The North Carolina Biotechnology Center has promoted one of its own to the new position of vice president of operations.

Mark Phillips is now responsible for directing and coordinating biotechnology-related growth and development activities for the Biotech Center’s five statewide regional offices. He will also continue his previous role as executive director for the center’s Eastern Office in Greenville, which oversees 27 counties in the region. Phillips started his new duties as of Dec. 1.

Phillips, a native of Roanoke Rapids, has more than 25 years experience in both life sciences and telecommunications. He holds degrees in business administration and accounting from North Carolina Wesleyan College.