Board Services

Rodney Cotton is a distinguished executive and board leader with more than four decades of experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and diagnostics sectors. He spent over 20 years at Roche Diagnostics, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President, Head of Strategy & Transformation, and Chief of Staff to the CEO of Diagnostics in North America. Known for his holistic perspective, bias for action, and agile leadership, Rod spearheaded milestones in corporate communications, audited U.S. operations, and integrated acquisitions, driving four global healthcare companies toward sustainable growth.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rod and his team exemplified their leadership pedigree by delivering six groundbreaking diagnostic products within an unprecedented 11-month timeframe — including the market’s first, most accurate molecular COVID-19 test. They also tackled supply chain disruptions head-on, optimizing logistics, product allocation, and global manufacturing to meet critical testing demands. These and other monumental endeavors earned him significant recognition, including the Sagamore of the Wabash award from Indiana’s governor and accolades as one of the most influential Black Executives in corporate America.

Beyond his tenure at Roche, Rod contributes strategic guidance on multiple boards and advisory panels. He serves as a board member for Community Health Network (with roles on audit, compliance and finance, equity and governance, and quality of care committees), Orchard Software, Castle Biosciences, Eisai U.S. pharmaceuticals, and more, along with venture partner duties at 2Flo Ventures. His academic credentials include an MBA from California State University, an MS in strategic management from USC Marshall School of Business, and a BA in biological sciences & technology from UC Santa Barbara — all underpinning his ability to drive financial turnarounds, cultural transformation, and health‑equity initiatives across the healthcare ecosystem.