Innovation Matters When It Improves Lives
Building AI-enabled commercial engines behind healthcare innovation—advancing access, adoption, and value.
Healthcare executive and former scientist with 20 years of experience commercializing breakthrough innovations across life sciences, medtech, and digital health organizations within venture-backed, corporate, and agency environments. Architected omnichannel brand ecosystems and spearheaded corporate initiatives for global leaders such as Pfizer, Amgen, Merck, and Takeda. Scaled 25+ healthcare startups, from early-stage ventures to mid-stage companies reaching $500M in valuation, by building AI-enabled commercial engines.
Led and advised organizations across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, bringing a globally informed perspective to commercializing innovation across diverse healthcare markets and regulatory environments. Seasoned speaker and board advisor at universities including UC Irvine and the University of San Francisco.
Harvard-trained health and wellness coach working with high-achieving women in midlife to navigate the intersection of leadership, health, and life transitions through evidence-based, tech-enabled coaching.
Leadership Journey
Current: Partners with healthcare innovators to build AI-enabled operating models, workforce readiness, and intelligent commercial capabilities.
Chief Innovation Officer, VUE Health: Led digital transformation and pioneered VUEVO, an AI-powered marketing platform designed to accelerate launches.
SVP, Digital Health Innovation, MMC & RxM: Led global launch initiatives across Omnicom agencies’ life sciences and digital health portfolio.
Head of Digital, Ionis Pharmaceuticals: Built the company’s first enterprise digital capability, omnichannel operating model, Digital CoE, and clinical trial recruitment platform.
The impact
$5B+
Enterprise value unlocked
through digital & AI transformation.
40%
Faster launches powered by intelligent go-to-market infrastructure.
20%+
Market share growth through a focused, data-driven portfolio strategy.
Education & executive training
Executive Training in Artificial Intelligence.
Health & Wellness Coaching
MS in Digital Media & Marketing.
My work
Speaking engagements
Pharma Vista Summit—AI-Enabled Commercialization: Transforming Go-to-Market Strategies in Life Sciences
Reimagining Pharma Marketing West —Healthcare Marketing in the Post-COVID World: Driving Commercial Evolution with Digital Transformation (2022)
Global Digital Marketing Summit, Chicago —Building Omnichannel Operations in Pharma: From Fragmented Channels to Integrated Customer Engagement (2021)
Awards & accolades
Best Clinical Trial Campaign, 2022
Noble Change Initiative, 2021
Highly Functional Healthcare Website, 2020
As featured in
Core capabilities
01.
01.
Go-to-Market & Product Lifecycle Strategy
Drive launches positioned to win and sustain adoption across the product lifecycle in leaner commercial environments.
02.
02.
Brand Strategy &Positoning
Build differentiated healthcare brands that earn trust and win prescriber and patient preference in competitive markets.
03.
03.
Consumer Growth & Digital Aquisition
Lower acquisition cost and boost lifetime value by turning digital demand into sustainable consumer growth.
04.
04.
Personalized Patient Acquisition
Design personalized patient journeys that build trust, improve access, and increase adherence across therapies.
05.
05.
Precision HCP Engagement
Build clinical confidence with targeted HCP engagement that strengthens relationships and drives appropriate adoption.
06.
06.
AI Transformation & Workforce Redesign
Scale AI from isolated pilots to governed, enterprise-wide AI-driven growth systems through an intensive sprint that combines workshops with implementation support.
What they say
Elijah Shypitsyn
Marketing Director, Digital Marketing, SEM/SEO
I had the pleasure of working alongside Zara in Chicago, Illinois a couple of years ago. She successfully spearheaded the digital transformation of a nationwide network of vein treatment centers. I was impressed by her deep expertise in automation technology and AI that she used to drive stakeholder value. Zara will be a huge asset to any diverse organization looking for digital transformation and marketing leadership.
Lesley Guilmette
President Alden Marketing Communications
I have had the pleasure of working with Zara on multiple website design and development projects. Her knowledge of digital media, dedication to every project, and collaborative spirit are extremely impressive. She is a joy to work with!
Roslyn Patterson
Strategic Global Executive, Board Director, Corporate Affairs
Zara is the DIGITAL CZAR! She is one of the most passionate, enthusiastic and expert digital marketers I've had the pleasure of working with. When I engaged Zara as a consultant, she helped me to establish the company's digital ecosystem, the strategy and now as my head of digital marketing, she is establishing a digital function to support the company today and well into the future. This includes creating a digital COE, the governance and building a team to deliver on the company's ambition and vision. I love working with her, she makes me better, smarter and matches me punch for punch in strategy and delivery. Zara is a brilliant digital architect, educator and professional.
Mina Nguyen
Director, Product Communications @ Pfizer, Strategic Communications
Zara's expertise in digital marketing, SEO, SEM, paid, organic and earned, and just about all things digital- is second to none. She is strategic and thorough, and an all-around pleasure to work with. She is great at working with all levels of an organization, and very focused on achieving goals- that actually move the needle. I highly recommend Zara and would love the opportunity to work with her again.
Quinn Sidon
Hiring for Marketing
Zara is all things marketing, and one of the savviest marketers I've ever met! She sees the bigger picture, and yet can track all of the necessary details at the granular level. She can create marketing strategies as well as execute the tactical aspects. If you're seeking a motivated full-stack digital marketer with branding and agency experience, coupled with expertise in marketing automation, she's your person!