Jason McKinley

As Chairman of the Board for Adastra BIO, I lead the Board in advancing our mission to grow Kansas’ bioscience sector through out ACT framework (Advocate, Convene, and Talent). I oversee governance, facilitate board and executive committee meetings, and work closely with the President & CEO to ensure organizational excellence and to help build Kansas as a premier location for building the next generation of Life Sciences Companies. My focus is on fostering collaboration, with the goal of making the organization the glue between the many platforms that support life sciences in Kansas, guiding strategic initiatives and vision alongside the rest of the board, and serving as a key spokesperson for the organization.

As a Board Member of AdAstra Bio, I helped shape the strategic direction of Kansas’ bioscience ecosystem. My role involved governance, advocacy, and collaboration with industry leaders to drive innovation and economic growth. The board is committed to strengthening partnerships and supporting initiatives that accelerate life sciences research and commercialization.

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Our mission to build the Biosciences ecosystem in Kansas revolves around our three core tenants that represent our ACT framework:

- Advocacy: We work with lawmakers and agencies at every level to promote policies that accelerate bioscience innovation, manufacturing, and workforce development.
- Convening: We bring together industry leaders, educators, and policymakers through targeted events, symposia, and executive forums.
- Talent: Our ON RAMP initiative connects students and workers with bioscience employers, championing non-degree pathways and inclusive workforce strategies.

Board Member (Advisory and Fiduciary) to multiple startups across:
- Life Sciences and Medical Devices
- Health Tech
- Enterprise SaaS
- Fintech

Technology implementation and transformation projects don’t always fail, but when they do, it’s expensive. ROI in any investment, whether an enterprise or a startup is critical.

At Arc Technologies Group, I lead a cybersecurity‑first technology firm focused on helping pharmaceutical, biotech, CDMO, CRO, and research organizations execute digital transformation that works in real, regulated environments across IT, OT, cybersecurity, automation, validation, and data integrity.

My role centers on guiding strategy and execution for complex initiatives, including:
- IT/OT convergence supporting regulated manufacturing and lab operations
- Cyber‑resilient infrastructure aligned to NIST, IEC 62443, and FDA expectations
- 21 CFR Part 11 / Annex 11 validation, GxP systems, and data integrity remediation
- Digital manufacturing and automation engineering programs tied to scale and compliance
- M&A technology integration and global security program management for life sciences enterprises

ATG operates with a simple mandate: deliver technology that works the first time. In production, under audit, and at scale. We do not pursue projects unless outcomes, risk reduction, and ROI can be clearly defined and defended.

Our approach is grounded in: People → Process → Data → THEN Technology

Because lasting transformation in regulated environments depends on operational reality, not tools alone.

A core part of my responsibility is ensuring ATG remains deeply aligned to our clients’ business, regulatory, and human constraints, while maintaining long‑term partnerships built on trust, execution discipline, and accountability.

The result: fewer failed implementations, clearer outcomes, and technology that enables life sciences organizations to reduce risk, accelerate time‑to‑market, and operate with confidence.

As a technology, education, and workforce leader I bring a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to Flagship Kansas as an Advisory Board member.

The future of Kansas is tech. The mission of Flagship Kansas is to propel the tech sector within the state through continuous efforts in awareness, education, and the workforce. Kansas is known for its aerospace industry, health care, and agriculture. But there’s a fourth sector, a quiet innovator: technology. It’s the focus of entire companies plus it enables the growth of every other industry.

- Designated IT & Systems Subject Matter, Architecture, and Implementation Expert.
- Manages and develops IT & Systems service line, team members, and book of business including business development.
- Manages the portfolio of Automation IT & Enterprise IT projects for the company.
- Designs network and server architecture for clients (Cisco, Mellanox, AB Stratix, Microsoft Hyper-V (S2D), VMWare VSAN).
- Provides input on data integrity and compliance matters for Computerized Systems.
- Develops Manufacturing Automation Systems Architecture in specification with the client and other vendors.
- Provides technical expertise on logical and identity management for Allen-Bradley, SIEMENS, Wonderware and other manufacturing OT and SCADA systems.
- Operated and maintained client Windows Servers, Hosts, and Networks.
- Designed network and server architecture for clients (Cisco, Mellanox, Microsoft Hyper-V (S2D)).
- Operated as the implementation lead and SME for large scale enterprise-grade networks.
- Developed zone-based manufacturing network infrastructure
- Co-authored validation documentation in an FDA regulated environment.
- Created or assisted in the drafting of system documentation and procedures.
- Designed network and server architecture for clients (Cisco, Mellanox, Microsoft Hyper-V (S2D)).
- Operated as the implementation developer and SME for mid-scale networks.
- Assisted in developing scopes of work for multiple projects.
- Created or assisted in the drafting of system documentation and procedures.