Willette R. Wilkins, MBA, brings more than 25 years of progressive experience in strategic leadership and business development to her role as Chief Strategy Officer. As a member of the Duke Clinical Research Institute's (DCRI) Executive Management Team, she helps shape and execute strategic plans that advance the organization’s growth, reach, and scientific impact. She leads DCRI’s short- and long-term business strategy by identifying opportunities for growth and partnership that expand the institute’s footprint. Her experience includes serving as Associate Director and Assistant Director of Research Proposal Development, where she helped develop strategic grants and proposals for faculty clinical research portfolios and served as a key liaison with industry, federal, and foundation sponsors. Earlier in her career, Wilkins was a Biochemist at GlaxoSmithKline, developing small molecules, proteins, and peptides in multiple dosage forms across therapeutic areas including oncology, antivirals, endocrine and metabolic disorders, and cardiology. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Master of Business Administration from North Carolina Central University and completed advanced graduate training toward a PhD in Molecular Cancer Biology at Duke University.