Covance today announced the formation of the Covance Community Advisory Panel to discuss the developing role of bioscience and biotechnology in Chandler, Arizona.

Twelve charter members have made a long-term commitment to the panel, and company executive Wendel Barr noted the group's dialogue will certainly augment Covance's community involvement.

"The charter members are a diverse, well-educated group of talented individuals, including scientific experts, education leaders and residents simply interested in the well-being of their community," Barr said. "They reflect the same qualities that we were looking for when we decided Chandler is ideal for our expansion. We are looking forward to hearing the expert advice they have to offer as we begin the process of constructing our facility and into the future."

The panel's initial members are:
Gordon Benson, Chandler Resident
Nancy Centanni, Covance
Kewei Chen, Researcher and Chandler Resident
William Crawford, Chandler Resident
George Macedon, Peterson Farms Resident
Tim Martin, Veterinarian
Michael Mason, Paseo Trails North Resident
Pat McDermott, Assistant City Manager, City of Chandler
J. Patrick McDonnell, Chandler Resident
Chris Stage, Chandler Resident
Linda Wegener, Chandler Chamber of Commerce
Walter Wright, Peterson Farms Resident

The panel will meet regularly to review and discuss matters of importance to the members and the community, communicate with Covance and citizens, and track Covance's commitment to the public.

For over 50 years, Covance has made significant contributions to the development of life-saving and life-enhancing new medicines for HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, heart disease, leukemia, diabetes, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, deadly infections, and many other disabling diseases. More information about the Covance Chandler property can be found on www.covancechandler.com.