Neil Steinberg stepping down as chair of RI Life Science Hub. What we know.

PROVIDENCE – Neil Steinberg is stepping down as the chairman of the board of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub, a role he assumed in October 2023 after he retired from the Rhode Island Foundation five months prior.

In a three-page resignation letter dated July 15, Steinberg wrote that he wants to spend time with his family and travel as part of his retirement, along with working on “other key” priorities in the state including public education, health care and housing.

“Given the SUBSTANTIAL time I have invested in the past few years, and the solid foundation now established, I am willing to make this resignation effective on a day of your choosing, but not later than September 30, 2025,” he wrote to Gov. Dan McKee.

Steinberg was volunteering his time on the board.

The Life Science Hub was initially funded with $45 million from the state. Its president and CEO is Mark Turco.

What has the RI Life Science Hub been doing?

Among the other achievements is this last legislative session when the hub secured changes to its enabling statute, the organization convened a 500-person summit and a $10-million agreement to establish Ocean State Labs, an incubator for life sciences, to be housed inside of the new seven-story building that also will house the new State Health Laboratory.

“Our progress confirms the potential for the life sciences to contribute to Rhode Island’s broader economic development strategy over the long term,” Steinberg wrote. “Realizing this potential will, of course, require additional financial resources beyond the ARPA funds which will fund the agency through 2026.”

Steinberg also lauded landing Organogenesis Holdings preparing to open a manufacturing facility for advanced biomedical supplies in Smithfield.

McKee: Steinberg established a ‘strong foundation’

In a written statement, McKee wrote that Steinberg helped establish a “strong foundation for this growing industry” and lauded his efforts to land Organogenesis in Rhode Island.

“We’re excited to build on that momentum with Hub President Dr. Mark Turco and the board as we continue expanding opportunities in life sciences and strengthening Rhode Island’s economy,” McKee wrote.

Read Steinberg’s resignation letter below:

This story has been updated with new information