Episode 2 - Michael Kelly and the Future of Pharmaceutical Facilities
Release Date: 10/17/2025
Episode 3 - Jimmy O'Keefe and Navigating Life Science Capital Projects
Design, Build and Deliver
My guest in this episode is James O'Keefe. James is Vice President at Hart Engineering Corporation, where he oversees complex mechanical construction projects across the life sciences, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors. Since joining Hart in 2008 as a Northeastern University Co-Op student, James has advanced through multiple engineering and project management roles. From a Co-op to VP - a real example if you need one. With nearly 20 years of experience, he has led some of Hart’s most demanding installations in New England. He is deeply engaged in advancing life science industry...
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Episode 2 - Michael Kelly and the Future of Pharmaceutical Facilities
Design, Build and Deliver
My guest in this episode is Michael Kelly. Mike is the Director of Bio-process Engineering at Hart Design Group, where he has been leading innovative process solutions. With a career spanning top-tier biotech and engineering firms like Parsons Corporation, Biogen, Amgen, and Moderna, Mike has held increasingly senior roles across engineering, project management, and facilities operations. He has a degree in Chemical Engineering from Widener University, and an MBA from Bentley University. He brings technical acumen along with strategic thinking which were abundantly clear in this interview....
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Episode 1 - David Rampone and Life Science Industry Changes and Challenges
Design, Build and Deliver
My guest in today’s episode is David Rampone, a leader whose impact extends far beyond engineering and construction. David is President of Hart Engineering Corporation. He has spent decades not just building facilities - but building trust, excellence, and a legacy of craftsmanship that stands the test of time. David’s leadership reaches deep into the heart of Rhode Island and the life sciences industry. In addition to guiding Hart Engineering, he serves as Chairman of the Miriam Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees, and chairs or sits on the boards of numerous education, labor, safety,...
info_outlineMy guest in this episode is Michael Kelly.
Mike is the Director of Bio-process Engineering at Hart Design Group, where he has been leading innovative process solutions. With a career spanning top-tier biotech and engineering firms like Parsons Corporation, Biogen, Amgen, and Moderna, Mike has held increasingly senior roles across engineering, project management, and facilities operations.
He has a degree in Chemical Engineering from Widener University, and an MBA from Bentley University. He brings technical acumen along with strategic thinking which were abundantly clear in this interview. Michael enjoys traveling, ice hockey, golf, and a good book.
In this chat, Mike and I discuss
- the evolving landscape of the pharmaceutical industry,
- the facility retrofitting and the integration of new technologies,
- the importance of flexibility in facility design,
- the role of innovative tools like 3D scanning and augmented reality, and
- the challenges of managing operations during retrofitting.
Takeaways
- The pharmaceutical industry is shifting towards retrofitting existing facilities rather than building new ones.
- Flexibility in facility design is crucial to accommodate various modalities and future needs.
- 3D scanning technology enhances the retrofitting process by providing accurate facility layouts.
- Logistics planning is essential to minimize disruptions during facility upgrades.
- Underrated causes of delay often stem from site conditions and communication issues.
- Choosing an engineering partner with in-house capabilities can streamline project execution.
- Proactive planning is necessary to avoid disruptions in GMP operations during retrofitting.
- Collaboration with trades and construction teams is vital for successful project outcomes.
- Utilizing augmented reality (AR) can improve rigging and installation processes.
- Future-proofing facilities requires anticipating scientific advancements and designing accordingly.
Quotable quotes:
- "It's all about time and money."
- "Logistics planning is crucial."
Additionally, we highlight underrated causes of project delays and provide insights on how life science companies can choose the right engineering partners to ensure successful project execution.
Mike can be reached at mkelly(at)hartcompanies.com and on LinkedIn.
I enjoyed my chat with Mike. Hope you do too.
Here's Michael Kelly.