Professional Profile: Dr. Suzet McKinney
Lab Design News spoke to Dr. Suzet McKinney, a principal and the director of life sciences at Sterling Bay. Dr. McKinney spoke about her career journey, favorite pastimes, and her love of the tropics.
Dr. Suzet McKinney
Credit: Sterling Bay
Q: How did you get started in your career? Did you major in your field in college, get an internship, switch careers mid-stream, etc.?
A: In college, I was a biology/pre-medicine major. I spent time as a student scientist there, conducting research in a microbiology lab. My ultimate goal was to become a neonatologist, but I also wanted to obtain a graduate degree in public health and spend a year working in the field, prior to medical school. One year in the field turned into nearly 14 years and over the course of that time, I developed an expertise in bioterrorism and emergency preparedness and response. I served as a deputy commissioner at the Chicago Department of Public Health for a number of years and led many of the city’s major emergency response efforts including H1N1 in 2009-2010 and Ebola in 2014-2015. In 2015, I became CEO of the Illinois Medical District, which is the place where my work in life sciences began in earnest. Having grown up on the south side of Chicago, I was quite familiar with healthcare and life expectancy disparities that exist in vulnerable communities. I recognized the value of the life sciences, not only in improving health and wellness but also in improving our city’s economy. That was the start of what has been a long crusade to help advance Chicago as a major life sciences market.
Q: What is a typical workday like for you?
A: I wouldn’t say that my workdays are typical. My schedule changes daily, but most days are a combination of cultivating relationships with partners and potential tenants/clients across the life sciences ecosystem (physicians and healthcare executives, entrepreneurs, etc.); partnering on specific projects, and coordinating with government officials, corporate partners, or potential funders; speaking engagements; mentoring life sciences or healthcare students; and working on plans and projects with internal Sterling Bay colleagues.
Q: What’s a common misconception about your job?
A: I think there’s a common misconception in general when it comes to the life sciences, and that is that anyone can do it. I would say that life sciences real estate is a very nuanced and unique asset class. Life science facilities are not easy to build and are incredibly expensive, due to the difference in air handling and other features that are required. As a former scientist and healthcare leader myself, I know what scientists and healthcare professionals get excited about. I also have longstanding relationships within the scientific and healthcare communities, and I have the ability to relate to these audiences in a way that they can appreciate. Having someone who can speak their language and understands their challenges, goals, etc. is uncommon in the traditional real estate industry.
Q: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you at work?
A: I don’t know that this is necessarily funny, but I remember my first “topping off” ceremony which was at a high-rise building developed by Sterling Bay. It was a beautiful day, and the views were spectacular. I was listening to the project manager describe the features of the building and enjoying the view, when I ventured close to the edge of the floorplate and realized that I was 47 stories above ground in a building that wasn’t yet enclosed. I quickly scurried back to a more interior spot!
Q: What are some of your future career goals?
A: The major goal I have within my career is for my work to always have a positive impact, whether that’s an impact on people, communities, or industry. I want people to say that a place was better because I was there.
Q: What is the best piece of professional advice you have received?
A: Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready!
Q: What kinds of hobbies or interests do you have outside of work?
A: I love spending time with friends and watching my daughter play water polo. I also love to laugh, so I enjoy comedy shows but the comedian has to be really funny.
Q: If you could teleport to any destination in the world, where would you go?
A: Bora Bora! I love tropical weather and being near the water. It calms me, and I love the huts in Bora Bora!
Q: If you could tell your younger self something, what would it be?
A: Don’t be so hard on yourself. Trust your training and the hard work that you’ve put in. Your work will stand for itself.
Q: What's your typical order when you visit a coffee shop?
A: A blonde roast café americano with an extra shot of espresso and cream. I love an extra energy boost in the morning.