promote the development of viable commercial markets for renewable and sustainable commodities derived from algae. Its membership is comprised of people, companies and organizations across the value chain. More information about ABO, including its leadership, membership, costs, benefits and members and their affiliations, is available at the website: www.algaebiomass.org.