A lifetime of philanthropic giving, passed down to Jim Hudson by his father, was honored Wednesday by the Community Foundation of Huntsville/Madison County.
At its annual Summit on Philanthropy conference, Wed., Sept. 17, the Foundation recognized Hudson for his philanthropic investment in the Huntsville community with the presentation of a Community Philanthropy Award.
Hudson received the award for investing his life and his work into the Huntsville community and for representing the best of what the generous Huntsville community has to offer, said Stuart Obermann, CEO and president of the Community Foundation.
Hudson was among honorees that “will have a significant and lasting positive impact on the quality of life in the community,” said Obermann.
Hudson played a significant role in establishing the biotech industry in Huntsville, starting with founding Research Genetics in 1987 and continuing with the establishment of HudsonAlpha in 2008. Throughout his career as a scientist and entrepreneur, Hudson has advised and incubated many successful companies in industries ranging from Internet services to genetics research. His focus is translating groundbreaking research into companies and products that can be used for the benefit of society.
In addition to the establishment of Huntsville’s biotech industry, Hudson initiated a number of projects that have benefitted the area economically and socially including projects focused on the revitalization of downtown and the development of the Lowe Mill arts center.
