BLOC 100 Spotlight | Rodney Cotton

By: Jaysón Davidson

Rodney Cotton: Leading with Vision, Faith, and Fierce Intentionality

Biopharma Leaders of Color (BLOC) is proud to honor Rodney “Rod” Cotton as a 2025 Vanguard 100 recipient, a visionary executive whose leadership has shaped the life sciences industry across diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. Known for his business acumen, principled leadership, and unwavering commitment to equity, Rod’s story is a blueprint for impact-driven leadership in healthcare and beyond.

With more than 40 years of experience, Rod has held transformative roles across the U.S. and global markets, most notably at Roche, where he was SVP and general manager for several businesses and later SVP, Head of Strategy & Transformation and Chief of Staff to the CEO for Roche Diagnostics North America. He is a seasoned board director for multiple organizations, including: Castle Biosciences, Eisai Pharmaceuticals, and Orchard Software (for four years before the the company was successful sold a few weeks ago to Clinisys/Roper); Together with others, he’s also a venture partner, health equity investor, and advocate for inclusive leadership and access to healthcare innovations for all.

But behind his storied career is a multidimensional leader who blends sharp strategic thinking with soul-deep integrity and joy.

A Leadership Journey Built on Vision and Values

Rod’s academic roots began in biology and technology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, followed by an MBA and an MS Degree in Strategic Management from California State University, Dominguez Hills and USC’s Marshall School of Business (respectively). But it was his early exposure to both science and faith that taught him the value of asking “why” and leading with purpose.

“To lead is to communicate a vision clearly, get buy-in, and deliver outcomes,” Rod explains. “And to lead well, you must also serve, uplifting those around you, especially those who haven’t historically had a voice.”

Throughout his career, Rod has led multimillion-dollar transformations, commercial launches, and strategic growth initiatives, all while championing representation in boardrooms and executive leadership. He understands that inclusion is not a side initiative, it’s essential to organizational success.

Mentorship, Accountability, and the Responsibility to Reach Back

Rod is celebrated not only for his results, but for how he empowers others to thrive. His leadership style is direct and nurturing, rooted in accountability, humility, and legacy. “Leadership isn’t about the corner office,” he says. “It’s about showing up, doing the work, and making space for others.”

That ethos has led him to mentor dozens of rising leaders, particularly underrepresented professionals throughout his career. His advice to the next generation is clear: be intentional, be coachable, and be prepared. “Know your business, and know yourself,” he says. “Have a point of view. Speak with confidence and curiosity. And never stop learning.”

Rod also encourages others to invest in relationships, noting that mentorship, coaching, and sponsorship were critical to his own growth. “There were people who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. That’s the power of community.”

Passion Beyond the Boardroom

While Rod’s professional achievements are considerable, his life outside of work reveals the depth of his values and interests. A man of deep faith, he finds joy in spending time with his family, especially during holidays and global adventures. In the past year alone, he’s traveled with loved ones to Lisbon, Marrakech, and the Dominican Republic, and journeyed for board meetings and speaking engagements and events  in cities like San Francisco, Phoenix, Napa, Boston, L.A., Madison, Martha’s Vineyard, Nutley, and to the North Cascades National Park (located near the town of Marblemount, Washington two hours east of Seattle.

When unwinding, Rod can be found curating his jazz- and gospel-infused playlists. His go-tos include John Coltrane, Samara Joy, Hezekiah Walker, Marvin Sapp, and newer artists like Kendrick Lamar and SZA. His music taste, like his leadership, spans tradition and innovation.

His recent reading list mirrors his lifelong commitment to social equity and business excellence, featuring Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond, The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates, and Biotechnology Entrepreneurship by Craig Shimasaki, PhD, MBA.

Philanthropy as a Form of Leadership

Rod’s legacy is not just professional, it’s philanthropic. He has been instrumental in raising over one million dollars in total for equity-driven organizations. His current and past initiatives include the Black Corporate Board Readiness Program at Santa Clara University, where he helped raise $500,000; the Alzheimer’s Association of Indiana, achieving $860,000 in fundraising;  recent  efforts with the Timmerman Traverse for Life Science Cares raising $1.1 million to fight poverty, as well as ongoing efforts to create and raise an endowment for the School of Statistical and Computational Sciences at Meharry Medical College.

“I want my legacy to reflect a life of contribution, not just success,” Rod says. “To serve and to give is not optional, it’s essential.”

A Legacy in Motion

Now entering a new phase of life and leadership, Rod continues to shape the future of healthcare through his board work, venture investing, mentorship, philanthropy, and storytelling. His presence in rooms of influence ensures that historically excluded voices are heard and that equity isn’t just a value, but a measurable outcome.

When asked what he hopes people will remember about him, Rod reflects:
“That I led with integrity. That I helped others grow. And that I made space where there was none before.”