Maryland’s Economic Vision for BioHealth with Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr.

In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Harry Coker, Jr., Secretary of the Maryland Department of Commerce, joins the podcast to discuss Maryland’s rising momentum as a global biohealth and technology leader. Secretary Coker shares his unique journey from the CIA, NSA, and White House to leading Maryland’s economic development strategy, highlighting the state’s strengths in life sciences, its appeal to global investors, and the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating innovation.

 

Topics include Maryland’s recent recognition as a Top 3 biopharma hub, the decision to prioritize Life Sciences and Computational Biology as “Lifehouse” sectors, and how the state is leveraging the BioHealth Capital Region identity to unite and expand its regional leadership. He also outlines Maryland’s case for investment and why collaboration will be central to "Winning the Decade."

 

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

 

The Honorable Harry Coker, Jr. was appointed by Governor Wes Moore as Maryland’s Secretary of Commerce in 2025. He is a retired senior executive from the CIA and NSA, former National Cyber Director at the White House, and a career Naval Officer. Coker’s leadership is shaped by decades of public service at the highest levels of national security and technology. At the Maryland Department of Commerce, he leads efforts to build an equitable, competitive economy centered around innovation, inclusion, and impact.