Science-based Covington accelerator names executive director

A Northern Kentucky nonprofit that accelerates science-based entrepreneurship and economic development has named a new executive director. 

The board of Covington Life Sciences Partners, Inc. chose Christin M. Godale, who has a doctorate in neuroscience from the University of Cincinnati. Before joining CLSP, Godale was director of life sciences at CincyTech, a venture capital firm, where she led investment diligence and built relationships with top academic and healthcare institutions.

As part of her new role, Godale will concentrate on collaborative regional efforts, engaging stakeholders and developing infrastructure. She will also work to establish a community of life sciences researchers and partners.

“We aim to position Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati as a nationally recognized hub for life sciences innovation by providing entrepreneurs with a place to innovate, grow and succeed,” Godale said. “Northern Kentucky is a fantastic place for life sciences due to the unique mix of affordability, collaboration and opportunity, and I am excited to lead this vital work.”

Making science-based investments in NKY innovation

CLSP offers affordable lab space, equipment and essential resources to support innovators in their work. The board consists of representatives from BE NKY Growth Partnership, Bexion Pharmaceuticals, CTI Clinical Trial & Consulting Services, the City of Covington, Gravity Diagnostics, Northern Kentucky University, Sanofi, and St. Elizabeth Healthcare.

When announcing the hire, the CLSP board pointed to Godale’s background as a life sciences leader with both academic and venture experience as the reason they chose her.

“Christin’s experience in this ecosystem, her connections locally, and her passion for growing life sciences in the region make her an excellent executive director for Covington Life Sciences Partners,” said CLSP Co-Chair Chuck Scheper, chairman of Bexion Pharmaceuticals. “Her career has shown a commitment to bridging the gap between scientific discovery and real-world applications and driving transformative change in the life sciences industry.”

Godale’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as CLSP prepares to open the Covington Life Sciences Lab in the OneNKY Center. CLSP’s board executive committee chair, R. Duane Clark, said that the state-of-the-art research lab in Covington will be a strong asset for the region, attracting attention from local and national sources.

“We are excited to have Christin on board as the executive director,” added Clark,  general manager of US Rare Disease at Sanofi. “Our mission is to attract individual researchers, biotech and larger companies to the lab to further their science.”

Covington Life Science Partners