Meet Machelle Baker Sanders
With more than four decades of leadership across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, corporate governance, and state government, Machelle Baker Sanders has built a career defined by transformational leadership, operational excellence, and meaningful impact. Her work reflects a deep commitment to authentic leadership, strategic growth, and expanding opportunity for individuals, organizations, and communities.
Executive Leader. Board Director. Strategic Advisor. Transformational Voice.
Board Leadership
She serves on the boards of BioCryst Pharmaceuticals— where she is Chair of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Science Committee—and Fortrea, Inc., where she chairs the Nominating, Governance, and Compliance Committee and a member of the Compensation Committee. She previously served on the boards of Radius Health and Novan. Her board work reflects strong governance, fiduciary oversight, and strategic leadership across complex, highly regulated environments.
Expanding Impact
Machelle is the CEO and Chief Advisor of Aspire Leadership Consulting, LLC, a firm dedicated to three core services: leadership development and executive advising services, economic development and workforce development, and inspiring, transformational speaking engagements. Driven by a commitment to economic mobility, empowering and elevating leadership, Aspire’s mission is to expand influence, foster growth, and create lasting impact across organizations and communities.
Public Service & Economic Leadership
As Cabinet Secretary for the North Carolina Department of Commerce from 2021–2025, Machelle led one of the most successful economic development periods in North Carolina’s history.
Under her leadership:
• More than 70,000 jobs were created
• Over $45 billion in capital investment was secured
• North Carolina earned national recognition as America’s top state for business climate and economic competitiveness for two consecutive years
• The First in Talent Plan became a national model for workforce development and economic resilience
She represented North Carolina globally—shaping conversations around innovation, workforce readiness, and the future of economic growth.
Previously, as Cabinet Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Administration, she modernized state operations, expanded support for small and minority-owned businesses, and advanced strategic initiatives benefiting underserved communities.
Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Experience
Before public service, Machelle spent more than 30 years in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, holding executive leadership roles at Biogen.
As Vice President of Manufacturing & General Manager, she led more than 1,200 employees, overseeing biologics and small molecule manufacturing operations while supporting the launch of five new commercial products and expanding global manufacturing capability.
As Vice President of Multiple Sclerosis Franchise Product Operations at Biogen, she provided strategic oversight for the commercialization of breakthrough therapies, helping expand treatment access, improve patient outcomes, and drive franchise growth.
Her executive experience includes:
• Manufacturing and operations leadership
• Product commercialization
• Global regulatory strategy and compliance
• Global quality systems excellence
• Organizational transformation
Philanthropy, Advocacy & Legacy
Machelle’s impact extends well beyond boardrooms and executive leadership.
She is deeply committed to expanding opportunity through education, mentorship, workforce development, and philanthropy—particularly for underserved communities, women, and young people pursuing STEM pathways.
Her work includes:
• Supporting STEM education initiatives
• Philanthropic giving through the Machelle Sanders Science Endowment at North Carolina State University
• Board leadership with MyFutureNC, TROSA, and the UNC-Chapel Hill Health Foundation
• Volunteer service as a job readiness coach at Raleigh Rescue Mission