Bradford (Brad) Zakes serves as Executive Vice President of Emerging Companies and Economic Growth at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). In this position, he leads BIO’s efforts to support early-stage and emerging biotech companies, foster innovative ecosystems, and drive economic growth across the biotechnology sector.
Brad joined BIO’s senior executive team in 2025 following years of service on BIO’s Board of Directors and as Treasurer. He brings more than 30 years of experience in biotechnology, spanning executive leadership, clinical development, and strategic business growth. Before joining BIO in an executive capacity, he was President and CEO of Cerevast Medical, a company he co-founded in 2009 to develop therapeutic ultrasound technologies. He also served as President and CEO of ImaRx Therapeutics, a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company focused on microsphere technology and biotherapeutics.
Earlier in his career, Brad held roles at Hazleton Laboratories, Glaxo (now GSK), and ICOS Corporation. He also served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army. Brad holds a B.S. in Biology from Oregon State University, an M.S. in Toxicology from American University, and an M.B.A. from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.