With 15 years of experience in the global pharmaceutical and life science market, Leah Harris (’09) will continue pursuing her passion for the industry as Director of Business Development for Life Sciences at Langham Logistics. The announcement was made by Langham, a third-party transportation logistics, warehousing and distribution company, in April.
In her new role, Harris will be responsible for developing and managing Langham’s Life Science sales, partnerships and marketing strategy, and will serve Life Science business development worldwide. The opportunity to work for a rapidly growing organization like Langham is something Harris is looking forward to as she begins this new journey.
“I thank God for the career path he designed for my life,” said Harris. “I have a passion for the life sciences industry, and throughout my career have been involved in different layers within the life science and pharmaceutical supply chain. At the moment, working for a third-party logistics company puts me on the front lines for helping life science companies ensure that we have ample critical supplies in our country.”
Harris received a Bachelor of Arts in communication with a minor in political science from Waynesburg University in 2009. As a student, she was an assistant editor for the University newspaper and worked in the Office of University Relations as a student worker. Her involvement in these areas, in addition to classroom experiences, are what she claims helped prepare her for her future career.
I have a passion for the life sciences industry, and throughout my career have been involved in different layers within the life science and pharmaceutical supply chain."
“Classroom education, along with being part of the University community (for me this was on the newspaper staff), and working alongside adult professionals at the University in the University Relations office were all critical for me, as I honed in on my skill set and learned exactly what kind of role I wanted to seek outside of college to establish my career,” Harris said.
Some of the advantages of attending smaller institutions, including intimate classroom settings, personalized support and on-campus student jobs, can greatly impact overall student growth by allowing students to grow real-world skills and good work habits. These benefits, according to Harris, are what help set graduates apart from those at larger institutions.
“The education you get at a private, small college like Waynesburg is almost tailored to your individual need and was an essential part of my personal growth story,” said Harris. “I was surrounded by wonderful professors who cared to challenge me and provide an education that I could practically use in my career.”
Harris began her career in the pharmaceutical and life sciences market as Director of Marketing at Caron Products, based in Marietta, Ohio. The last seven years she spent at ELPRO, a Swiss-based company, in various roles including Product Management for Innovation, Global Sales Trainer and Channel Partner Manager. In her new management role at Langham, she hopes to not only contribute to the continued success of the company but also assist others along their career paths.
