Chemical Engineering Alumni
1. Chemical Engineering Outstanding Engineering Alumni
Alumni Awards Home > O.E.A. > 2010 - Current > Mark Capone (2012)
Because chemical engineering was a perfect combination of his two favorite high school subjects, Mark Capone didn't have much trouble choosing a college major. He notes, "I appreciate how chemistry and math explain the reasons behind real world problems, which allows me to identify solutions that can make a difference for society."
After the Bethel Park, PA, native graduated in 1984, he went to work for Eli Lilly as a plant engineer, responsible for working with various departments on capital improvement projects. He was soon promoted to process engineer, working specifically with insulin and chemotherapy products.
Five years into his career, Mark decided to earn graduate degrees in chemical engineering and management from MIT. He recalls, "In high school, I was involved in Junior Achievement, so I always had an interest in business. MIT had recently started a Leaders for Manufacturing Program that allowed me to get both degrees simultaneously." Futhermore, at Eli, Lilly, Mark had been increasingly involved with biotechnology, which was in its infancy when he attended Penn State. He adds, "I needed the additional technical education to fully understand it."
Over the years, Mark was promoted to new product development manager, plant manager, marketing director, and finally sales director.
In October 2002, after 17 years at Eli Lilly, Mark left to join Myriad Genetics, a molecular diagnostic company based in Salt Lake City, UT. He says, "Myriad Genetics was at the leading edge of technology that would fundamentally change the way medicine was being delivered. They had a vision about using the explosion in genetic information to understand disease and find the most effective and efficient means for preventing disease of selecting treatments."
Mark started as the vice president of sales and was named chief operating officer before becoming president in March 2010. In this capacity, he has profit and loss responsiblity for $450 million business and develops Myriad Genetics' five-year strategy to ensure that the teams and plans are in place to successfully execute it.
He smiles, "Helping Myriad Genetics grow from a company that treats 1,000 patients a year to a company that treats hundreds of thousands of patients a year is an incredible responsibility and privilege."
Mark resides in Park City, UT, with his wife, Kelly ('85 BUS) and their children, Michael and Jenny.
Written in 2012, Top of page