Emily Kotlar, PMP
Emily Kotlar is an accomplished Project Manager with over nine years of experience in Sterile and Non-Sterile Operations, Project Coordination, and Project Management within the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. She began her career in customer service before transitioning into project management, where she has successfully overseen multimillion-dollar projects from inception to completion. Recognized consistently for her performance excellence, Emily was nominated into the High Performer Program in 2023. She brings expertise in stakeholder communications, process improvements, regulatory compliance, and detailed field reporting, supported by strong skills in operations management and project scheduling. Currently, Emily serves as Senior CMC Project Manager at Abeona Therapeutics, where she collaborates with cross-functional teams to drive facility capacity expansion and operational efficiency. Prior to this, she held project management roles at Hikma Pharmaceuticals and Xellia Pharmaceuticals, managing projects that strengthened operational workflows and ensured compliance with industry regulations. Emily holds a Bachelor of Science in Operations Management with a concentration in Project Management from Southern New Hampshire University, along with a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, and Green Belt. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Emily values empathy, kindness, and giving back to the community. In her personal life, she enjoys reading, hiking, and traveling with her husband, embracing new adventures and experiences. Emily is passionate about mentorship, networking, and inspiring others while continuing to grow and make an impact in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt (Accredited)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (Accredited)
• Southern New Hampshire University - BS
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of dedication, continuous learning, and building strong relationships across teams. I began my career in customer service and transitioned into project management roles within the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, where I have over nine years of experience in Sterile and Non-Sterile Operations and Project Coordination/Management. I have successfully overseen multimillion-dollar projects from inception to completion, consistently earning recognition for performance excellence, including nomination to the High Performer Program in 2023. My expertise includes managing stakeholder communications, compiling detailed field reports, implementing process improvements, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Holding PMI and Six Sigma certifications, along with a degree in Operational Management from Southern New Hampshire University, I leverage my strengths in communication, project scheduling, and cross-functional collaboration to drive operational efficiency and organizational success.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to seek out mentors who challenge and support you while never being afraid to advocate for yourself. Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors like Christopher Eckerle, and Colton Schliep, who championed my growth and provided ongoing guidance, and Karina Peiratt, a principal engineer whose strength and intelligence in a male-dominated environment inspired me to persevere and aim higher. Their influence, along with my personal drive, has shaped my approach to professional development, motivating me to embrace challenges, expand my skills, and pursue meaningful opportunities. I am passionate about building strong relationships, driving impactful projects, and continuously growing within the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Connecting with others, sharing experiences, and inspiring colleagues are central to how I navigate my career, and I look forward to exploring opportunities that allow me to learn, contribute, and make a difference while staying aligned with my evolving goals and passions.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the pharmaceutical and biotech industries is to trust your intuition, stay confident in your abilities, and persevere even when faced with doubt or naysayers. Seek out mentors who can guide and challenge you, build strong relationships across teams, and never shy away from opportunities to learn and grow. Success comes from a combination of resilience, continuous learning, and surrounding yourself with people who inspire and support your professional journey.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most in both my work and personal life are empathy and kindness. I strive to approach every interaction with understanding and compassion, whether collaborating with colleagues, supporting cross-functional teams, or engaging with others in my community. I am deeply committed to giving back, and one cause close to my heart is the Hattie Larlham Foundation in Mantua, Ohio, which provides care for individuals with severe special needs. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, hiking, and traveling with my husband, exploring new destinations and sharing adventures together—experiences that enrich my perspective and inspire me to bring positivity and curiosity into everything I do.