Pivot: A New Look at Life
Tiffany Wilson (MBA’01) has always had a passion for medicine and innovation. Beginning her journey considering a pre-med major at Loyola University, and now as CEO of the Science Center in Philadelphia, her career path certainly appears straightforward. Yet, hers is a far more interesting sojourn embedded with the Jesuit values of service and innovation.
It was during her freshman year as she was considering a pre-med major, that Wilson realized a medical degree wasn’t entirely what she wanted. She decided to major in international business, graduated, and pursued a career in consulting and finance in the Washington D.C. area.
A self-described life-long learner, Wilson selected McDonough as the next stop on her journey. Soon after graduating from the MBA program in 2001, she sought to gain operational experience, and explored technology startups. In her first position with an investment bank in D.C., she raised money for a tissue engineering startup in Boston. It was after joining the management team of that company that she realized her passion for the medical device industry.
“I really enjoyed the process from concept to initial launch where science, medicine, business, and government all have to work together to get a product to market that will benefit patient outcomes.” She describes her career pivot to the medical device industry as serendipitous.
Today, Wilson is in her fourth year as president and chief executive officer of the Science Center in Philadelphia — an intermediary of science, startups, and community. As a thought leader on innovation and commercialization of medical technology, Wilson is proud to drive inclusive growth across Greater Philadelphia with her Jesuit values. At the Science Center, she fosters innovation and collaboration with startups in the life sciences and healthcare technology, and she’s created opportunities that benefit the larger community as well — providing STEM educational and career exposure opportunities for students in Philadelphia.
Wilson’s remarkable journey showcases her unwavering commitment to innovation and her dedication to improving healthcare outcomes. Through her leadership, she continues to inspire and uplift her community, embodying the true spirit of service and innovation.
This story was originally featured in the Georgetown Business Fall 2024 Magazine. Download the Georgetown Business Audio app to listen to the stories and other bonus content.