nanoTox, Texas-based
company to provide complete assessment - and solutions - exclusively
for nanoparticles, announced today that Governor George Allen of Virginia has
joined the board of its parent company, Nano Risk Assessment, Inc. An early
supporter of nanotechnology initiatives, Gov. Allen served the Commonwealth
of Virginia for more than 20 years as Governor, as U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative,
and as a delegate holding Thomas Jefferson's seat in the Virginia General
Assembly.
“Having a passion for the enormous benefits to be derived from advancements
in nanotechnology, I am thrilled to join the outstanding, visionary nanoTox
team of respected leaders in nanotechnology, science and business,” said
Gov. Allen. “Nanotechnology will increasingly improve our lives with innovations
in life sciences, materials, micro-electronics and energy. It is clear that
the focused expertise of nanoTox will benefit enterprises working with nanoparticles
by assessing risk and recommending safe management of their operations. As they
innovate, improve and succeed, I foresee many responsible nanobusiness leaders
desiring the services of nanoTox.”
Elected to the United States Senate in 2000, George Allen has long advocated
policies to make America a leader in innovation and technology. In 2001, he
was appointed Chairman of the Senate High Tech Task Force and later in his term
he created the Competitive Caucus to keep America the “world capital of
innovation”. Allen was a member on the Commerce, Science and Transportation
Committee, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, the Energy and Natural
Resources Committee as well as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's
Subcommittee on European Affairs.
In 2002, Senator Allen sponsored the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and
Development Act, implementing a National Nanotechnology Program to establish
the goals, priorities, and metrics for evaluation of federal nanotechnology
research and development, invest in federal nanotech research and development
programs, and provide for interagency coordination of federal nanotechnology
activities. Senator Allen also joined with Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) to found
and Co-Chair the Nanotech Caucus.
In addition to Gov. Allen, the prestigious leaders joining the nanoTox Board
of Directors includes former Rice University president Dr. Malcolm Gillis and
founder and CEO of private equity firm La Jolla Capital Partners C. Richard
Piazza.
“Gov. Allen is one of the foremost supporters of safe nanotechnology
development,” said Harry Bushong, nanoTox president. “Not only did
he recognize the importance developing strategies to ensure the responsible
growth of this technology platform, he helped make it a national priority before
most even knew what nanotechnology was.”
“In gaining the guidance and experience of Gov. Allen, Dr. Gillis and
Mr. Piazza, nanoTox is well positioned to provide the nanotechnology community
with the most valuable expertise available for the safest development of nanomaterials
for the commercial market.”
Posted June 8th, 2009
