After the diagnosis of two of his children with Pompe disease, a severe and often fatal neuromuscular disorder, John F. Crowley co-founded Novazyme Pharmaceuticals, a biotech start-up conducting treatment research. In 2001, Novazyme was acquired by Genzyme Corporation, and Crowley continued to play a lead role as senior vice president of Genzyme Therapeutics. Since 2005, he has served as chairman and CEO of Amicus Therapeutics, a global biotechnology company that develops treatments for rare genetic conditions.

Crowley holds a BS in foreign service from Georgetown University, a JD from the University of Notre Dame Law School and an MBA from Harvard. He is the author of a personal memoir: Chasing Miracles: The Crowley Family Journey of Strength, Hope, and Joy.

Crowley and his family were the inspiration for the 2010 major motion picture Extraordinary Measures starring Harrison Ford.