2024 Business Women Awards
INDUSTRY LEADER | NONPROFITS: Carol C. Malysz
RI Bio executive director
THE LAST SEVEN YEARS leading RI Bio as its executive director have been “an incredible journey” for Carol C. Malysz. And what lies ahead for her brings equal excitement to Malysz, who is retiring from the Providence-based life sciences trade organization in June.
Malysz speaks proudly of her accomplishments at RI Bio. She helped build a robust ecosystem connecting entrepreneurs across sectors, and making Rhode Island a premiere location to conduct research and development.
RI Bio provides professionals resources with a goal of advancing the life sciences industry through education, collaboration and promoting innovation. Since 2017, Malysz has also served as a pioneer, rebranding and relaunching the organization, expanding membership, dramatically increasing revenue and raising awareness of the long-term economic advantages of growth in this field.
“We have seen so much success, from advocating for policy change to supporting the growth of so many startups,” Malysz said.
RI Bio is also a catalyst in bringing organizations together, and Malysz has managed collaborations among significant players in life sciences. During Malysz’s tenure, RI Bio has partnered with Brown University, the University of Rhode Island, Lifespan Corp., Care New England Health System and the Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center on various initiatives.
“We want to take things to a whole new level.” Malysz said. “What will Rhode Island be known for? Neuroscience? Medical devices? Gene therapy? What’s next?”
Her hard work and dedication has paid off. One example of Malysz’s leadership is convincing the state to invest $45 million in the life science sector, the result of countless hours engaging with policymakers at the R.I. Statehouse. This funding commitment includes developing much-needed wet lab incubator spaces as well as financial and professional services aimed at expanding this sector.
According to Denise Lavoie, principal with accounting firm Aaronson Lavoie Streitfeld Diaz & Co., Malysz has been an inspiration of hers. They’ve known each other for many years, Lavoie said, and she has always been committed to the task at hand and “does what it takes to deliver on her promises.”
RI Bio also brings stakeholders to the table to share knowledge, experience and resources. Building relationships leads to economic growth and everyone benefits, Malysz says.
“Teamwork can be challenging but it’s also rewarding,” she said. “When people come together, you can really see the impact they have.”
Malysz stresses that RI Bio is more than just business development. The organization also advances medicine for the benefit of the whole community. Ultimately, she says the work that RI Bio does improves quality of life.
“It’s all about helping patients. We’re making a difference,” she said. “That’s why I’m so proud to be a part of it.”
When she retires from RI Bio, Malysz is not intending to stop. Instead, she is excited about opening a new chapter as she welcomes time for more exploration and relaxation.
Malysz says she remains committed to mentoring other professionals, particularly women, as they travel the path to become leaders in their respective industries.
“Carol carries with her a commitment to mentorship and coaching, empowering individuals across diverse sectors,” Lavoie said. “Her track record of transformative mentorship spans decades.”
As a lead mentor with the nonprofit RIHub Venture Mentoring Service, Malysz supports entrepreneurs operating in the Ocean State. She says she gets very excited about mentoring emerging leaders.
“I’ve always been a learner and I love sharing my knowledge and experience with others,” Malysz said.
Over the years and beyond RI Bio, Malysz has been recognized for her mentoring role with a number of organizations, including the Center for Women & Enterprise, Babson College, the National Science Foundation and Boston University.
“Her dedication to guiding individuals towards their potential serves as a testament to her leadership and commitment to fostering positive change in the lives of those she touches,” Lavoie said.
