Board Service
Public & Private Boards
Rod Cotton is a distinguished board member with 40+ years of senior executive experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and diagnostics sectors.
Rod contributes strategic guidance on multiple public and private company boards and advisory panels. Currently, he serves as an independent director to Castle Biosciences (Nasdaq: CSTL), Eisai Pharmaceuticals U.S., and Moleculera Biosciences, as well as a venture partner to 2Flo Ventures and certain of its portfolio companies.
Additionally, Rod is an advisory board member to General Genomics, a predictive analytics (AI/ML) and data curation company, and a board member and the incoming chair of the Equity & Governance Committee of Community Health Network. He also served as an independent director of Orchard Software, a private equity-backed laboratory information system (LIS) software company, and helped guide its sale to Clinisys/Roper.
Across his board roles, Rod has provided decisive oversight for multiple company and asset acquisitions and sales, negotiated investment terms with global private equity, venture capital, and other investors, extended expertise to Phases II and III clinical studies, and co-led a six-month, in-depth search for a CEO successor. He has also guided key enterprise growth and operational strategies, including product, service, AI, data & analytics infrastructure, R&D, reimbursement, monetization, bi-directional integration, and cash application.
Previously, Rod served more than 20 years at Roche Diagnostics, ultimately as senior vice president, head of strategy and transformation, and chief of staff to the CEO of the diagnostics business in North America. Known for his holistic perspective, bias for action, and agile leadership, Rod served as a key member of the senior leadership team executing Roche Diagnostic’s most significant restructuring in two decades. He also drove the financial turnaround and cultural transformation of four global healthcare companies, led teams of up to 280 total reports, and managed P&L of $1+ billion.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rod and his team exemplified their leadership pedigree by delivering six groundbreaking diagnostic products within an unprecedented 11-month timeframe — including the market’s first, most accurate molecular COVID-19 test. They also tackled supply chain disruptions head-on, optimizing logistics, product allocation, and global manufacturing to meet critical testing demands.
These and other monumental endeavors earned him significant recognition, including the Sagamore of the Wabash Award from Indiana’s governor and accolades as one of the most influential Black executives in Corporate America.
Rod’s academic credentials include an MBA from California State University, an MS in strategic management from USC Marshall School of Business and a BA in biological sciences and technology from UC Santa Barbara, underpinning his ability to drive financial turnarounds, cultural transformation and health‑equity initiatives across the healthcare ecosystem.
About Rod Cotton:
Board Director
Rod Cotton is a distinguished executive and board leader with 40+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech and diagnostics sectors. He spent over 20 years at Roche Diagnostics, ultimately serving as senior vice president, head of strategy and transformation, and chief of staff to the CEO of diagnostics in North America. Known for his holistic perspective, bias for action and agile leadership, Rod spearheaded milestones in corporate communications, audited U.S. operations and integrated acquisitions, driving four global healthcare companies toward sustainable growth.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rod and his team exemplified their leadership pedigree by delivering six groundbreaking diagnostic products within an unprecedented 11-month timeframe — including the market’s first, most accurate molecular COVID-19 test. They also tackled supply chain disruptions head-on, optimizing logistics, product allocation and global manufacturing to meet critical testing demands. These and other monumental endeavors earned him significant recognition, including the Sagamore of the Wabash award from Indiana’s governor and accolades as one of the most influential Black executives in corporate America.
Beyond his tenure at Roche, Rod contributes strategic guidance on multiple boards and advisory panels. He serves as a board member for Community Health Network (with roles on audit, compliance and finance, equity and governance, and quality of care committees), Orchard Software, Castle Biosciences, Eisai U.S. pharmaceuticals and more, along with venture partner duties at 2Flo Ventures. His academic credentials include an MBA from California State University, an MS in strategic management from USC Marshall School of Business and a BA in biological sciences and technology from UC Santa Barbara — all underpinning his ability to drive financial turnarounds, cultural transformation and health‑equity initiatives across the healthcare ecosystem.
Public Board Positions
Castle Biosciences develops innovative gene expression profile tests to personalize care for dermatologic cancers, uveal melanoma and Barrett’s esophagus.
“Joining the board of Castle Biosciences is a deeply personal mission for me. Castle stands at the forefront of diagnostic innovation, offering cutting-edge tests that empower healthcare professionals, patients and families to make informed decisions in the fight against cancer. These aren’t just numbers on a page; they’re tools that guide vital treatment choices, especially for cancers like melanoma and subcutaneous carcinoma.”
