TGen News & Press Releases

• Written by Steve Yozwiak /
• Posted Tuesday October 11, 2005

Translational Genomics Research Institute

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.

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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