“Dedicated to shaping excellence where compliance meets innovation.”
Chad M. Strothers is a seasoned executive whose 23-year career spans the critical intersection of pharmaceuticals, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. An architect of transformation, he has spent more than two decades turning complex quality assurance frameworks into seamless, value-driven systems for some of the world’s leading healthcare organizations. With a keen understanding of global manufacturing, regulatory landscapes, and strategic quality leadership, Chad is regarded as a visionary in optimizing pharmaceutical operations from the inside out.
Currently serving as Director of Organizational Excellence for Research & Development Quality at Johnson & Johnson, Chad is at the helm of initiatives designed to elevate internal engagement and performance across the enterprise. In this high-impact role, he has pioneered programs that drive quality and compliance culture while embedding forward-looking business insights into core operations. From implementing strategic change management frameworks to building future-facing capabilities, Chad’s work not only delivers measurable value but sustains it through systems thinking and a human-first leadership model.
Prior to his current role, Chad served as Associate Director of Learning Excellence and Process Optimization at Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC. There, he brought a harmonized vision to learning operations, reshaping the onboarding and development landscape for medical and scientific affairs. His crowning achievements included the launch of empowerU—a robust resource hub—and the design of a cross-functional mentoring program that grew from 150 to over 200 participants in just two years. His leadership transformed a disparate system into a collaborative, knowledge-driven ecosystem.
Chad’s earlier role as Project Lead for Integration at J&J Consumer Inc. proved instrumental in the success of global harmonization initiatives. Tasked with aligning external manufacturing and quality systems, he successfully mentored a team of 40 professionals, developed best-in-class standard operating procedures, and achieved $1 million in cost savings in just six months. His strategic foresight and ability to mobilize large cross-functional teams helped J&J implement future-proofed standards at scale.
As Senior Manager of Compliance, Systems, Metrics, and External Labs at J&J Consumer, Chad oversaw compliance operations for a diverse portfolio of consumer health products. His influence extended across 85 manufacturers, over 1,200 direct material suppliers, and 40 contract labs. In addition to supporting more than 200 audits—including those by the FDA—he orchestrated the integration of three quality teams, achieving significant process harmonization and an annual savings of approximately $400K.
Chad’s career foundation was forged during his tenure at McNeil Consumer Healthcare and Merck & Co., where he developed a core expertise in cGMP, inspection readiness, and training management. Notably, he played a pivotal role in consent decree remediation and overhauled training frameworks, streamlining compliance processes for hundreds of external manufacturing personnel. These early experiences crystallized his ability to lead through change and champion operational excellence.
A respected thought partner and internal influencer, Chad’s approach is grounded in strategic insight and collaborative leadership. He is frequently recognized for his integrity and people-first mindset, having received more than 65 Inspire Awards and multiple accolades including Leadership and Quality Excellence awards. He is known not just for what he builds, but how he builds it—by aligning mission with method, and vision with execution.
Chad’s academic credentials include an MBA in Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing from Saint Joseph’s University and a BA in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Franklin and Marshall College. His formal education is matched by a continuous commitment to professional development, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing across the healthcare and life sciences sectors.
With international exposure that includes partnerships and regulatory engagements across Europe, China, and Japan, Chad brings a truly global lens to his work. His understanding of diverse compliance cultures, coupled with his analytical rigor and process expertise, allows him to navigate and unify complex regulatory environments with precision and care.
Outside of his professional commitments, Chad is deeply passionate about the outdoors, spending time hiking, camping, and enjoying nature with his family and friends. He is equally committed to giving back through mentoring and community involvement—values that reflect his belief in purposeful leadership and servant governance.
As he transitions toward board and advisory opportunities, Chad is driven by a desire to share his wealth of experience with organizations seeking to enhance compliance, drive sustainable growth, and make a lasting impact in the healthcare sector. For Chad, board service is not just a next step—it’s a calling to uplift industries and communities through principled leadership and transformative strategy.
Character:
Chad exemplifies steadfast integrity and a people-centered leadership approach that inspires trust across all levels of an organization. His consistent recognition through peer-nominated awards reflects a leader who values service, ethics, and meaningful engagement.
Knowledge:
With over two decades of specialized experience in pharmaceutical compliance, learning systems, and quality operations, Chad’s insights are both broad in scope and deep in substance. He pairs academic excellence with hands-on knowledge to drive innovation rooted in best practices.
Strategic:
Chad’s leadership style is rooted in big-picture thinking and meticulous execution, whether harmonizing global manufacturing processes or implementing transformative learning ecosystems. His ability to lead enterprise-level change while delivering tangible business value showcases a rare blend of strategic clarity and operational dexterity.
Communication:
A skilled communicator and collaborator, Chad excels at translating complex regulatory and quality concepts into actionable plans that resonate across diverse stakeholders. His success in spearheading internal engagement initiatives and external presentations underscores his effectiveness in fostering alignment and clarity.