— Rod
Castle Biosciences
Private Board Positions
Eisai is a U.S.-based pharmaceutical company advancing neurology and oncology treatments, including the FDA-approved Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi®.
“When my mom was diagnosed with dementia/Alzheimer’s two decades ago, it hit close to home. Watching her and other family members grapple with this disease fueled my determination to make a tangible difference in this field. So, when the chance to join the board of directors for Eisai came up, I knew I had to seize it.”
— Rod
Eisai Pharmaceuticals U.S.
Moleculera Biosciences
Moleculera Biosciences develops precision diagnostics for immune-mediated brain disorders, using antibody testing and AI to personalize treatment.
“When I connected with Dr. Craig Simasaki, his passion and vision for Moleculera Biosciences were instantly captivating. After over 20 years in molecular testing at Roche, I had the opportunity to work alongside many talented innovators. Craig stood out for his ability to spark fresh thinking and forward momentum, which motivated me to eagerly join Moleculera’s board as a strategic advisor. Moleculera is pioneering precision medicine focused on challenging neuropsychiatric disorders like ADD, ADHD, schizophrenia and autism. The company’s commitment to patients unresponsive to conventional treatments truly sets it apart, offering hope to those most in need.”
— Rod
Orchard Software
Orchard Software delivers top-ranked laboratory information systems that streamline diagnostics and support over 2,400 labs nationwide.
“My adventure of over 23 years at Roche introduced me to the intricate world of diagnostics and laboratory technologies. The pinnacle of this journey came in March 2020, when Roche Diagnostics launched the first molecular test for COVID-19. During this critical period, our team played a pivotal role, collaborating intensely with laboratories, governments, and healthcare professionals on the pandemic frontlines. This crucial experience not only intensified my commitment to advancing diagnostics but also offered front-row insights into the impact of timely, precise testing in global health crises.”
— Rod
(former board position)
General Genomics
General Genomics Inc. leverages AI and machine learning to deliver advanced analytics and decision-support tools for national security, healthcare and executive leadership.
“Meeting AJ Rosenthal was like discovering a kindred spirit. A former nuclear engineer turned visionary founder of General Genomics, AJ is driving transformations in predictive analytics and bioinformatics. Our shared passion for tech and innovation quickly forged a strong friendship. General Genomics is pioneering the development of clinical neural networks and advanced data structures, with its flagship application, Curo46™, setting new standards. By integrating vast global health data with electronic medical records, the company empowers healthcare professionals to predict diseases, expedite treatment decisions and uncover vital health patterns.”
— Rod
Board Related Events
Leveraging Financial Expertise for Board Service: The QFE Pathway at NABA
“Such an amazing event! Thank YOU Rod for all you do for the community!”
— Calvin Harris, Jr., CPA, CEO New York Society of CPA's
“Congratulations, Rod! It is wonderful to see you continuing to make such a big impact in the fight to improve patients’ lives!”
— Chris Newhouse
Eisai US
Moleculera Biosciences
“Congratulations, Rod. Moleculera is fortunate to have someone with your experience, industry knowledge and business acumen.”
— Cathy Ellis
General Genomics
“Congratulations, Rod Cotton, and congratulations, General Genomics Inc., for choosing so well.”
— Kelly M. Slavitt
Orchard Software
“Rod, the team at Orchard couldn’t be more excited to add your energy and experience to our board of directors. Your involvement will accelerate our efforts to continue to advance quality and safety in patient care and help drive our growth and innovation!”
— Billie Whitehurst
Rod Cotton, with 40+ years of executive-level Fortune 50 biotech and healthcare experience, is a go-to board director for some of the world’s most discerning and forward-thinking organizations in the sector. In critical board position roles, whether private, public or VC-related, Rod stays on top of the pulse of how rapid technology advancements affect the world of health tech so he can continually advise on where to go next to drive Rod Cotton, with 40+ years of executive-level Fortune 50 biotech and healthcare experience, is a go-to board director for some of the world’s most discerning and forward-thinking organizations in the sector. In critical board roles, whether private, public or VC-related, Rod stays on top of rapid technology advancements and other large-scale global changes so he can continually gauge where to go next and how to drive the best results.the best results.