“Let’s make the world a better place, with passion and compassion!”

Lorena E. Charbonneau is a results-driven, empathetic leader whose career spans more than three decades across engineering, manufacturing, medical devices, education, and community engagement. Guided by her personal motto—“Let’s make the world a better place, with passion and compassion!”—she has consistently blended technical excellence with a human-centered approach to leadership. Her professional journey reflects both breadth and depth, from directing high-impact engineering initiatives in global corporations to shaping the lives of students in underserved communities.

A graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Lorena began her career with E.I. DuPont de Nemours, supporting high-volume synthetic textile fiber manufacturing and later, small arms ammunition production for a U.S. Army facility. These early roles gave her a strong foundation in process engineering, quality control, and large-scale operations, while instilling a discipline for precision and safety that would remain central to her work. Her ability to thrive in complex, regulated environments would soon define her as a trusted leader in medical device manufacturing.

Lorena’s career expanded significantly when she joined Harris Graphics Web Press Division, where she managed the successful transition of assembly operations from Texas to Mexico. Demonstrating her aptitude for cross-border collaboration, she worked closely with plant personnel to refine assembly processes and ensure operational continuity. Her early exposure to international business travel—from Mexico to Germany—reinforced her global perspective and prepared her for the multinational responsibilities that would follow.

At Abbott Laboratories, Lorena advanced through engineering and managerial roles, leading concurrent engineering teams in the development and production of FDA-regulated Class II medical devices. She was instrumental in bringing the Architect i2000 immunoassay instrument from concept through to production—a product line still in use decades later. Her work at Abbott showcased her strength in integrating manufacturing efficiency with stringent regulatory compliance, all while fostering collaboration between engineering, reliability, service, and manufacturing teams.

In 1999, Lorena joined Ventana Medical Systems, a 400-person company at the forefront of automated cancer diagnostics. Over the next eleven years, she played a key role in scaling the organization to over 3,000 employees and guiding it through its acquisition by Roche Laboratories. In leadership roles including Principal Quality Engineer and Director of Hardware Product Technical Support, she oversaw critical product launches, earned CE Mark certification for instruments and reagents, and improved risk management procedures in alignment with global standards. Her leadership not only ensured the highest product quality but also reinforced Ventana’s reputation for innovation and reliability in oncology diagnostics.

Lorena’s impact extended beyond technical leadership. She has long been recognized for her ability to mentor, inspire, and connect across functions and cultures. Whether working alongside German engineers on precision manufacturing projects or participating in cross-country regulatory initiatives in Switzerland, she brought both a meticulous technical lens and a genuine commitment to building collaborative relationships. Her international experiences, coupled with her natural empathy, allowed her to bridge cultural and organizational divides to achieve lasting results.

In 2010, Lorena transitioned from the corporate sector to education, earning her Master’s in Education from the University of Arizona. She spent more than a decade teaching mathematics and science to grades 7–12, serving as a department chair, mentoring students, and leading STEM-focused extracurricular programs. She secured grants to give students unique opportunities, such as participating in the Intel International Science Fair and hosting Darwin Day Roadshow presentations. Her teaching career was characterized by the same qualities that defined her corporate leadership—passion, rigor, adaptability, and a focus on developing potential in others.

A lifelong learner and contributor, Lorena has been an active member of Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society, where she regularly shares career and life insights with student members. Her public speaking engagements have ranged from presenting at industry conferences on risk management integration to inspiring young minds at middle and high school career events. In every forum, she speaks with authenticity, informed by her rich professional experience and deep commitment to service.

Her personal life is as vibrant as her professional one. Lorena is an avid traveler, gardener, and craftsperson, finding joy in woodworking, furniture-making, and landscape design. She cherishes time spent with her family—whether traveling internationally with her husband, embarking on solo adventures, or preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica with her granddaughter. Her personal pursuits reflect the same curiosity, creativity, and intentionality that have shaped her career.

Today, Lorena is focused on leveraging her vast experience to serve in advisory and board capacities. She seeks opportunities with organizations committed to innovation, education, and community betterment, particularly in healthcare, medical devices, and mission-driven sectors. With her rare combination of technical acumen, operational leadership, and educational passion, she is uniquely positioned to guide organizations toward sustainable growth, ethical impact, and meaningful service.

Character:
Lorena’s character is defined by integrity, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult. She approaches challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset while honoring the dignity of all involved. Her leadership is grounded in respect for people, fostering trust and long-term collaboration.

Knowledge:
Lorena brings a deep and varied knowledge base spanning engineering, manufacturing, regulatory compliance, and education. Her ability to quickly grasp complex systems and synthesize information from multiple disciplines enables her to make well-informed, strategic decisions. Decades of experience in both corporate and educational environments have equipped her with unique insights that bridge technical precision and human development.

Strategic:
Throughout her career, Lorena has demonstrated exceptional strategic thinking, guiding organizations through complex transitions, scaling operations, and navigating regulatory landscapes. She anticipates future challenges and opportunities, aligning resources and processes to meet long-term goals. Her strategic foresight consistently translates into measurable organizational success.

Communication:
Lorena is a gifted communicator who can distill complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences. She builds rapport across cultures, functions, and levels of expertise, ensuring alignment and shared understanding. Whether speaking to global executives, industry peers, or students, her communication style is authentic, engaging, and impactful.