Suffolk University Law School alumna Dr. Ivana Magovcevic-Liebisch – a leader in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries – has been elected as a charter trustee by the Suffolk University Board.
Dr. Magovcevic-Liebisch is executive vice president and chief strategy and corporate development officer for Axcella Health, Inc., in Cambridge, a company that is developing amino-acids-based therapeutics for a wide range of diseases. She has extensive senior-management-level experience in critical roles in several successful biotechnology companies.
“We welcome Ivana as a role model for our aspiring students focused on the sciences, intellectual property and the biotechnology industry, and the University will benefit from her experience in these areas,” said Board Chair Robert Lamb. “As a scientist and attorney, she brings a valuable perspective to the board in areas of significant focus for the University. Additionally, with her appointment, the Suffolk board continues to build a more diverse membership, with leaders who are making significant contributions to Suffolk’s ongoing success.”
Dr. Magovcevic-Liebisch holds a PhD in genetics from Harvard University, a JD in high technology law from Suffolk University Law School, and a BA in biology and chemistry from Wheaton College.
“The educational experience that students receive at Suffolk University is truly empowering,” Dr. Magovcevic-Liebisch said. “I’m excited to join a board and be part of a team that is so committed to making a positive difference in the lives of Suffolk students.”
In 2008, Woman Entrepreneurs in Science and Technology chose her for the WEST Leadership Award, which honors women who have demonstrated entrepreneurial achievement in science and technology
Her career has been focused on financing, corporate partnering, mergers and acquisitions, clinical development, regulatory affairs, commercialization, legal and IP matters, and preparation and implementation of operating plans. Before joining Axcella, she was senior vice president and head of global business development at Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. She also held senior positions at Dyax Corp. and Transkaryotic Therapies, Inc.,
She serves on the boards of biotech companies Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation and Alivio Therapeutics. She is a former trustee of the Wentworth Institute of Technology and an overseer of the Boston Ballet, Boston Museum of Science and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Ivana Magovcevic-Liebisch to the board,” said Suffolk Acting President Marisa Kelly. “Over the years she has shown her commitment to this institution by serving as a mentor and guest speaker, and I look forward to hearing her insights on careers in the sciences and the intersection of science and the law as a University trustee.”
The Suffolk board has welcomed trustees of diverse backgrounds, experience and skill sets in recent years. Since May 2016, as terms have expired, the University has added 13 new trustees from a broad range of industries and communities. Each is dedicated to Suffolk’s mission, and each is deeply committed to the success of the University.