Phoenix, AZ, October 11, 2005-The Translational Genomics
Research Institute (TGen) today named Ms. MaryAnn Guerra as Chief
Operating Officer (COO).
Ms. Guerra, who joined TGen in 2004, was previously TGen's Sr. Vice
President of Operations. In this capacity, she implemented novel
and sound business practices across all administrative and
scientific programs to ensure a business enterprise that matched
resources to high priority research.
"Ms. Guerra's extensive business management experience within both
the private and government sector allows her to play a critical
role across multiple areas of TGen research. She is noted for
combining solid business practices with innovative science helping
to make sure that TGen stays focused on its research results," said
TGen President and Scientific Dr. Jeffrey Trent.
MaryAnn Guerra
Chief Operating Officer
Ms. Guerra will oversee TGen's business and administrative
management operations, including Business Development and Strategic
Partnerships, PR/Communications, Outreach, Human Resources, and
Facilities. Ms. Guerra's experience in developing and establishing
the necessary relationships that enhance scientific programs and
accelerate the transfer of technology from the lab into useful
products is essential to accomplishing TGen's core scientific and
business objectives.
"It is an honor to have the opportunity to play a key role in TGen
at such an exciting time in our history. I believe we have the
talent, ability, and vision to help create a new future that will
improve healthcare for those in Arizona and beyond," said Guerra.
"TGen's focus on maximizing and leveraging partnerships that
accelerate discovery will help enable a successful biotech industry
in Arizona."
From 1994 to 2001, Ms. Guerra was Deputy Director for Management at
the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), the federal governments lead agency for cancer research,
where she oversaw a budget in excess of four billion dollars and
more than five thousand people. Prior to the NCI she held several
other senior executive positions at the NIH.
Prior to joining TGen in February 2004, Ms. Guerra was the
Executive Vice President of the Matthews Media Group, Inc. (MMG),
in Rockville, Maryland. She oversaw Business Development,
Therapeutic Practice Areas, Communications and Public Relations,
Human Resource Management and the Client Services Division. At MMG,
she helped reorganize the company to become a strategic health
communications firm that was research based and results
oriented.
Ms. Guerra holds a BA in Communications from The Ohio State
University and an MBA in Science, Innovation and Technology from
George Washington University. She is an accomplished speaker who
has received multiple professional awards.
# # #
About TGen
The mission of the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen)
is to make and translate genomic discoveries into advances in human
health. Translational genomics research is a relatively new field
employing innovative advances arising from the Human Genome Project
and applying them to the development of diagnostics, prognostics
and therapies for cancer, neurological disorders, diabetes and
other complex diseases. TGen is focused on personalized medicine
and plans to accomplish its goals through robust and
disease-focused research.
Media Contact: Amy Erickson (602) 343-8522