Andrea Hechavarria
President & CEO
Andrea Hechavarria is President & CEO of NH Life Sciences (NHLS), the statewide life sciences association—built by the industry, for the industry. Alongside co-founders Cindy Conde and John Whelan, Andrea established NHLS in 2023, successfully building membership from the ground-up with the backing of founding member companies and attracting broad interest from life sciences companies across the state. NHLS’ arrival in New Hampshire represents an exciting new chapter in the state’s economic history, as the industry is a priority growth sector for the Granite State with significant opportunity for further expansion. NHLS’ mission is to foster growth and awareness of the life sciences industry in New Hampshire and to attract and retain world-class talent and innovation. Under Andrea’s leadership, NHLS works to connect, convene, and facilitate the advancement of the life sciences industry in the Granite State through member programs and events, policy advocacy, industry intelligence, and education.
Andrea is a proud NH native with an extensive career in government, policy and industry. Prior to leading NHLS, Andrea led the Global Government Affairs function for Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, a global leader in blood component, therapeutic apheresis and cellular technologies. Prior to Terumo BCT, Andrea served as Chief of Staff to the CEO and as VP of Government Affairs at Butterfly Network, a highly innovative and disruptive handheld ultrasound technology start-up.
Andrea began her work in the medical device industry at 3M Company where she worked closely with the White House COVID-19 Task Force and 3M business leaders to respond to the pandemic and the unprecedented global demand for N95 respirators. While at 3M she also worked closely with the global medtech association, AdvaMed, to successfully repeal the medical device tax.
Andrea is passionate about advocating for the life sciences community and the impact R&D, science, and innovative technology have on patients and our healthcare system at large. She has a strong reputation within the highest ranks of government and our nation’s leading business trade associations.
Earlier in her career, Andrea spent nearly a decade in the United States Senate. During that time she had the privilege of working for multiple U.S. Senators and focused on cross-industry regulatory reform, energy, and environmental issues.
While in Washington she also served as one of the first Ambassadors for the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, where she helped lead the advocacy strategy for a Memorial to be built on the National Mall in Washington, DC to honor the service and sacrifice of all who have served in the Global War on Terrorism.
Andrea is a 2025 honoree of the New Hampshire Business Review’s list of 200 influential business leaders as well as the NH Union Leader’s 40 under 40. She is a proud board member of NH Catholic Charities, the state’s largest human services organization and enjoys giving back to her alma mater, Bishop Guertin, on its Future is Now Capital Campaign Committee.
Andrea holds an M.B.A. from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and a B.A. in political science from Loyola University Maryland. She resides in Amherst, NH with her husband and two young children.