Officials from the Texas Life-sciences Collaboration Center in Georgetown announced Sept. 24 that Russ Peterman will step down as executive director of the biotechnology accelerator at the end of September. He has served in that role since the organization was founded in 2007.

Peterman is leaving TLCC to focus on a new initiative, the Texas Bio Corridor Alliance, a nonprofit aimed at connecting and supporting the life science industry along the I-35 corridor in Texas, according to a news release.

"I am honored to have been part of such a successful venture, and I am proud of everything we have been able to accomplish so far," Peterman said in a statement. "The TLCC will continue to bring high-quality, high-paying jobs to Georgetown, while local companies develop technological advances in health care that will change and save lives."

The TLCC board of directors is still in discussions to determine how to move forward, according to the release.

"Russ has been with us since the inception of TLCC in 2007, and he has played a key role in advancing the center for the past five years," said Mel Pendland, chairman of the TLCC board of directors and Georgetown Chamber of Commerce president. "He has provided outstanding leadership at the center attracting new businesses, creating internship opportunities and furthering the life sciences in Georgetown and in Central Texas."