Rick Bright, is the former director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority
(BARDA). He had served as a director for BARDA since 2016 but was dismissed from the designation on 22nd April 2020 and was reassigned to a narrower position.
Further, he also got dismissed from the designation of an acting Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response within HHS.
Quick Facts and Information on Rick Bright
| Full Name | Rick Arthur Bright |
| Other Name | Rickie Arthur Bright |
| Birthday / Date of Birth | 7th June 1966 |
| Age | 53 |
| Birth Sign | Gemini |
| Born Country | U.S |
| Hometown | Kansas |
| Current Residence | Washington D.C. |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Profession | Former Director at Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority |
| High School / College / University | Emory University School of Medicine / Auburn University at Montgomery / The University of Kansas |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife/ Spouse / Partner | Not Disclosed |
| Children | Two |
| Social Media | |
| Net Worth | $4 Million |
| Salary | $300,000 on average |
| Height in Feet | 5 ft 11 in |
Rick Bright Career
Dr. Bright previously served as Director of the Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases Division in the BARDA. There, he was responsible for preparing the nation for influenza pandemics and
coordinating production, acquisition, and delivery of medical countermeasures during a pandemic
response. During his role, Rick managed a portfolio of projects for advanced development of vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and respiratory devices to aid in the response and protection against pandemic and seasonal influenza.
Dr. Bright joined BARDA in 2010 to lead the BARDA Influenza Division International Program,
supporting programs to build and enhance global capacity for influenza vaccine production and
evaluation in developing countries. Dr. Bright serves as an international subject matter expert on
influenza, vaccines, and therapeutics development and diagnostic programs. He has also served as an advisor to the World Health Organization and the US Department of Defense.
Rick Bright began his career in influenza vaccine and therapeutics development at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Influenza Division. At the CDC, he focused on avian and human
viruses from multiple perspectives including immunology and vaccine development, viral
pathogenesis, and molecular correlates of pathogenicity, as well as antiviral drugs and development novel assays for high throughput surveillance for resistance to antiviral drugs. Dr. Bright was a recipient of the Charles C. Shepard Science Award for Scientific Excellence.
Dr. Bright has also worked in the biotechnology industry where he serves as the Director of
Immunology at Altea Therapeutics and Vice President of Research and Development and Global
Influenza Programs at Novavax, Inc.
In 2008, Dr. Bright joined PATH as the Scientific Director of the Influenza Vaccine Project in the Vaccine Development Global Program and the Director of the Influenza Vaccine Capacity Building Project in Vietnam.
In this capacity, he provided technical leadership to accelerate the development of innovative vaccine and adjuvant candidates against
influenza to ensure protection and access to vaccines for populations of developing countries.
Dr. Rick Bright Education
Dr. Bright received his Ph.D. in Immunology and Molecular Pathogenesis from Emory University
(Atlanta, GA) and his BS in Biology (Medical Technology) and Physical Sciences from Auburn
University (Montgomery, AL).
Is Rick Bright Gay?
No, he isn’t! Rick, instead is a married man and he is married to his wife who goes by the name Willena Lewis. There aren’t any details about their wedding and relationship timeline. However, they have been married for some time now.
What are your sources for his personal info??