Debra Wisdom
About Debra Wisdom
Debra Wisdom serves as the Senior People Leader for R&D and Head of HR at Sana Biotechnology, Inc. in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she has worked since 2019, bringing extensive experience in human resources and talent acquisition within the biotechnology sector.
Work at Sana Biotechnology
Debra Wisdom serves as the Senior People Leader for Research and Development and Head of Human Resources at Sana Biotechnology, Inc. since 2019. In this role, she focuses on aligning HR strategies with the company's strategic goals, particularly in the biotechnology sector. Wisdom has implemented innovative HR strategies to support R&D teams, fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity. She also facilitates collaboration between HR and scientific teams to enhance the overall organizational culture.
Education and Expertise
Debra Wisdom holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Fordham University, where she studied from 1996 to 1998. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology, Sociology, and Criminology from the University of Colorado Boulder, studying from 1991 to 1995. Her educational background supports her expertise in human resources, particularly in talent acquisition and organizational development within scientific environments.
Background in Human Resources
Wisdom has extensive experience in human resources, having worked in various roles across multiple organizations. Prior to her current position, she was a Human Resources Business Partner at Merck from 2016 to 2019. She also held the position of Manager, Talent Acquisition - Lead Clinical Recruiter at Pfizer from 2013 to 2015. Her career includes significant roles at Baxalta, Green Key Resources, and Saint Barnabas Health Care System, where she developed and implemented HR strategies tailored to the needs of the organizations.
Achievements in Talent Acquisition
Throughout her career, Debra Wisdom has implemented creative talent acquisition approaches specifically designed for scientific environments. At Pfizer, she led clinical recruitment efforts for Worldwide Research and Development. Additionally, at Green Key Resources, she served as Director, Permanent Pharmaceutical Recruiter, where she focused on recruiting talent for the pharmaceutical sector. Her initiatives have contributed to aligning talent acquisition with organizational goals.
Advocacy for Organizational Culture
Debra Wisdom advocates for a culture of innovation and inclusivity within the R&D department. She plays a key role in aligning HR initiatives with the strategic goals of biotechnology companies. Her efforts include facilitating cross-functional collaboration between HR and scientific teams, which enhances the organizational culture and supports the overall mission of the organizations she has worked with.