7 Inspiring Life Science Visionaries We’re Celebrating for Black History Month

This Black History Month, the Center for Professional Innovation and Education wants to celebrate the achievements of African-American scientists, researchers, and executives in the biopharmaceutical industry. 

Each of these individuals is a big thinker, advanced humanity in some way, and contributed to the success of the company they work for. 

Here are seven key life science visionaries we want to commend this Black History Month.

1. Irving W. McConnell, CEO of The McConnell Group

A health services organization beginning in 1996, The McConnell Group specializes in biomedical research and other related areas. Its founder Irving McConnell graduated from Tuskegee University and became a veterinary physician. He also served in the U.S. Army for over 27 years, receiving the Order of Military Medical Merit.



2. Susan Windham-Bannister, CEO of Biomedical Growth Strategies

For eight years, Windham-Bannister developed strategies for the $1 billion Massachusetts Life Sciences Initiative. Her vast education record includes:

• A BA from Wellesley College
• A Ph.D. in Health Policy and Management from Brandeis University
• Doctor of Science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute
• Post-doctoral fellow at Harvard University
• CSAP from Cambridge University

3. Mae C. Jemison, Astronaut and Founder of Jemison Group

Here’s an unusual backstory. Mae Jemison rode aboard the space shuttle Endeavour in 1992, becoming the first African American woman in space. She later taught at Dartmouth College, where her desire to encourage student passion in the sciences brought her to start the Jemison Group.

4. Cynthia M. Patton, Chief Compliance Officer of Amgen

A graduate of Vassar College and George Washington University, Patton has served as Amgen’s compliance and ethics officer since 2005. She was also a general counsel of UniHealth and the SCAN Health Plan. She even maintained a legal career at one point in Atlanta, Georgia.



5. Gary H. Gibbons, Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

The NHLBI is the third-largest institute at the NIH, with over $3 billion in budget every year. Gibbons graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Medical School before becoming director of the Cardiovascular Research Institute and chairman of the Department of Physiology. He even served as professor of physiology at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Georgia.

6. Cherie Butts, Medical Director of Biogen

In addition to being the director of Human Biology Research at Biogen, Cherie works with digital technologies for pharmaceutical applications. She graduated from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Texas while performing cancer research.

Since then, her work history has included the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and portfolio management at Biogen.

7. Judith Gwathmey, CEO of Gwathmey, Inc.

An alumni from the University of Pennsylvania and Ohio State University, Judith received her post-doctoral research fellowship from Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Hospital Department of Medicine. She started Gwathmey Preclinical Services in 1996, having taught medicine at Boston University.

Congratulations From the CfPIE Biopharmaceutical Training Team

CfPIE celebrates diversity in the industry and commends distinguished African-American life science professionals. 

A diverse industry and inclusive biopharmaceutical industry is better for everyone involved — from stakeholders to patients.

And as always, our company remains committed to helping advance this industry absorb new ideas through engaging pharmaceutical training.

If you’re looking to update your pharmaceutical training this year, take part in our exciting medical coursework today. 

Here are a few of the biopharma and medical device training courses being offered this winter and spring:

• Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) for Nonclinical Laboratory Studies
• Stability Programs for Determining Product Shelf Life
• Auditing and Qualifying Suppliers and Vendors
• Design Control for Medical Device Professionals
• Good Manufacturing Practices Training | GMP Course
• The Drug Development Process from Concept to Market

For a full list of available courses, please click here. If you have any questions at all, the CfPIE team can be reached by phone at 1-610-648-7550 or email at [email protected].