John Holaday, Ph.D.

In Memoriam

Dr. John Holaday was a highly accomplished pharmaceutical executive, entrepreneur, and medical scholar. He came from a strong background in research and development, and in taking therapeutics from discovery through to commercialization–specifically optimizing and manufacturing products, conducting clinical trials, managing the regulatory process, and building strategic partnerships. Dr. Holaday served as a captain in the U.S. Army, and as an officer and civilian at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research for 21 years. He raised more than $500 million for a variety of pharmaceutical companies with a collective market capitalization or exit value of more than $3 billion.

Among his numerous academic achievements, Dr. Holaday held fellowships in the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (FACNP) Critical Care Medicine (FCCM); and he was appointed by Governor Hogan as Commissioner for the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Dr. Holaday was also inducted into Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Hall of Fame, holds more than 90 patents, and has published more than 230 scientific articles and book chapters, and four books.