Title: Senior Director of Program Management
Company: Gradalis Inc.
Location: Chula Vista, California, United States
Samuel K. Howard, Senior Director of Program Management at Gradalis Inc., has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements and leadership in the Pharmaceuticals Industry.
Mr. Howard is a seasoned life sciences and pharmaceutical strategy professional whose career reflects a distinctive blend of executive leadership, operational discipline, military service, and commitment to mission-driven organizations. Based in Chula Vista, California, he currently serves as the senior director of program management at Gradalis Inc., where he applies his experience in strategic execution, program leadership, and cross-functional coordination to support complex life sciences initiatives.
Mr. Howard’s work includes supporting internal and external strategic programs, guiding stakeholders through organizational processes, and helping ensure effective delivery of contracted services with contract research organizations and contract development and manufacturing organizations. His role draws on his strengths in relationship management, strategic planning, program execution, and communication across complex teams.
From 2021 to 2026, Mr. Howard served as senior program manager of business development and corporate strategy at Dendreon Pharmaceuticals LLC, where he helped advance business development and corporate strategy initiatives within the life sciences sector. His primary responsibilities included client intake, proposal development, contract negotiation, contract execution, and cross-functional coordination between client and technical teams.
Before joining Dendreon on a full-time basis, Mr. Howard supported the company as a consultant through Enterey Life Sciences Consulting. At Enterey, he served first as a senior consultant from 2018 to 2019 and then as a managing consultant from 2019 to 2021, advising life sciences clients on strategic and operational initiatives while further developing his expertise in client relations, project management, process improvement, and organizational execution.
Mr. Howard’s leadership foundation was shaped by 28 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, from which he retired in 2018 as a lieutenant colonel. His final military assignment was executive officer in the Recruit Training Regiment at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, from 2016 to 2018. Earlier assignments included assistant chief of staff, G-4, for Marine Corps Forces South; G-4 operations officer for II Marine Expeditionary Force; assistant chief of staff, G-4, for the 2D Marine Expeditionary Brigade; operations and plans officer, C-4, for the Regional Command Southwest during Operation Enduring Freedom; director of the Pacific Command Deployment Distribution Operations Center; and J4 plans branch chief at the United States Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii. His military training and instructional accomplishments include serving as a staff platoon commander at The Basic School and as an adjunct instructor for the non-resident Expeditionary Warfare School.
Mr. Howard’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in biology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a Master of Science in business administration and management from Central Michigan University, and a master’s degree in military studies from Marine Corps University. He also completed joint professional military education II at the Joint Forces Staff College, part of the National Defense University.
Mr. Howard has continued to invest in professional development across biotechnology, program management, quality, leadership, sustainability, executive presence, and supply chain management. His credentials include a certificate in Biotechnology Project Management from the University of Washington, a Program Management certification from Syracuse University, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt qualification, and Ground Safety Officer training.
Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Mr. Howard is active in professional and community organizations, including APICS and the San Diego Military Advisory Council. He is also committed to supporting veterans as they transition into civilian careers, particularly within the life sciences and biotechnology sectors. Through his involvement with BIOCOM and related veteran-focused efforts, he advocates for service member, volunteers with transition-support organizations, and frequently speaks with military audiences about career pathways in biotechnology.
Born in Anderson, South Carolina, Mr. Howard attributes his success to faith, clear goal-setting, thoughtful planning, and enduring relationships. He values a strong personal foundation and approaches his goals by identifying obstacles, building practical roadmaps, and prioritizing meaningful connections over transactional ones. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, exercising, playing basketball, and supporting his children’s extracurricular interests, including robotics. Looking ahead, Mr. Howard remains focused on deepening his faith journey, supporting his family’s aspirations, and helping Gradalis achieve its long-term strategic goals.
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