When Stephen Rapundalo left his hometown of Sudbury, Ontario, in 1979, he couldn’t have predicted that his path would help shape Michigan’s biosciences sector. What began as a pursuit of education as an international student in the U.S. led to a career in pharmaceutical discovery, groundbreaking drug development, and ultimately leadership as President and CEO of the Michigan Biosciences Industry Association (MichBio).
Stephen’s journey began with opportunity. After completing his undergraduate degree in Canada, where his research was published in a peer-reviewed journal, he was accepted directly into a PhD program at the Medical College of Virginia. The program offered him not only advanced training but also the financial support of a stipend and tuition coverage, which wasn’t available in Canada at the time. “It was leagues above anything I had been exposed to,” he recalls. “The environment was dynamic and full of potential. That training positioned me for everything that followed.”
His scientific path next led him to a National Institutes of Health fellowship in Cincinnati, where he considered opportunities at places like Harvard but ultimately chose the lab environment that best fit his ambitions. From there, he entered the pharmaceutical industry, moving to Ann Arbor in 1987 to work for Parke-Davis, later acquired by Pfizer. Over two decades in research, Stephen contributed to some of the world’s most impactful drugs, including Lipitor, which transformed cholesterol treatment, and Eliquis, now widely prescribed to prevent blood clots. “When people tell me, ‘Thank you for saving my life or a loved one’s life,’ that’s what all the years in the lab were about,” he says.
But Stephen’s contributions didn’t end in the lab. After years of scientific achievement, he pivoted to a new chapter, leading MichBio. Now in his 19th year as President and CEO, he has transformed the trade association into the unifying voice of Michigan’s biosciences industry. “It’s about strengthening the ecosystem,” he explains. “We bring together large and small companies across pharma, med tech, diagnostics, biotech, and health tech. We connect people, raise awareness, and advocate for policies that keep Michigan competitive.”
His background makes him uniquely effective in this role. Unlike most of his peers across the country, Stephen is both a scientist and a former elected official in Ann Arbor. That combination allows him to bridge worlds. “I can speak the language of researchers, business leaders, and policymakers,” he says. “That’s been invaluable for building credibility and trust.”
As an immigrant, Stephen also brings a global perspective to his leadership. Growing up in multicultural Canada with Ukrainian roots, he was immersed in diversity from childhood. “I didn’t even learn English until kindergarten,” he says. Arriving in Richmond, Virginia in 1979 was a shock. “It was anything but multicultural, and I found that hard to adjust to. But it taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of creating inclusive environments.” Those lessons, he explains, shaped how he collaborates, mentors, and approaches innovation.
Mentorship, in particular, has become one of his priorities. “I go out of my way to meet students, make introductions, and help them get that first break. I learned the power of networking too late in my own career, so I try to pass that on.”
Stephen is also a strong advocate for immigrant talent, working closely with Global Detroit and the Michigan Global Talent Initiative. “Michigan’s biosciences industry depends on world-class researchers and innovators, many of whom are immigrants. To think we can build a vibrant economy without welcoming global talent is short-sighted. Immigrants want to contribute to science, to business, and to society as a whole.”
Looking back, Stephen points to two areas of pride: the lifesaving drugs he helped bring to patients, and the transformation of MichBio into a respected, visible advocate for the industry. “We’ve built a strong ecosystem that connects research universities, entrepreneurs, and companies of all sizes. We’ve elevated Michigan’s profile nationally and globally. That’s meaningful work.”
His advice to the next generation of immigrants considering Michigan is straightforward: “This is a place where you can build a home and a career. The Midwest values are welcoming, the industries are full of opportunity, and the diversity here is real. If you work hard, you’ll be appreciated.”
At the end of the day, Stephen says he doesn’t seek recognition. “Most immigrants don’t. We work hard and let the credit take care of itself. If my story helps someone else see what’s possible, that’s reward enough.”
