SANTA FE, NM, October 14, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Sara J. McKenzie, PhD, MBA, has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. McKenzie's professional journey spans four decades and is marked by a seamless integration of scientific rigor and creative exploration. Since 2023, she has served as the principal of Sara McKenzie Art, where she channels her experience in science into her artistic practice. Her work in abstract painting draws on the same curiosity and analytical thinking that defined her scientific career, emphasizing process, experimentation and responsiveness to outcomes. Since her first public exhibit in 2023, her work has been exhibited throughout Europe and the US.

From 2010 to 2022, Dr. McKenzie worked as an independent consultant in biopharmaceutical development, providing expert guidance to organizations navigating the complexities of drug development. During this period, she was a principal at PharmaDirections, where she contributed to strategic planning and project management for biotechnology clients. Her leadership extended to Proteostasis Therapeutics Inc., where she held the role of vice president of program management from 2011 to 2012, overseeing critical initiatives in drug development.

Before her consulting work, Dr. McKenzie built a strong foundation in leadership roles within the biopharmaceutical industry. Between 2008 and 2010, she was vice president of development operations at NormOxys, managing a cross-functional team and advancing therapeutic programs. She previously served as executive program director at Synta Pharmaceuticals from 2006 to 2008, where her outstanding performance earned her the Supernova Award for Exceptional Employees.

Dr. McKenzie was vice president of project management at Invivodata from 2004-2006, where she played a pivotal role in developing a electronic diaries for clinical trial participants. A novel innovation for its time, the electronic diary has since improved real-time data collection for innumerable studies on conditions such as urinary incontinence and pain. This advancement led to her nomination for the BioIP World Best Practices Award in 2003.

Earlier in her career, Dr. McKenzie held key leadership roles that laid the groundwork for her later accomplishments. From 1999 to 2004, she was executive program director at Sepracor Pharmaceuticals, where she received the Star of Distinction Award for exceptional performance. Prior to this, she served as program director at Genzyme Corporation from 1996 to 1999, contributing to groundbreaking projects in biotechnology.

Dr. McKenzie's academic background includes a bachelor's degree, with honors, in chemistry and biology from Iowa State University of Science and Technology, completed in 1979. Inspired by an influential high school chemistry teacher in Omaha, she pursued advanced studies and went on to earn a Doctor of Philosophy in biochemistry and immunology from the University of Kansas in 1984. Nearly a decade later, she completed a Master of Business Administration in general management from Simmons College, graduating in 1993, where she was recognized with the Pat Miller leadership award.

Dr. McKenzie's commitment to professional growth is reflected in her active involvement with several organizations. She is affiliated with the New Mexico State Committee of Women in the Arts Inc., the Rio Grande Art Association, and the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, highlighting her dedication to fostering community engagement and supporting women's contributions to the arts. Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. McKenzie is civically engaged, supporting the Santa Fe Animal Shelter, Girls Inc., and Communities in Schools.

Born in Omaha, Dr. McKenzie's personal life has been characterized by an ongoing love for creating and painting, volunteering, walking dogs and hiking in nearby mountains. She values spending time outdoors and appreciates the slower pace of life that Santa Fe offers. She embraces a unique blend of influences shaped by varied environments. Looking ahead, Dr. McKenzie remains committed to exploring new concepts within herself and the broader world around her. She is dedicated to ensuring that her art continues to evolve organically rather than conforming to expectations or becoming formulaic.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

# # #