Eric Hacherl: Innovation in Workforce Development

Dec 11, 2024 - 08:22
Dec 11, 2024 - 08:28
Eric Hacherl: Innovation in Workforce Development

Eric Hacherl has made significant contributions to the Philadelphia life sciences community, combining over two decades of expertise in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors with a passion for workforce development and community growth. With a career spanning from large pharmaceutical giants to entrepreneurial ventures, Hacherl has consistently demonstrated a commitment to advancing both the industry and the people within it. His work has not only driven the success of major companies but has also helped shape the future of the life science workforce in Philadelphia.

A Strong Foundation in Big Pharma

Hacherl's journey in life sciences began in 2002 when he joined Merck, where he spent 15 years refining his skills in various sectors of the pharmaceutical industry. Starting his career in big pharma, he gained comprehensive experience in research and development (R&D), process engineering, technical support, and manufacturing operations. During his tenure at Merck, Hacherl had the opportunity to touch all aspects of pharmaceutical production, from tech ops and supply chain to manufacturing operations, and he developed a deep understanding of the complexities of drug product development.

His time at Merck gave Hacherl a robust foundation in current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), regulatory support, and single-use manufacturing. It was here that he built the broad skill set that would later serve him as a leader in the life sciences industry. His exposure to large-scale operations laid the groundwork for his later ventures, providing him with an understanding of both the technical and business sides of life sciences.

Transition to Smaller Companies and Lean Manufacturing

In 2017, Hacherl transitioned to Noramco, where he took on the role of Senior Director of Plant Operations before becoming the General Manager in 2018. This shift from a major corporation to a smaller company allowed Hacherl to gain a unique perspective on the life sciences industry. At Noramco, he learned the challenges and rewards of working with a more constrained budget and smaller teams. The experience allowed him to develop a greater appreciation for operational margins and the importance of making tough decisions to keep a company moving forward.

His time at Noramco also reinforced Hacherl’s understanding of the value of lean manufacturing principles, which would become an integral part of his later roles. It was during this time that he saw firsthand the importance of workforce stability, particularly the difficulties companies face when skilled personnel move to new opportunities. These experiences have shaped his approach to workforce development, as he’s continuously sought to not only improve business outcomes but to ensure the workforce is supported and nurtured.

Rebuilding and Revitalizing at Catalent and Spark

In 2019, Hacherl joined Catalent, where he was tasked with an important mission: to rebuild a 400-person site suffering from significant turnover. His work at Catalent allowed him to dive into the emerging field of gene therapy, a relatively new area within biotech. As part of Catalent’s gene therapy program, he helped develop some of the company’s original gene therapy products, further expanding his expertise in cutting-edge biomedical technologies.

The opportunity to lead Catalent’s gene therapy operations reignited Hacherl’s passion for biotech and reinforced his desire to contribute to both the industry and workforce development. In 2020, Hacherl took on the role of Vice President and Head of Manufacturing at Spark Therapeutics, where he was recruited by the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to join the senior leadership team. In this role, he took responsibility for manufacturing commercial products and clinical pipeline products, starting at Phase I. His leadership here was instrumental in shaping Spark’s manufacturing processes.

Expanding Opportunities for Startups: Persephoni and SMART Bio Works

Beyond his work with established companies, Hacherl is deeply committed to helping startups succeed in the life sciences sector. In his current role as Principal at Persephoni, Hacherl helps early-stage companies navigate the complex journey from lab bench to commercial success. He provides startups with the crucial experience and strategic insight needed to overcome barriers to entry in the life science field. Through Persephoni, he helps these companies gain the momentum they need to reach the next phase of their development, including securing early funding and overcoming technical challenges.

In addition, Hacherl is the founder and CEO of SMART Bio Works, a company that offers tailored support to clients in the later-stage manufacturing space. SMART Bio Works focuses on providing the expertise and infrastructure necessary to bring life science innovations to market, ensuring that companies can scale their operations effectively. Through SMART Bio Works, Hacherl continues his mission of building a robust life sciences ecosystem that empowers both individuals and companies to thrive.

Building a Stronger Life Science Workforce

Throughout his career, Hacherl has maintained a consistent focus on workforce development. Whether leading large teams at Merck and Catalent or helping smaller startups grow, he has always been passionate about developing the next generation of talent in the life sciences sector. Hacherl understands the importance of mentorship and providing opportunities for career growth, and he has worked tirelessly to create an environment where workers are supported and given the tools they need to succeed.

Through his leadership roles and ventures, Hacherl is not only advancing the life science industry but also helping shape the workforce that will drive its future. His commitment to providing innovative solutions for startups, as well as his efforts to stabilize and grow teams at larger organizations, have solidified his reputation as a trailblazer in workforce development.

Eric Hacherl’s journey in life sciences is a testament to the power of leadership, innovation, and community building. As he continues to mentor the next generation of professionals and help companies navigate the challenges of the industry, his influence on the Philadelphia life science workforce will only continue to grow.

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