The term ‘heavy hearts’ has instantly become part of our LabCentral vocabulary as we share that Mike LaRhette, our Chief Business Officer, passed away in a boating accident this last weekend. 

Over his last five plus years at LabCentral, Mike was an extraordinary leader whose kindness, compassion, and dedication to innovation in biotech and life sciences shaped LabCentral in immeasurable ways. His strategic vision, coupled with a remarkable ability to bring people together through humor and warmth, built connections that will continue to inspire our community for years to come. 

Mike challenged us, shaped us, influenced our direction, and helped our team as we’ve scaled up and navigated a pandemic and more. He forged strong relationships across the ecosystem, merely by being himself – always present, engaged and willing to take a meeting, understand complex issues, and develop innovative solutions and partnerships.  

Mike inspired us to do our best work, take on new opportunities, and look at issues from a different perspective, asking his signature question, ‘How can this be 10% better?’ His indefatigable desire to understand and connect defined him, whether in creating lasting relationships with external partners or building strong relationships with internal team members.  

Beyond his professional contributions, Mike will be remembered for his humanity — the way he listened and cared. His loss is deeply felt by all of us at LabCentral and by the many partners, sponsors, and collaborators whose lives he touched.  

We are honored to have enjoyed his warmth, kindness and creativity, and will miss his laughter, pranks, and the way he went all in on every LabCentral costume opportunity. To say that he will be missed is the most extraordinary understatement. 

Our thoughts are with Mike’s family and loved ones, our LabCentral team, and the broad, extended community of partners, residents and others who treasured Mike. We will share more in the near future about ways to honor and celebrate Mike’s life and legacy.