Yolanda Tennico, PhD, PMP
Director, R&D Operations
Camas,WA
Summary
Accomplished R&D Operations leader with over 15 years of experience driving strategic execution, innovation management, and program development across global teams. Proven track record of building scalable operational frameworks and leading high-impact initiatives. Skilled in aligning cross-functional teams through influence, optimizing operational efficiency, and advancing digital transformation. Recognized for a results-driven leadership style that fosters a collaborative, agile culture and delivers long-term growth in fast-paced, matrix environments.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Director, R&D Operations, Genetic Sciences Division
THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC
08.2023 - Current
- Led execution of divisional R&D innovation strategy and transformative improvements by shaping the roadmap, influencing key stakeholders, and building scalable infrastructure.
- Applied portfolio and program management best practices to deliver high-impact initiatives on time, within scope and budget, while proactively mitigating risks.
- Directed the full innovation lifecycle—from ideation to incubation to NPI—across 30+ R&D projects with $10M in investments; achieved a 30% NPI conversion rate, exceeding annual performance targets.
- Designed and implemented a divisional IP strategy framework, assessing 50+ patent families for competitive positioning and increasing invention disclosures aligned with strategic priorities.
- Championed continuous improvement, saving $6.5M in SG&A with Lean Six Sigma, surpassing AOP targets.
- Launched 6 cross-functional strategic committees (Innovation, Process Excellence, Sustainability, Talent, Communications, GenAI), mentoring 50+ members across 8 global R&D sites to drive change management.
- Ignited collaboration across 600+ global R&D staff through strategic communications and innovation events.
- Led ELN/LIMS digital transformation and advanced sustainability initiative, earning 5 MyGreenLab certifications.
Director, R&D Operations, Genetic Testing Solutions
THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC
Carlsbad, CA
11.2021 - 08.2023
- Directed a team of 20 to establish R&D Operations functions, enabling $1B+ in COVID-19 revenue during a period of rapid, high-stakes growth.
- Applied Agile leadership to scale global clinical product operations, ensuring regulatory compliance and timely delivery through the pandemic-to-endemic transition.
- Partnered with VP of R&D to spearhead the design and deployment of real-time digital tools, driving visibility, prioritization, and resource optimization within a fast-paced clinical product development environment.
- Managed $75M+ annual budget with 97% forecast accuracy.
- Delivered $3M+ in savings through lab and digital upgrades using Lean principles.
- Led ISO 13485 compliance, SOP rollouts, and facility expansion projects.
- Accelerated NPI through strategic external partnerships and operational excellence—expanding biobank inventory, streamlining sample procurement, and optimizing vendor and QC processes.
Senior Manager, R&D Operations, Asia-Pacific (APAC) R&D
THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC
09.2019 - 11.2021
- Led operational strategy and integration across 3 R&D centers in China, Singapore, and India, aligning regional product development efforts with global priorities to maximize visibility, execution, and cross-site consistency.
- Spearheaded digitization initiatives across APAC R&D by deploying real-time performance tracking tools, improving KPI visibility and enabling data-driven decision-making across functions.
- Launched a competitive regional innovation grant program that positioned APAC R&D as a key innovation hub within the company.
- Drove regional talent strategy by establishing a framework to enable cross-country talent exchange.
- Elevated APAC R&D brand presence through impactful communication and engagement strategies.
Staff Program Manager, Corporate R&D, Chief Scientific Office
THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC
01.2014 - 09.2019
- Championed global R&D ideation efforts, cultivating an innovation culture through optimized idea management, expanded grant programs, and connected communities to accelerate product innovation and collaboration.
- Deployed a SaaS-based idea management platform to 10,000+ users across 100+ sites and 50+ business units.
- Led 80+ Innovation Champions to manage 8,000+ ideas and 40+ campaigns, driving governance and visibility.
- Evaluated 500+ R&D grant applications to fund high-impact innovations, fostering cross-divisional collaboration.
- Organized 6 global symposia on strategic and emerging trends, accelerating technological advancements.
