Research center turns to ex-49er in new game plan
Kovach's playbook includes $100 million in funds, quadrupling of staff

The Buck Institute for Age Research is turning to a former NFL linebacker to help tackle an ambitious expansion plan, which calls for $100 million of investment to double its space and nearly quadruple its staff over the next 10 years. - NFL Football -
The Novato-based research institute named James Kovach as its new president and chief operating officer. Kovach, who ended his seven-year football career with a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers in 1985, holds medical and law degrees. He also brings to the institute experience in the biotechnology industry and expertise in university technology transfer.
"If you went out to a headhunter and said you want a person who knows about stem cells, has a J.D. and an M.D., understands research, has worked in the biotech arena as well as universities, understands intellectual property, can deal with the administration and has the commitment and desire of an NFL linebacker, they would laugh at you," said Dale Bredesen, CEO of the Buck Institute. "There are many points of fit, and more than I ever expected to see in a COO candidate. Jim's a unique individual."
Though Kovach replaces COO Carla Dingillo, who is stepping down after eight years, he becomes the institute's first president. - NFL Football -
The change in executive structure reflects a need to spread executive responsibilities as the institute grows. - NFL Football -
The institute is building out its existing 188,000 square feet of space over two buildings. That space will allow the institute to expand to a staff of 250 from 150 during the next couple of years and increase the number of labs to 22 from 12. Construction is expected to be completed by January 2007, when the institute will be fully staffed.
Bredesen said the growth will allow the institute to reach a "critical mass" to become relatively self-sufficient and benefit from an economy of scale. - NFL Football -
During the next 10 years, the institute plans to add three buildings to its campus, bringing the total space to 360,000 square feet. When completed, the institute will boast a staff of 550 and 45 labs. - NFL Football -
The addition of Kovach will allow Bredesen to focus more of his attention on research while Kovach takes responsibility for administrative work.
"He will be directing the orchestra and I will be writing the music," Bredesen said.

Daniel S. Levine
American City Business Journals