New Brunswick, NJ, July 5, 2001 — Former New Jersey Congressman Bob Franks has been appointed President of the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey, the organization’s Board of Trustees announced today. Mr. Franks assumes this position August 1, succeeding William H. Tremayne, who is retiring.
The HealthCare Institute of New Jersey is an association of 17 research-based pharmaceutical and medical technology companies in New Jersey. Based in New Brunswick, the Institute’s goal is to raise public awareness of the industry’s activities in the state.
“The Institute’s Board of Trustees believes Bob will add tremendous value to the Institute, helping to educate the public about the pharmaceutical industry and its impact,” said Raymond V. Gilmartin, chairman, president and CEO of Merck & Co., Inc. and chairman of the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey. “With his significant political experience, Bob is an expert at elevating public understanding of complex issues. Considering the major impact our industry has on the state, it is critical that New Jerseyans have a solid understanding of what we do.”
Mr. Franks said, “The pharmaceutical and medical technology industry makes an invaluable contribution to our state and the health of our residents. Not only is the industry a major source of employment opportunities, its commitment to research and development is helping people live longer, healthier lives. I look forward to advancing an industry that is dedicated to improving and saving lives.”
In his new role, Mr. Franks will be responsible for working with the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey’s Board of Trustees to develop and oversee implementation of strategies to heighten awareness and understanding of the pharmaceutical and medical technology industry.
He also will lead efforts to align the Institute’s interests with other stakeholders in the health care field, such as academic research institutions, hospitals, public health officials, physicians, nurses and other health care professionals.
Mr. Franks was elected to four consecutive terms as Congressman for New Jersey’s 7th district, which covers parts of Union, Somerset, Middlesex and Essex Counties. He completed his fourth term in January 2001.
During his tenure in the United States House, Mr. Franks served on the Budget and Transportation & Infrastructure Committees. In the 106th Congress, the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee reorganized and Mr. Franks became chairman of the new Economic Development, Public Buildings, Hazardous Materials and Pipeline Transportation Subcommittee.
He was co-chairman of the Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition and founded the Congressional Task Force on Manufacturing. He also was co-chairman of the Missing and Exploited Children’s Caucus, and sponsored numerous bills aimed at protecting children.
Before serving in Congress, Mr. Franks was a member of the New Jersey Assembly for 13 years, representing the 22nd district, which covers Union and Somerset Counties.
A resident of Berkeley Heights, N.J., Mr. Franks has a B.A. from DePauw University and a J.D. from Southern Methodist University.
For more information about the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey, visit www.hinj.org.