COLUMBUS, Ohio (November 16, 2023) –– The Ohio Life Sciences (OLS) Association this week named State Rep. Jay Edwards (R-Nelsonville) its first annual Ohio Life Sciences Legislator of the Year, honoring Edwards for his support of the life sciences.
Edwards was honored at the OLS Political Action Committee’s (PAC) annual reception on Wednesday, November 15.
“Representative Edwards is committed to both understanding and building upon the growing life sciences ecosystem here in Ohio,” said Eddie Pauline, OLS president and CEO. “He has shown incredible support for our workforce development strategy, has met with members and is dedicated to helping us drive job growth. We are thrilled to give him this award.”
Among the top priorities for OLS has been creating and executing a workforce development strategy to help build necessary skills for people seeking jobs in the life sciences across the state. That includes companies and institutions in Edwards’ district, which covers much of southeast Ohio.
Edwards, a Nelsonville native, graduated from Ohio University, and was elected to the state legislature in 2017.
“The life sciences industry is rapidly expanding in Ohio, and the jobs it brings are high-paying — and often require only a high school diploma and certificate,” Edwards said. “I’ve been inspired to continually learn about the industry over the years and it is clear that Ohio has a unique opportunity to grow the life sciences in a way that will help advance our overall economy.”
OLS is the state association advancing and advocating for the common interests of Ohio’s life sciences community. The association has a vision for Ohio to be recognized as one of the most robust and innovative life sciences ecosystems in the country, and has developed a strategic focus that will help deliver lifesaving breakthroughs, sustained economic strength, and vitality for communities in Ohio and beyond.
OLS PAC is a statewide political action committee that makes financial contributions to and expenditures on behalf of candidates running for state legislative, executive or judicial offices. The PAC contributes to candidates who have demonstrated a clear understanding of the importance of the life sciences and variety of benefits our industry attracts.
About Ohio Life Sciences
OLS is Ohio’s life science industry trade association, representing an industry that includes more than 4,200 businesses statewide. Ohio Life Sciences convenes and advocates on behalf of biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, labs, digital health, gene and cell therapy, agricultural biotechnology, and research and academic institutions throughout Ohio. OLS is the voice representing and advocating for the common interests of our life sciences community.