Colorado Native Brings Life Sciences Workforce Development Experience from the Nation’s Largest State-Level Life Sciences Trade Organization to Lead The Institute’s Next Phase of Growth

DENVER, August 26, 2026 – Colorado BioScience Institute today announced the appointment of Silvana DelPiccolo as Executive Director, bringing an experienced life sciences workforce development leader to guide the organization’s next phase of growth.

DelPiccolo brings more than 14 years of nonprofit leadership experience spanning life sciences workforce development, STEM education, fundraising, program development, and community partnership. She co-founded Biocom Generation STEAM, the nonprofit education and workforce development organization affiliated with Biocom, the nation’s largest state-level life sciences trade organization, based in California.

At Biocom Generation STEAM, DelPiccolo helped build an organization designed to connect students, educators, employers, and communities with opportunities in life sciences. She led fundraising and community development and held responsibility for strategy, programs, board relationships, and team leadership. Her work brought together life sciences companies, schools, universities, government agencies, foundations, and community organizations to address workforce needs with funded programs and partnerships.

“Silvana understands how to listen to employers, identify where talent gaps exist, and build practical programs and partnerships to address them,” said Elyse Blazevich, President & CEO of Colorado BioScience Association and President of Colorado BioScience Institute. “She brings direct experience developing life sciences talent pathways and securing the resources required to grow them. That expertise positions the Institute to expand its impact as Colorado’s life sciences community grows.”

Colorado BioScience Institute cultivates and diversifies the state’s life sciences workforce from classroom, to campus, to career. Founded by Colorado BioScience Association in 2015, The Institute nurtures an early love of science through K-12 STEM education, connects students and educators with hands-on experiences and career pathways, and advances life sciences professionals through career training and professional development.

The Institute is expanding employer-led approaches to workforce development as Colorado’s life sciences ecosystem grows. Close to 41,000 professionals work directly in life sciences in Colorado, supporting an ecosystem with a $52.4 billion economic impact.

Current Institute initiatives include the Life Sciences Employer Talent Collaborative, which brings employers together to identify priority talent needs and develop shared solutions, and the Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs Certificate Program with the University of Colorado Denver | University of Colorado Anschutz, developed in response to employer demand for skilled quality and regulatory professionals.

“I have spent my career creating opportunities for people to see themselves in life sciences and building the partnerships that turn those opportunities into meaningful career pathways,” said DelPiccolo. “Colorado has tremendous life sciences talent, outstanding educational institutions, innovative employers, and a deeply collaborative community. I am excited to bring my experience home and work with our partners to strengthen the workforce that will support Colorado’s future growth.”

Born and raised in Colorado, DelPiccolo developed much of her life sciences workforce expertise in California before returning to Colorado in 2018. Her appointment brings that experience directly to the state she calls home.

“Accelerating the development of a strong talent pipeline is essential to Colorado’s drive to become a top-five U.S. hub for life sciences,” Blazevich said. “Silvana will help us connect education with employer needs, expand access to life sciences careers, and prepare more Coloradans to contribute to discoveries that save and change lives.” Colorado BioScience Institute was founded in 2015 by Colorado BioScience Association.

About Colorado BioScience Institute

Colorado BioScience Institute cultivates and diversifies Colorado’s life sciences workforce, from classroom, to campus, to career. The Institute team nurtures an early love of science with STEM education, engages students and teachers through hands-on experiences, and empowers employees with professional development. The Institute’s leadership in widening the life sciences talent pipeline supports the state’s economic growth, builds a skilled, diverse workforce to advance health innovation, and elevates people with purpose-driven, high-paying jobs. Learn more: cobioinstitute.org

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Media Contact
Sheliah Reynolds
Primavera Group for Colorado BioScience Institute and Colorado BioScience Association
(720) 289-4739
sheliah@theprimaveragroup.com