Leadership

Steven J. Bares is President and Executive Director of the Memphis Bioworks Foundation, a broad-based public/private partnership focusing on the growth of biomedical research and commercialization of life science technologies. Dr. Bares specializes in growth business management, new product development and marketing, and has led the development of more than 15 new technologies, from concept through the entire technology development cycle and onto the penetration of consumer and commercial markets.

Prior to joining Memphis Bioworks Foundation, Dr. Bares served in a series of executive roles at International Paper, the world’s largest forest products company. Previously, Dr. Bares was President and Co-Founder of Sparcom Corporation, a company specializing in handheld computer applications and wireless communications products. Dr. Bares also previously served as Program Manager for Hewlett-Packard’s laser and inkjet printer group, and was part of the initial team that introduced the DeskJet family of printers, which is currently a 15-billion-dollar business worldwide.

Dr. Bares holds a Ph.D. in physical chemistry, a Master’s of Business Administration (M.B.A), and a B.Sc. in chemistry. He has authored nine patents and published numerous articles. Dr. Bares is Co-Founder and Board Chairman of the Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering, a middle/high school for Memphis inner-city children. Dr. Bares serves on the boards of Agricenter International, the Memphis Medical Center Association, and the Charter School Resource Center, a statewide implementer of new school initiatives in Tennessee.