DeAnna Zacherl

I've spent 20 years at Eli Lilly evolving from discovering molecules at the bench to architecting how technology enables breakthrough science. My journey—from synthetic chemist to technology executive—has taught me that the hardest problems in drug discovery aren't just scientific or technical. They're about bringing the right people together, asking questions until you uncover what really matters, and building bridges between different worlds.Where I am today: As Executive Director of R&D Tech Portfolio Management & Operations, I lead strategic alignment between Lilly Research Laboratories and Technology, managing 60 programs and a $450M budget. I design, strategize, and lead execution of our internal governance, build trust across stakeholders, and translate complex technical strategies into business value narratives.The role that shaped my leadership: My time as an Early Phase Project Team Leader for Diabetes was transformational. Leading cross-functional teams with zero positional authority, I learned to bring scientists together around shared goals, manage workplace dynamics effectively while keeping molecules moving forward, and synthesize strategy from scratch in real ambiguity.I became expert at asking questions—the uncomfortable ones, the clarifying ones—until we were collectively solving what actually mattered. As COO for Lilly's first internal siRNA project, I led from target identification through First Human Dose preparation, designing processes that didn't exist and making decisions without playbooks.That experience taught me: leadership isn't about authority. It's about building trust, creating clarity from chaos, and helping smart people do their best work together.My foundation: I started as a combinatorial chemist, discovering two clinical candidates including Lasmiditan (REYVOW), now a marketed migraine therapy. That bench experience grounds everything—I understand the scientists because I was one. I've built expertise in AI/ML strategy, portfolio management, and change management.What I bring:• Credibility through transparent delivery and outcome focus• Governance structures that enable rather than constrain• Change management recognizing technology change is people change• Strategic translation connecting tech initiatives to outcomesI thrive in ambiguity. I ask questions until we're solving the right problems. I build teams that accomplish things beyond what any individual could do. After 20 years, I believe the best solutions come from understanding the science, technology, and people who make both possible.