joins Texas Biomed as VP, Development
Sara Wise brings experience in transformational giving to broaden support for Institute’s lifesaving research and innovation
SAN ANTONIO, TX (September 6, 2024) — Texas Biomedical Research Institute (Texas Biomed) is pleased to announce Sara Wise, an enterprising leader with 25 years in nonprofit fundraising, has been named Vice President of Development following a national search. Wise joins the Institute as it undergoes its most significant transformation to date in its mission to protect the world, including the most vulnerable populations, from the threat of infectious diseases.
Wise will work with the Board of Trustees and senior leaders to expand support for increased research and applied science capacity, in addition to new buildings, labs and infrastructure at the nonprofit institute’s 200-acre campus. Texas Biomed is about halfway through a 10-year Strategic Plan to modernize resources and double the size of its faculty and employee base to meet increased global demand for its expertise developing ways to diagnose, prevent and cure disease.
“Sara is known for a keen ability to help organizations unlock power for new growth through building relationships and securing major gifts,” says Texas Biomed President/CEO Larry Schlesinger, M.D. “Her vision aligns perfectly with our long-term objective to be at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries for a healthier world.”
Wise has been based in Houston and most recently served as Executive Consultant with the statewide firm Mission Advancement, which advises organizations on strategies for high-impact donor engagement and relationship-based philanthropy. Some of her clients included the San Antonio Zoo, Wheaton Academy and Dallas Baptist University. In earlier capacities, as president of her own consultancy, she advised Susan G. Komen – Houston and the Houston Area Parkinson’s Society. Prior to that, she was a director at the American Red Cross’ Greater Houston Chapter and the Houston Zoo.
“Sara brings a wealth of knowledge about what it takes to inspire donors in meaningful and lasting ways,” says Texas Biomed Trustee Robert “Bobby” M. Cavender, Chair of the Board’s Campaign Committee. “She understands the deep history of Texas Biomed and the significance of the relationships we’ve built with so many donors and philanthropic organizations. I’ve been very impressed with her ideas on our opportunities to strategically grow that network in other Texas cities and with new national and international partners.”
Wise says she is eager to build on that history and on the momentum Texas Biomed has gained since its work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Institute partnered on vaccines and therapeutics with high-profile companies such as Pfizer, Regeneron and Novavax.
“I am most passionate about connecting donors with transformational giving opportunities – that’s my sweet spot,” Wise says. “These past few years have been particularly defining for Texas Biomed and I can’t wait to begin sharing how others can partner with us to prevent disease and build a healthier world. So many people are searching for these meaningful, mission-based ways to leave a legacy.”
Wise praised the Texas Biomed Board of Trustees as comprised of some of “the most high-profile and committed leaders” she’s encountered.
According to Craig Boyan, H-E-B President and the new Texas Biomed Board Chair, Wise is joining at critical time. Faculty recruiting and associated investments for start-up packages and support are top-of-mind for the Board and senior leaders as they help lay the groundwork for the next 50 or 100 years.
“Sara’s proven track record and dedication to advancing healthcare and mission-driven philanthropy make her the perfect fit for this role. Her leadership will be essential as Texas Biomed continues to expand its impact,” he says.
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About Texas Biomed
Texas Biomed is the nation’s only non-profit, independent research institute with the highest-level biocontainment laboratories, a national primate research center and over 80 years of experience. Scientists at the 200-acre campus in San Antonio regularly collaborate with academic institutes, the military, pharmaceutical companies, the National Institutes of Health and biotech start-ups. Its mission is to improve human health as a world leader in lifestyle and infectious disease research. For more information visit the Texas Biomed website.