SENIOR CORPORATE EXECUTIVE
Shawnte Mitchell is a change agent and thought leader driving growth for innovative biotechnology companies. She served as a member of the senior executive team at three companies – Genomatica, Zogenix, and Aptevo Therapeutics.
Shawnte’s executive and board experience transcends corporate siloes. She has demonstrated world-class leadership in many areas, including M&A, complex corporate transactions, data privacy, FCPA and governance.
Shawnte is committed to driving excellence and performance in the C- suite and boardroom where she is a proven and invaluable partner.
Outside of the office, Shawnte has served as a member of How Women Invest and Stanford Women on Boards Initiatives. She also advocates for the underprivileged in her role on the boards at Life Science Cares Bay Area and the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle. These organizations align with her community service beliefs and provide the opportunity to engage in further financial leadership.
Shawnte was recognized as a “Top 40 Under 40 Nation’s Best Advocates” by the National Bar Association. Shawnte is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta.
Key Qualifications
- Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Business Transformation
- Vision and Strategic Direction Corporate Governance
- ESG Strategy and Programs Executive Compensation
- Reporting, Analytics, and KPIs Audits and Financial Reporting
- Strategic Planning Board and CEO Advisement
- Stakeholder Engagement Culture Development
Career Highlights
- Co-led with CFO $1.9B sell-side acquisition of Zogenix by UCB.
- Member of C-level team that executed spinoff of Aptevo from Emergent and then part of team that worked to operationalize and grow new
- Launched Zogenix’s first DE&I program, including program design, focus area identification, and strategy development; built 20-person global team.
- Transformed the Corporate Secretary role at Zogenix.
Board Memberships
How Women Invest | Partner, Board Member (2021 to Present)
- Drive organizational strategy as partner and board member of VC fund that elevates female founders and female-led
Life Science Cares Bay Area | Board Member (2020 to Present)
- Advised on financial and reporting matters for the Bay Area branch of Life Science Cares. Serves as Finance Committee Chair and on the Partnership Committee.
Stanford Women on Boards Initiative | Advisory Board Member (2018 to 2020)
- Served as one of the first members of the nominating Connected Stanford alumna with public companies that are expanding the board of directors.
Additional: ArtsFund, 2019 to 2020; Urban League of Metro. Seattle, 2018 to 2020
Executive Experience
CLO / Strategic Advisor on M&A | Genomatica, Inc., 2022 to 2024
Executive VP / General Counsel / Corporate Secretary | Zogenix, 2020 to 2022
Senior VP of Corporate Affairs / CCO / Corporate Secretary | Aptevo, 2016 to 2020
Assist. Corporate Secretary / Assist. General Counsel | Emergent, 2012 to 2016
Education and Credentials
Stanford Graduate School of Business | Stanford LEAD Executive Program
The George Washington University Law School | J.D., Certificate in Public Health
Stanford University | B.S., Biological Sciences, Minor in African American Studies
National Association of Corporate Directors | Board Leadership Fellow