R&D Staff Scientist, Biosciences (Protein & Cell Analysis)/BioProduction Division
LIFE TECHNOLOGIES
07.2009 - 01.2014
- Led NPI reagent development and V&V programs, leveraging expertise in chemical analysis to enable successful product launches.
- Managed the site Analytical Chemistry lab and served as LC-MS curator.
- Developed reagents for top-performing NPIs: GlycanAssure, CellEvent, CellROX, and ReadyProbes.
- Established QC specifications and V&V processes to enable seamless transfer to Manufacturing.
- Awarded Ideation Grants; published in Anal. Chem. 82: 5591, increasing product visibility.
R&D Analytical Chemist
ALZA CORPORATION, SUBSIDIARY OF JOHNSON & JOHNSON
01.2006 - 12.2006
- Developed and validated analytical methods for characterization of biological compounds and formulations.
QA Analyst
WYETH PHARMACEUTICALS, NOW PFIZER INC
05.2002 - 08.2003
- Conducted lab testing on pharmaceutical products in accordance with GMP and product specifications.
Education
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY - ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
Oregon State University
Corvallis, ORBACHELOR OF SCIENCE - CHEMISTRY (MINOR IN MATHEMATICS)
State University of New York
Plattsburgh, NYPROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL (PMP) CERTIFICATION - undefined
Project Management Institute
San Diego, CADESIGN FOR EXCELLENCE (DfX) CERTIFICATION -
Life Technologies
Eugene, ORSkills
- Operational Excellence
- Project & Portfolio Management
- Innovation Lifecycle Management
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Budget & Resource Management
- Digital Transformation
- Global Team Leadership
- Analytical Chemistry
Certification
PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL (PMP) CERTIFICATION, Project Management Institute, San Diego, CA
Patents
HYDRAZINYL AND AMINOOXY COMPOUNDS AND THEIR METHODS OF USE, 2019 U.S. Application No. 10,246,410 B2
Timeline
Director, R&D Operations, Genetic Sciences Division
THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC
08.2023 - Current
Director, R&D Operations, Genetic Testing Solutions
THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC
11.2021 - 08.2023
Senior Manager, R&D Operations, Asia-Pacific (APAC) R&D
THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC
09.2019 - 11.2021
Staff Program Manager, Corporate R&D, Chief Scientific Office
THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC
01.2014 - 09.2019
R&D Staff Scientist, Biosciences (Protein & Cell Analysis)/BioProduction Division
LIFE TECHNOLOGIES
07.2009 - 01.2014
R&D Analytical Chemist
ALZA CORPORATION, SUBSIDIARY OF JOHNSON & JOHNSON
01.2006 - 12.2006
QA Analyst
WYETH PHARMACEUTICALS, NOW PFIZER INC
05.2002 - 08.2003
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - CHEMISTRY (MINOR IN MATHEMATICS)
State University of New York
PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL (PMP) CERTIFICATION - undefined
Project Management Institute
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY - ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
Oregon State University
DESIGN FOR EXCELLENCE (DfX) CERTIFICATION -
Life Technologies
Similar Profiles
Emily RobinsonEmily Robinson
Pharmacy Technician II at Fisher Bioservices, Thermo Fisher ScientificPharmacy Technician II at Fisher Bioservices, Thermo Fisher Scientific
Rose Ann GaleraRose Ann Galera
Senior Safety Reporting Coordinator at Thermo Fisher ScientificSenior Safety Reporting Coordinator at Thermo Fisher Scientific
Justin MortonJustin Morton
Associate Project Manager at Thermo Fisher ScientificAssociate Project Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific
Jessica MillerJessica Miller
Tech 3 Production Worker at Thermo Fisher ScientificTech 3 Production Worker at Thermo Fisher Scientific
Cierra MingoCierra Mingo
Agency Nurse at Amergis Healthcare Staffing formerly Maxim HealthcareAgency Nurse at Amergis Healthcare Staffing formerly Maxim Healthcare