What Do You Look For In Board Members/Advisors?

A | THE EXPERIENCE AND ATTRIBUTES ONE LOOKS FOR in a board member or advisor varies depending on the technology and stage of the company. We look for individuals with experience in building a biotech and raising capital (private and public) in the current environment. If the technology being developed is transformational, new paths must be developed, and thus experience leading a company with a disruptive technology is ideal. In addition, it important that the individual has an innate appreciation of value generation. Other important qualities include being engaged, committed, connected, and having high emotional intelligence and integrity. Finally, cultural fit and value alignment are critical.

LESLIE WILLIAMS is president, CEO, and founder of ImmusanT, a private, clinical-stage biotech developing peptide-based vaccines for induction of tolerance in a variety of autoimmune conditions. She has more than 20 years of industry experience.