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Kevin Marhenke, Pharm.D.: Guided by Purpose, Grounded in Science and Driven to Mentor the Next Generation

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Kevin Marhenke, Pharm.D., is a distinguished leader in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries with more than four decades of experience spanning hospital pharmacy, medical affairs, external engagement, and strategic leadership. With a unique blend of frontline clinical expertise and corporate strategy, Kevin has consistently served as a bridge between science and business, helping companies grow through innovation, education, and strategic partnerships.

A graduate of Purdue University with both a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Pharmacy, Kevin began his career in high-acuity environments, practicing pharmacy in surgical, adult, and neonatal critical care settings. His early years grounded him in the importance of patient outcomes and clinical precision—values that would later guide his career in the corporate sector. His hands-on clinical experience gave him a deep understanding of healthcare systems, treatment protocols, and the needs of practitioners.

In 1998, Kevin joined Immunex as a Medical Science Liaison, contributing significantly to the launch and expansion of Enbrel for rheumatoid arthritis. This role would become the foundation for a 25-year career at Amgen, where he would hold increasingly senior positions, including Principal Regional Medical Liaison, Senior Manager of Scientific Affairs Training, Medical Director, and eventually Director of Global External Medical Engagement. Across these roles, Kevin became a trusted voice internally and externally, valued for his knowledge, relationship-building, and insights.

Kevin’s work at Amgen was marked by his exceptional ability to build and sustain partnerships with global professional societies, key opinion leaders, and healthcare systems. He played an integral role in the launch of several major products, including Prolia, EVENITY, and biosimilars, helping shape corporate strategy through real-time field insights and stakeholder engagement. As Director of Global External Engagement, he led cross-functional initiatives spanning bone health, dermatology, rheumatology, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory conditions—ensuring alignment between scientific research, clinical needs, and business objectives.

Throughout his career, Kevin has consistently emphasized mentorship and education. At Amgen, he led multiple training programs for sales and medical teams and was instrumental in developing field staff through coaching and mentorship. Beyond the company, Kevin has served as a mentor for PhD candidates through the Colorado Bioscience Institute and has worked with transitioning military personnel, helping them navigate careers in the civilian and biotech sectors.

Even after his retirement in 2023, Kevin continues to influence the life sciences landscape through his work as a consultant with Innosphere Ventures. There, he advises emerging biotechnology and medical device startups, offering strategic insights, industry expertise, and guidance on market engagement and medical affairs. His involvement bridges the gap between innovative science and commercial viability, particularly for early-stage companies.

Kevin’s passion for education and communication has also been evident through his numerous speaking engagements at global conferences such as the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. His publications in pharmacy journals and industry bulletins have explored a range of clinical and operational topics, underscoring his commitment to advancing medical knowledge and practice.

Internationally, Kevin has collaborated with professional organizations across Europe and North America, facilitating global perspectives on medical education, diversity in clinical trials, and therapeutic innovation. His cross-cultural competence has enabled him to help companies navigate international congresses, global product launches, and DE&I-focused collaborations with medical societies.

With a deep-rooted passion for advancing healthcare through strategic engagement, education, and mentorship, Kevin is now actively seeking opportunities to serve on boards of organizations in the biotechnology, medical device, pharmaceutical, and healthcare innovation sectors. He brings a unique mix of real-world clinical insight, corporate leadership, and a forward-thinking approach to medical strategy and organizational growth.

Character:
Kevin is values-driven, humble, and service-oriented, always seeking to uplift others through mentorship and support. His commitment to integrity and professionalism is evident in every role he has undertaken across his career.

Knowledge:
He brings deep and practical expertise in clinical pharmacy, medical affairs, and strategic external engagement. With over 40 years in the industry, his knowledge spans product development, scientific communication, and therapeutic innovation.

Strategic:
Kevin has led product launches, developed national and global engagement strategies, and provided counsel to startup ventures, always with an eye toward long-term impact and cross-functional alignment. His ability to link field insights to corporate objectives has proven instrumental in shaping effective medical strategies.

Communication:
A gifted educator and communicator, Kevin has presented at international forums, trained internal teams, and published in peer-reviewed journals. His communication style fosters clarity, trust, and collaboration, bridging gaps between science, business, and people.

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Kacey Card
Kacey Cardhttps://boardsi.com
Kacey Card is an accomplished editor at Leadafi, bringing a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling to the team. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he graduated with a 3.8 GPA. Kacey has honed his skills in content creation, editing, and digital media, ensuring that every piece of content meets the highest standards of quality and engagement. At Leadafi, he is dedicated to crafting compelling narratives that resonate with readers and drive the publication's mission forward. His commitment to excellence and innovative approach to editing make him an invaluable asset to the team.