PHILADELPHIA, PA – November 4, 2025 – True, the only tech and data-first global executive talent platform, announced today the addition of Cissy Young, Ph.D., as Managing Director in its Life Sciences, Venture Capital, and Talent Advisory Practices. Based in Boston, Cissy advises investors, boards, and CEOs to recruit and develop senior teams, driving innovation in the life sciences industry. She will partner with Sophia Mowla, Steve Cornacchia and the Life Sciences team to deepen True’s impact globally.
A scientist by training and an accomplished biotech operator, Cissy brings unique experiences at the intersection of science, leadership, and organizational growth. Before joining True, she was a Partner at Catalyst Advisors LP, leading board and c-suite searches for life sciences companies globally. She previously served as Chief People Officer at Valo Health, where she built and led talent strategies that united technology and biotech capabilities in an AI-driven drug discovery platform company. She was a Managing Director in the global biotech and pharmaceuticals practice at Russell Reynolds Associates. She began her biotech career in tech transfer, business development, and strategy roles in emerging growth biotech companies.
“Cissy understands the intricacies and dynamism of building and scaling organizations with disruptive science and technologies,” said Sam McGrath, GM, Global Search at True. “Her experience as an operator adds a distinctive perspective. Cissy’s addition to our global team comes at a pivotal moment as we advance our capabilities to advise life sciences investors and executives in today’s market.”
Cissy’s work and passion for leadership extends beyond her client work. She is actively engaged with the broader life sciences industry through her service on the Board of Trustees for the Keck Graduate Institute of the Claremont Colleges and the Board of Advisors for Life Science Cares. A committed advocate for inclusion and belonging, she is a dedicated community leader in Boston and most recently served as a Co-Chair of the 2025 gala for the Asian Community Fund of The Boston Foundation.
“The life sciences industry needs agile leaders who can bridge technology, science, and value creation,” said Cissy Young. “True’s data-driven platform and deep expertise in leadership enable a modern, insight-driven approach to talent and organizational effectiveness. I’m excited to be part of the team at True and help our clients build organizations equipped to deliver value and have lasting impact.”
“Cissy embodies the rare blend of scientist, operator, and advisor that defines True’s approach to life sciences,” said Sophia Mowla, Managing Director and Head of Life Sciences & Venture Capital Practices at True. “It’s a privilege to partner with her again as we unite the strength of the US and European ecosystems to back the leaders building the next generation of transatlantic biotechs.”
Cissy holds a Ph.D. in cancer biology from Columbia University, an M.B.A in entrepreneurship and strategic management from Penn State University, and a B.A. in biology from Brown University.
ABOUT TRUE
True is a global talent management platform renowned for executive search excellence. The sixth largest in its industry, True leverages 10+ years of industry data, market insights, and talent lifecycle expertise to help companies make high-impact talent decisions quickly. Products and services include True Search (retained executive search), TrueBridge (advisory, interim, and fractional executive placement), Thrive (Talent CRM software), True Advance (coaching and assessment), SearchEssentials (tech-enabled hiring services), and AboveBoard (inclusive executive community). True also backs promising companies through investment brands True Equity and Vera Equity.
Jillian Ruggieri / Senior Lead, Communications
jillian.ruggieri@trueplatform.com