Veteran life sciences dealmaker and longtime BLOC contributor to lead the organization's next phase of growth
SAN FRANCISCO and BOSTON, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- BLOC (Biopharma Leaders of Color), a professional network of individuals across the biopharma, life sciences, and healthcare industries, today announced the appointment of Jeff Raphael as Executive Director, succeeding inaugural Executive Director Stephen Abreu. Raphael, Founder and Managing Partner of the life sciences strategic advisory firm OmniScope Partners LLC, assumes the role effective immediately.
Raphael steps in as BLOC continues to grow its membership and expand programming that connects professionals across the industry. He will work with the organization's Board of Directors to develop the next iteration of BLOC's strategic priorities and lead the organization's day-to-day operations, including corporate partnership and fundraising initiatives, programs and convenings, and organizational infrastructure.
"Jeff brings a deep commitment to leadership, community, and talent development," said Rob Perez, Co-Founder and Chairman of BLOC's Board of Directors. "His experience and passion for building connections across our industry make him the right leader to help advance BLOC's mission of amplifying leaders and accelerating access to opportunity."
Raphael has spent his career at the intersection of life sciences strategy and the capital markets, having advised on more than 50 transactions representing over $15 billion in aggregate value across mergers and acquisitions, licensing, and financing. Through OmniScope Partners, he advises life sciences and innovative healthcare companies across a range of situations, including M&A, strategic partnering and private capital formation to support critical value inflection points. He has been involved with BLOC since its earliest days and has been an active builder of professional networks across the life sciences ecosystem.
"BLOC started as a group of people seeking community during a pandemic era Zoom call, and it has grown into one of the more consequential professional organizations in our industry," said Raphael. "The opportunity in front of us is to turn the community we have into durable infrastructure — programming that reaches members where they are, partnerships that create real pathways, and an organization built to sustain both. I am honored the board has asked me to lead that work."
BLOC also recognized Stephen Abreu for his years of service as BLOC's inaugural Executive Director and Megan Nacar for her impactful time as Interim Executive Director after Abreu stepped down from the role in early 2026. Abreu and Nacar's dedication, steady leadership, and commitment to BLOC helped guide the organization through an important period of growth and transition. Their leadership played an instrumental role in positioning BLOC for continued success, ultimately earning the organization recognition on the Fierce 50 list as one of Fierce Pharma's 2026 Leadership Honorees. BLOC's Board of Directors expressed gratitude for their contributions and noted that they will remain active members of the BLOC community going forward.
"It has been a privilege to serve as BLOC's founding Executive Director over the past five years," said Stephen Abreu. "What started as a small community has become a nationally recognized organization driving real change in leadership representation across our industry. Jeff has the strategic vision and energy to take BLOC even further, and I look forward to supporting that next chapter."
Under Raphael's leadership, BLOC will continue building connections, creating opportunities, and expanding its impact across the life sciences community. The organization hosts flagship events during J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference week and the BIO International Convention, along with curated regional gatherings throughout the year.
That work is made possible through partnerships with organizations that share BLOC's commitment to developing talent, fostering leadership, and creating pathways to opportunity. Organizations interested in corporate sponsorship can learn more at blocimpact.org/become-a-corporate-sponsor.
About BLOC
BLOC (Biopharma Leaders of Color) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying leadership, accelerating access, and building lasting legacies of success for people of color across the biopharma and life sciences industry. Through leadership development, executive visibility, and community-driven programming,
BLOC creates pathways to opportunity and representation at every stage of the career journey.
Founded on the belief that inclusive leadership strengthens innovation, BLOC connects leaders, operators, investors, and emerging talent through a growing digital platform, regional chapters, and signature industry convenings. With an active presence in San Francisco, Boston and other innovation hubs, BLOC is shaping a more inclusive and representative future for life sciences.
To learn more about BLOC or to become a member, visit www.blocimpact.org/membership.
Media Contact
Johanna Grossman PhD, Director of New Programs, BLOC (Biopharma Leaders of Color), 1 (914) 443-0499, [email protected], www.blocimpact.org
SOURCE BLOC (Biopharma Leaders of Color)
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