Sangamo BioSciences announced the appointment of H. Stewart Parker to the company's board of directors. Parker, who founded and was president and CEO of Targeted Genetics, brings more than 30 years of experience in the biotechnology industry, including 16 years of specific experience in cell and gene therapy.

Edward Lanphier, Sangamo's president and CEO, said, "As we expand our manufacturing capabilities and advance ZFP Therapeutic programs for the development of genetic cures for monogenic diseases, Parker's proven entrepreneurial and executive leadership skills and extensive experience in AAV gene therapy, particularly cGMP manufacturing and clinical development, will be very valuable to Sangamo."

Parker most recently was CEO of the Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI), a nonprofit global health research institute developing vaccines and diagnostics for neglected diseases. Prior to joining IDRI, she was president and CEO, and a board member of Targeted Genetics, a publicly traded Seattle-based gene therapy company, from its inception in 1992 until November 2008. As a founder of Targeted Genetics, she led the company to become a world leader in AAV gene therapy and the development of gene-based treatments for acquired and inherited diseases.

Parker began her biotechnology career in 1981 with Immunex as its first employee, and, over a 10 year period, held positions of increasing responsibility, including vice president of Corporate Development. While at Immunex, she established and managed various functions across business development, corporate communications and operations, and her efforts and tenure ultimately contributed to the company's acquisition by Amgen in 2002. From 1991 to 1992, she was president and CEO and a member of the board of directors of Receptech, a publicly traded company formed to accelerate the development of Immunex cytokine receptor products.

Parker currently is a member of the board of directors for various companies including C3 Jian, Oncogenex Technologies and IDRI.