HCAR - Hershey Center for Applied Research. South Centrals Pennsylvania's Premier Research Park Located Adjacent to Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine.

Laura J. Butcher, Executive Director

Laura J. Butcher currently serves as the first Executive Director of the Hershey Center for Applied Research. Ms. Butcher's responsibilities include marketing and managing South Central Pennsylvania's only research park offering state-of-the art wet and dry lab facilities, office space, amenities, and support services to life sciences and high technology companies and researchers.

Previous to her work with the research park Ms. Butcher served as the Director of Constituent Affairs for the Technology Investment Office at the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. In this role she was responsible for spearheading a variety of projects and initiatives that integrated and leveraged the assets of technology-based economic development partners across the Commonwealth. Prior to her work with the Commonwealth Ms. Butcher served as a communications officer for the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus supporting the Communications and Technology committee. Before returning to the Harrisburg area Ms. Butcher was employed by the Financial Relations Board/BSMG Worldwide, an investor relations firm in San Francisco where the majority of her clients were technology companies based out of the Silicon Valley.

 

Jack Atchason, Director of Business Development

Jack brings 16 years of Pharmaceutical/Biotech experience in various roles in Sales/Marketing/Commercial Operations to HCAR.   In recent years Jack has held roles of significant responsibility in commercial entities preparing to launch their first products or entering a new therapeutic area. Jack also brings an extensive Sales and Business Development background and is well versed in complex sales environments that require a multi level sales process.  

Jack has spent time at Abbott Labs, Amgen, Millennium, Cytogen, Idenix Pharma, Myriad Pharmaceuticals, and Targanta Pharma.

Having spent the last 10 years of his career in California, Arizona, and New Orleans, La, Jack has returned to his home.  He is a native of Central PA having graduated from Cumberland Valley High School and then earned a BA Political Science from Villanova University. In his free time Jack is an avid golfer, loves physical fitness and the outdoors.

Jack can be reached at jatchason@hersheyresearch.com or 857-928-4533

 

Linda L. Garisto, Director of Operations

Linda serves as Director of Operations for the Hershey Center for Applied Research. Her responsibilities include assisting the Executive Director with leasing development. Other responsibilities include serving as liaison and coordinator for tenants, budget management, grant coordination and event planning.

Ms. Garisto previously worked for the Arizona Department of Commerce as a Public Information Officer. Prior to her work in Arizona, Ms. Garisto was a member of the Financial Integration Team with Ahold Financial Services.

Linda can be reached at lgaristo@hersheyresearch.com or 717 566-8900.