Bryan, Texas, September 5, 2025
News Summary
FUJIFILM Biotechnologies has appointed Samuel Hernandez, Ph.D., as the new senior vice president of its Bryan facility. The community mourns the passing of former Brazos County Judge Al Jones at 94. Additionally, the Brazos County Farmers Market will relocate to Midtown Park starting September 6, with hopes of increasing vendor participation and accessibility to local produce.
Bryan, Texas: Leadership Change at FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, the Passing of Former Brazos County Judge Al Jones, and Relocation of Farmers Market
FUJIFILM Biotechnologies has appointed Samuel Hernandez, Ph.D. as the new senior vice president and site head of its Bryan facility. In this role, he will oversee operations at the site, which employs approximately 770 workers and focuses on advanced therapies and cell culture within the Bryan/College Station biocorridor.
Dr. Hernandez’s responsibilities will include shaping the site’s strategy in Texas, managing operations, and fostering talent development within the workforce. He steps into this role following the promotion of Keita Hirabayashi, the former site head, who has been appointed senior director at the Corporate Office and will also serve on the board of the Texas site.
Prior to his new position at FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, Dr. Hernandez held the title of executive director and head of Global Manufacturing Strategies and Technologies at Amgen, where he gained extensive experience in the biotechnology field.
The Legacy of Al Jones
In a separate announcement, officials from Brazos County reported the passing of former county judge Al Jones at the age of 94. Jones served as the county judge from 1995 to 2002, and prior to his election, he had a notable tenure of 32 years at Texas A&M University.
A proud alumnus of Texas A&M, having graduated in the class of 1966, Jones also had a distinguished military career. He retired as a Major General from the U.S. Army after 39 years, having initially been commissioned as a Corps of Engineer Officer in June 1953, and served in operations in both Korea and Guam.
His military contributions included leadership roles within the Army Reserve, notably as the Commander of the 420th Engineer Brigade. Throughout his career, he earned multiple accolades such as the Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.
Al Jones was found unresponsive near a vehicle on OSR highway on September 4, with early investigations suggesting he may have fallen with no indications of foul play.
Relocation of the Farmers Market
In community news, the Brazos County Farmers Market is set to relocate to Midtown Park, effective September 6, 2025. The new site will be positioned near the main entrance on Villa Maria, adjacent to the new movie-bowl-grille complex.
Market hours will continue to be held on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Vendors, including market representative Christopher Jagge, cited anticipated development in Downtown Bryan as a primary reason for the relocation.
The farmers market aims to attract more vendors, with an aspiration to increase regular attendance to around 50 vendors each Saturday. The new venue is designed to improve accessibility to a variety of fresh, locally sourced produce, meats, and artisan goods.
The market remains committed to supporting local farmers and producers by providing regionally grown products.
Key Updates
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| FUJIFILM Biotechnologies Leadership | Samuel Hernandez appointed as senior vice president; Keita Hirabayashi promoted |
| Passing of Al Jones | Former Brazos County Judge and Major General passes at age 94 |
| Farmers Market Relocation | Moved to Midtown Park starting September 6, 2025; Open Saturdays |
FAQs
Who has been appointed as the new site head of FUJIFILM Biotechnologies?
Samuel Hernandez, Ph.D., has been appointed as the new senior vice president and site head.
What are the operational hours for the new Farmers Market?
The Farmers Market will be open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
What was the military background of Al Jones?
Al Jones served for 39 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Major General, and received several awards for his service.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WTAW News Talk 1620
- Wikipedia: Bryan, Texas
- KBTX News
- Google Search: Texas A&M University leadership
- Community Impact Newspaper
- Google Scholar: iLTexas education
- FireRescue1
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire service leadership
- NewscastStudio
- Google News: Fox Television leadership
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
