As President and CEO of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, Mr. Coughlin’s mission is to foster a positive environment that enables each biotechnology company to achieve its full potential in making Massachusetts a world center for biotechnology.

He has been a Principal at MC Solutions, a corporate consulting and capital management firm, and Susquehanna Capital Management, where he managed five portfolio companies. He also brings years of experience in business development, sales, and marketing. From 1991—1999, Coughlin worked for Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc., where he served as an Account Manager and eventually became Director of Sales and Marketing. Coughlin was President and co-founder of Sports Attire Incorporated, a technology company supporting the sports apparel industry.

Most recently, Coughlin served as Undersecretary of Business Development in the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development where he was responsible for the retention, expansion, and recruitment of all business in Massachusetts, with particular focus on the Commonwealth’s five emerging industries.

Prior to that role, Coughlin served as a three term legislator from the 11th Norfolk District representing Dedham, Westwood and part of Walpole. He served as Vice Chairman of the Joint Committee on Revenue, bringing stability to the tax code and working on legislation such as the economic stimulus bill and streamlined permitting package.

Prior to serving in the Legislature he was elected to three terms on the Dedham Board of Selectmen where he served as both Chair and Vice-Chair. He was elected to the Dedham School Committee at the age of 20. Coughlin was awarded Boston’s “Top 40 Under 40” by the Boston Business Journal in 2005 and recently named as one of the “Ten to Watch” by the Boston Business Journal for 2008.

He volunteers his time to serve on the Board of Directors of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and is a long time patient advocate.

Robert earned a B.S. in Marine Engineering from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1991 and is an Officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He is a lifelong resident of the Town of Dedham where he lives with his wife Christine and three children, Mary Kate, Paul Patrick and Bobby.