L'Italo-Americano

L'Italo-Americano THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 www.italoamericano.com 8 Italian San Diego Leader Recipient of Inaugural Convivio Award Joseph Panetta, President and CEO of Biocom, was the inau- gural honoree of the Convivio C o m m u n i t a s A w a r d f o r Leadership, underscoring his impact on the San Diego com- munity receiving what the orga- nization termed, "long overdue accolades." "Congratulations on receiv- ing the Convivio Communitas Award for Leadership," said wife Karin, adding that it was particularly special as Panetta is so proud of his Italian heritage. "Over the years you have shown y o u r r e m a r k a b l e l e a d e r s h i p , always with dedication, integrity and humility," she added. "I could not be more proud of your accomplishments. " A t a n e a r l y a g e o u r d a d exposed us to the reasons for having pride and love in being I t a l i a n - A m e r i c a n , " s a i d s o n Christopher. Daughter Lauren said she was constantly fascinat- e d b y t h e d e t e r m i n a t i o n h e r father puts forth in everything he does and "the self-evident pas- sion you display for politics, life sciences and the colorful Italian culture," ending with "I love you." In a recent, informal meeting with Jim Cardinale, President of the Sons of Italy in San Diego, Panetta explained that he comes from a strong Italian heritage. "I have kind of pushed my Italian heritage in the background," said Panetta who recalled memories of his Italian ancestry stemming from grandparents who migrated to America, from Calabria, Italy, adding that it has been a fasci- n a t i n g e x p e r i e n c e b r i d g i n g Italian and American cultures. "When my dad was in the mili- tary, he said 'look, I'm fighting a war here and I am not even a cit- izen; either send me home, or make me a citizen.' So his com- mander said, 'We'll make you a citizen, when you get home.'" In seeking to reconnect with his Italian ancestry, Panetta has gained dual citizenship through the efforts of Italian Vice-con- sulate representative, Roberto Ruocco. Reconnecting with his Italian roots has enabled Panetta to travel more freely to Italy as well as give greater attention to speaking his native Italian lan- guage. "I did it for the whole f a m i l y , d u a l c i t i z e n s h i p , " explained Panetta. "I gave my son a Eurail pass and he had a great time. Who knows, I might decide to go back; I've lots of relatives back there," mused the CEO, adding that he and the family go back to Italy every couple of years. Answering a q u e s t i o n f r o m S o n s o f I t a l y President, Cardinale, about his Italian heritage, Panetta replied, "I'm 100% Italian, but proud to be an American." The President and CEO of Biocom is also a member of the Board of Directors and advo- cates for 620 companies, service sector firms, universities and research institutes working in the biotechnology and biomedical device arena. He is also active o n v a r i o u s b o a r d s , b u s i n e s s c o a l i t i o n s a n d c o m m i t t e e s addressing issues regarding the life science industry. Panetta was a p p o i n t e d b y C a l i f o r n i a G o v e r n o r J e r r y B r o w n i n January, 2014 to the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee which serves as the governing and oversight Board for the CA I n s t i t u t e f o r R e g e n e r a t i v e Medicine. Panetta attended Le Moyne ROBERT GALLO College in Syracuse, New York where he received a Bachelor's D e g r e e i n B i o l o g y . H e t h e n went on to the University of Pittsburg receiving a graduate d e g r e e i n P u b l i c H e a l t h . A c c o r d i n g t o P a n e t t a , t h e biotechnology industry took shape in the 1980s. "Biocom was just getting off the ground," said Panetta. "I got t o B i o c o m i n 1 9 9 9 , a n d w e began producing proteins and c e l l s . T h e s e a r e s p r a y e d o n crops and help control damage from mice, caterpillars and other insects," said Panetta, pointing to an artist's rendition of two large orange orbs. "That's basi- cally what the proteins look like." Panetta explained that after Biocom "got off the ground, things started getting busy." Due to the industry's rapid growth, Panetta was promoted to the sec- tor of global government rela- tions. According to Panetta, this put the industry on a world trade status. He recalls beginning to work with universities in San Diego to train employees and specifically working with the University of California, San Diego in the Master of Business Administration Program. "The three biggest concerns we face are talent, money and a d v o c a c y , " s a i d P a n e t t a . "Companies need to raise enor- mous amounts of money to get products through testing from t h e F o o d a n d D r u g Administration. Then there is the talent factor and all the dif- ferent kinds of regulations and taxes regarding stock options." He disclosed that this weekend he would be on Capitol Hill and leaving for Japan after that. Joseph Panetta and Jim Cardinale shaking hands in front of new Biocom headquarters

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