The path of Mara Lord, PhD at the Medical College of Wisconsin reflects a remarkable blend of purpose and strategic clarity that has shaped her journey as Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy and Growth Officer. Her work emerges from a deep commitment to strengthen Wisconsin through discoveries, education and health advancement, anchoring her approach in service to communities that depend on innovation and collaboration. Dr. Lord’s influence touches research, graduate learning, clinical breakthroughs and state partnerships, all connected through a desire to amplify impact for every individual who relies on the institution.
Her perspective comes from years spent helping Wisconsin chart a course toward stronger vitality. She identifies her proudest accomplishment as uniting research, care and science with public well-being, creating a foundation able to support statewide aspirations. That outcome stems from years of building structures that empower teams to imagine possibilities and achieve outcomes that benefit people beyond institutional walls. This blend of organizational insight and humanitarian drive illustrates why she has been named a Titan 100 Hall of Fame Honoree, a recognition that honors leaders who strengthen entire regions through thoughtful action.
A guiding force in Dr. Lord’s leadership is her belief in values that shape organizational culture. She fosters honesty, curiosity, excellence and empathy. These tenets motivate her environment and guide individuals who carry out the Medical College of Wisconsin’s mission. For Dr. Lord, alignment around shared ideals amplifies purpose, reinforces trust and ignites momentum across departments that collectively drive transformative work. She views these values as essential anchors that help individuals operate with integrity while adapting to complexities within modern research and health-care landscapes.
Biohealth and biotechnology hold strategic importance for Wisconsin’s future, and Dr. Lord is focused on building an ecosystem where these fields can flourish. Her five-year vision centers on continued advancement of discovery, groundbreaking insights and growth that elevates the state’s position nationally. She sees opportunity in cultivating partnerships, accelerating research pathways and nurturing innovation that improves lives across generations. This approach positions Wisconsin at the forefront of scientific progress through focus and collaboration.
Dr. Lord’s sense of responsibility extends far beyond professional milestones. She hopes to leave influence that demonstrates how leaders shape possibilities for others. She aims to create environments where potential is recognized, nurtured and expanded through guidance that elevates people’s gifts. Her dedication to uplifting individuals ensures continuity of excellence within the organization and across the communities it serves.
Her message to emerging leaders centers on connection. She encourages future Titans to invest in relationships that inspire them to stretch their thinking, embrace growth and pursue opportunities with curiosity and courage. For Dr. Lord, the journey is enriched when shared with people who bring insight, energy and encouragement. That philosophy continues to define her remarkable influence on Wisconsin’s scientific, educational and health landscape.
