Terrence Clare

Pfizer Inc.
Director/ Team Leader API
(Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) Operations

Education

University of Michigan, BSE Chemical Engineering, 1988
Western Michigan University, MBA, 1994

Career Summary

I have been with Pfizer since 1989, where I worked in various engineering roles supporting manufacturing operations, including environmental, project management, process support, automation, new product introductions, process safety management, and cGMP systems. In 2001, I transitioned into various operations management roles with responsibilities for fermentation isolation, particle sizing, beta-lactams, high energy chemistry, formulation, filling, freeze-dry, inspection and packaging.

I currently lead the organic synthesis half of one of the largest and most complex API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) manufacturing plants in the world, with responsibility for 275 colleagues, seven manufacturing buildings, a $100M expense budget, and most importantly, to deliver billions of quality doses of API to over 300 million patients each year, globally.

What excites you about your career? I have the distinct honor to be part of a team making life-saving medicines for people and animals. Working in manufacturing and the concrete nature of physically making something has always been the key driver in my career. Being able to apply many of the technical learnings from my chemical engineering training, and the operational management learnings from my MBA, has been especially gratifying.

Time Spent at U-M

Likes:
Lifelong friendships and the knowledge and credentials to pursue my desired career.

Favorite Student Org:
AIChE

Favorite Events:
Football Saturday (Go Blue!)

Favorite ChE Class:
Unit Operations (closest class to manufacturing)

Favorite Non-ChE Class:
Modern US History with Sidney Fine

Advice to Students
Put integrity first in all you do; respect and value everyone you work with whether they have no degree, a humanities degree, or a degree from Ohio State (as painful as that might be ????) – each brings a unique perspective and knowledge that will help you to grow and your team to achieve the best possible outcomes.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Play in recreational softball, volleyball and curling leagues; support my children’s marching band and FIRST robotics (Strykeforce 2x World Champions!) activities; Boy Scout leader; United Way volunteer (currently serving on the Board of Directors); national park vacations; craft beer; Marvel movies