When Biosciences Area Principal Deputy Mary Maxon served as the Assistant Director for Biological Research at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), she developed the first-ever National Bioeconomy Blueprint. The document, released in April 2012, outlines strategies to grow and manage this $325B+ sector of the US economy. A testament to its role in driving innovation, the Blueprint is listed as item number 49 in an impact report detailing the top 100 Examples of President Obama’s Leadership in Science, Technology, and Innovation.