Driving Talent Acquisition: Colleague Spotlight on Bri Copeland

At Abzena, our success is driven not only by cutting-edge science but also by the exceptional people who bring our mission to life. As a Senior Talent Acquisition Business Partner within our HR team, Bri Copeland plays a pivotal role in shaping the teams that power the development and manufacturing of our customers’ breakthroughs in complex biologics and bioconjugates. In this spotlight, we explore Bri’s professional journey, the impact she makes each day, and her valuable insights for those considering a future with Abzena. 

From Kinesiology to Talent Acquisition 

Bri’s path to Abzena blends a deep commitment to human health with a knack for connecting talent and opportunity. She began her academic journey at Georgia Southern University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. A Graduate Certificate in Public Health from Drexel University followed, solidifying her foundation in wellness and preventive care. Her early career saw her designing and leading fitness programs as an Exercise Physiologist in both hospital and corporate environments. It was during her tenure as a Health Fitness Specialist at Merck, however, that Bri first glimpsed the vibrant world of pharmaceuticals. Drawn by both science and the people, she transitioned into recruitment in 2020. Three years of agency work gave her invaluable exposure to the nuances of pharma and biotech hiring, preparing her for the targeted, company-wide focus she joined Abzena. 

A Day That Spans Continents 

No two days are alike in talent acquisition, and Bri wouldn’t have it any other way. One morning might begin with early-hour video interviews with candidates in the U.K., followed by afternoon strategy sessions with hiring managers in Bristol, PA to identify emerging needs. By evening, she could be deep in conversations with prospective team members on the West Coast of the U.S., ensuring that time zones never limit Abzena’s reach to global talent. Between sourcing candidates through targeted headhunting searches and conducting thorough qualification screenings, Bri dedicates significant time to crafting personalized outreach messages that resonate with everyone’s aspirations and expertise. 

Her favorite part of the process comes when she collaborates with hiring managers to tailor offers that reflect both the market landscape and Abzena’s commitment to employee development. Delivering the good news—that a candidate has been selected to join the Abzena team—never loses its thrill. Bri takes great pride in knowing that each new hire represents both a personal success story and a strategic investment in our company’s future. 

Essential Qualities for Success 

Thriving as a Talent Acquisition Business Partner at Abzena requires more than just a knack for identifying resumes that fit a job description. Empathy and active listening are crucial, allowing you to understand candidates’ motivations, address their concerns, and guide them through each stage of the process with clarity and care. Adaptability is equally important; shifting business priorities and rapid changes in hiring needs demand the ability to pivot strategies on short notice. Finally, deep industry knowledge, gained through continuous learning about evolving roles in biologics and bioconjugates, enables you to speak the technical language of both candidates and hiring managers, ensuring that talent matches the precise skill sets we need to drive innovation.
 

Advice for Aspiring Talent Partners 

Cultivate genuine curiosity about the biotech landscape and build strong relationships with hiring managers by asking insightful questions and listening deeply.  Most importantly, approach every interaction with authenticity: candidates appreciate recruiters who are transparent about expectations, responsive in communication, and invested in their long-term success. 

Inspired by Bri’s story? Explore opportunities to join the Abzena team and help shape the future of therapeutic development.
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