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Inside North Carolina’s Thriving Life Sciences Sector
EPISODE 48 [LIVE]
What’s the Buzz?! | Inside North Carolina’s Thriving Life Sciences Sector
North Carolina has spent more than four decades building the foundation for one of the most dynamic life science ecosystems in the United States — and today, it’s paying off.
On this episode of What’s the Buzz?!, we’re joined by Doug Edgeton, President & CEO of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center (NCBiotech), to explore how North Carolina maintains its position as a leading U.S. biohub through long-term investment, a diverse life sciences landscape, and enduring public-private partnerships.
You’ll learn:
Why sustained, strategic investment has fueled North Carolina’s life sciences success across biopharma, agtech, diagnostics, and beyond
How global connectivity—from international airports to logistics strengths in the Piedmont Triad and cGMP, temperature-controlled storage and distribution in Wilmington—supports industry growth
What North Carolina is doing to meet the growing demand for skilled talent through workforce development and education
How the state continues to attract venture capital and support innovation at every stage of company growth
About the Guest
Doug Edgeton
Doug Edgeton, MPH, MBA became NCBiotech’s president and CEO in September 2014. He brings extensive executive-level experience in health care from major academic medical centers, research park development and business administration, including an emphasis on community service.
Throughout his career, Edgeton has managed both human resources (talent) and facilities, helping them work in concert to create the right ecosystem for organizational growth. This approach led to more efficient organizations, faster technology transfer and better patient care. Edgeton continues this approach at the Biotech Center, targeting state investment and staff expertise to help North Carolina’s life science companies grow, create jobs, and bring life-changing technologies to market.
About the Host
Chris Frew
Chris is the Founder of BioBuzz Networks, Inc, a life science talent community and hiring platform, and CEO of Workforce Genetics, LLC (WGx), a prominent life science recruitment firm. He has been supporting companies in the regional life sciences industry with recruiting and marketing solutions for 20+ years.
Previously serving as the Vice President of Sales at Breezio, a leading innovator in cloud-based online communities, and the Vice President of Tech USA’s Scientific Division, which he founded and grew into a national practice. Chris has almost two decades of experience successfully leading teams, projects and fostering engaged communities within the Life Science industry.
He is a Maryland native and a graduate of Towson University.
About the Program
What's the Buzz?!
This weekly podcast, broadcast live, features life sciences leaders and regional ecosystem builders who share bold ideas, real stories, and what’s ahead for our industry.
Hosted by our CEO, Chris Frew, and powered by Heffron, this 30-minute virtual series is streamed across LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook — reaching thousands of professionals every episode.
The show highlights one-on-one conversations with founders, executives, strategists, and ecosystem builders. While focusing on the biohubs where we are most active, What’s the Buzz?! also explores emerging regions, trends, and innovations shaping the future of life sciences.
Topics include:
➡️ Biotech growth & investment trends
➡️ Workforce development & talent strategies
➡️ Emerging tools & technologies
➡️ Policy & ecosystem influence
➡️ Public-private collaboration
About the Sponsor
Heffron
Founded in 1922, Heffron Company is a fourth-generation, family-owned firm in the Washington, D.C. region redefining construction and service for complex, highly regulated environments.
With deep expertise in plumbing and HVAC, design-build, renovation and tenant services, and complex systems installation, Heffron supports mission-critical life sciences and biotech facilities alongside education, government, and commercial projects. Their work includes university research labs, federal research buildings, corporate R&D headquarters, and GMP-compliant biotech spaces.
Known for integrity, collaboration, and technical excellence, Heffron delivers reliable, high-performance systems through clear communication and consistent on-time, on-budget execution.