Lauren Houghtalin Elder
Metro Detroit
Summary
Results-driven commercial leader with expertise in strategic territory management and cross-functional collaboration. Elevates business development through technical integration and team training for enhanced stakeholder engagement. Specialized knowledge in oncology and cfDNA applications strengthens market positioning and client relationships.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Director of Business Development
BioIVT
Woodbury
01.2026 - Current
- Developed and implemented strategy to identify and pursue new business opportunities in region, training team of associates to effectively prospect cold leads
- Elevated business development standards, increasing involvement of technical subject matter experts in client-facing activities and creating call plans incorporating internal SMEs
- Led team through coaching and mentoring, improving performance and achieving goals while balancing priority accounts and recruiting and onboarding new members
- Q1 attainment 111% Q2 100% by balanced selling across 4 product lines, maximizing emerging areas and following research trends
Director, North America Technical Sales – Disease State & Cell and Gene Therapy
BioIVT
06.2025 - 01.2026
- Collaborated cross functionally to launch 2 product lines, enhancing market offerings in Data as a product and GMP Leukopak Immune Cells
- Developed careers of 9 Technical Sales Specialists, facilitating promotions to Senior Technical Sales Specialists and assigning growth opportunities within operating teams
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency at BioIVT
Director Technical Sales, Disease State (Global)
BioIVT
04.2023 - 06.2025
- Technical Sales Achievement Award - 57% YoY product line growth from biopharma and diagnostic sales (9.4M to 14.8M) 2024. Breaking Through Award – Recognized for being the single tissue provider contracted for point of care - companion diagnostic validation (value 1.5M) to genomic biomarker company validating on behalf of large pharma sponsor
- Moderated liquid biopsy thought leader discussions at industry conferences (Hanson Wade) and lead internal initiatives to advance best practices in ctDNA sample preparation pre-analytical conditions
- Anticipated stock keeping requirements and upcoming R&D growth areas from surveying customer network and trend tracking inorders and new inquiry details for emerging areas not in public disclosures
Interim Director Technical Sales, Disease State (Global)
BioIVT
01.2023 - 04.2023
- Created strategic enablement playbooks to support sales team through organizational transition
- Directed strategic initiatives to enhance biospecimen procurement processes
- Oversaw project timelines and resource allocation for operational efficiency
Business Development Manager/Technical Sales Specialist East Coast
BioIVT
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Exceeded annual targets by tailoring account-tier strategies, including Key Accounts, across oncology, rare disease, infectious disease, and inflammatory research areas 2020 107%, 2021 110%, 2022 105%
- Secured first sale of data for AI applications, generating $200K from pathology images sold to large pharma
- Established preferred ranking with clients for R&D and validation projects by leveraging technical expertise and relationship-building skills
- Qualified and implemented value-added service projects for biospecimen sales, enhancing customer satisfaction and increasing order value
Business Development Associate – East Coast
BioIVT
04.2018 - 12.2019
- Cultivated relationships in emerging accounts for Business Development Managers through targeted outreach campaigns across diverse company types and application areas
- Utilized industry conferences to connect with key targets and leads while showcasing company services and capabilities
- Managed internal stakeholder communications to address complex requests for proposals
Histology Technician
Asterand Bioscience (Acquired by BioIVT 2017)
Detroit
06.2015 - 04.2018
- Performed microtomy, cryotomy, IHC, reagent preparation and vendor management
- Validated histology procedures for custom projects and integrated IHC protocols to enhance testing accuracy
- Oversaw biospecimen documentation process for federally funded research contract to ensure compliance and data integrity
Senior Medical Technologist / Histotechnologist, Shift Lead
Henry Ford Health System
Detroit
03.2013 - 06.2015
- Led clinical histology lab, preparing specimens to the highest standards by adherence to protocols, attention to detail, and turnaround times. Supported accurate and rapid workflow of the Pathology department
- Oversaw team performance and guided members in tasks while managing shift workload and performing histology technician duties
- Operated advanced diagnostic equipment, ensuring adherence to quality control protocols to maintain diagnostic integrity
Tissue Banking Technician
Asterand Bioscience
Detroit
03.2012 - 03.2013
- Managed biobanking and sample handling processes, ensuring sample integrity through adherence to and updates of protocols
- Executed quality control for specimen accuracy, including nucleic acid quantification to maintain high standards.
- Generated primary cells for custom projects from fresh human tissues, supporting research and development initiatives
Education
Strategy Execution -
Harvard Business School Online
01-2024
Negotiation Mastery -
Harvard Business School Online
01-2021
ASCP Certified Histotechnologist -
01-2015
B.A - Biological Sciences
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI01-2011
Skills
- Business development
- Consultative and technical sales
- Account management
- Market analysis
- Complex sales environments
- Oncology and cfDNA
- Strategic planning
- Sales forecasting
Hobbies and Interests
- Fitness - strength training, endurance events
- Cooking
- Outdoors
Pre Professional Work History
Service Industry, Bartending, Serving
Accomplishments
- Technical Sales Achievement Award - 57% YoY product line growth from biopharma and diagnostic sales (9.4M to 14.8M) 2024
- Breaking Through Award – Recognized for being the single tissue provider contracted for point of care - companion diagnostic validation (value 1.5M) to genomic biomarker company validating on behalf of large pharma sponsor
Timeline
Regional Director of Business Development
BioIVT
01.2026 - Current
Director, North America Technical Sales – Disease State & Cell and Gene Therapy
BioIVT
06.2025 - 01.2026
Director Technical Sales, Disease State (Global)
BioIVT
04.2023 - 06.2025
Interim Director Technical Sales, Disease State (Global)
BioIVT
01.2023 - 04.2023
Business Development Manager/Technical Sales Specialist East Coast
BioIVT
01.2020 - 01.2023
Business Development Associate – East Coast
BioIVT
04.2018 - 12.2019
Histology Technician
Asterand Bioscience (Acquired by BioIVT 2017)
06.2015 - 04.2018
Senior Medical Technologist / Histotechnologist, Shift Lead
Henry Ford Health System
03.2013 - 06.2015
Tissue Banking Technician
Asterand Bioscience
03.2012 - 03.2013
Strategy Execution -
Harvard Business School Online
Negotiation Mastery -
Harvard Business School Online
ASCP Certified Histotechnologist -
B.A - Biological Sciences
Wayne State University