OptimizeRx Appoints Microsoft Health & Life Sciences COO to Board

Mary Varghese Presti brings expertise in scaling healthcare platforms and commercializing new technologies

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:05pm

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A minimalist, photorealistic studio still life featuring a sleek, geometric sculpture made of brushed aluminum and glass, symbolizing the convergence of healthcare, technology, and innovation.The appointment of a Microsoft executive with deep healthcare expertise signals OptimizeRx's strategic focus on scaling its integrated technology platform.Waltham Today

OptimizeRx Corp., a leading provider of healthcare solutions, has appointed Mary Varghese Presti to its Board of Directors. Varghese Presti, the Corporate Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Microsoft's Health & Life Sciences organization, brings over 25 years of experience at the intersection of healthcare, life sciences, and technology, with a track record of building and scaling platforms that translate innovation into real-world impact.

Why it matters

Varghese Presti's appointment aligns with OptimizeRx's strategy to evolve into a more integrated, product-led platform with increasing recurring and subscription-based revenue. Her cross-sector expertise in driving operational and commercial transformation in complex, regulated environments will be critical as OptimizeRx looks to accelerate growth, expand its product portfolio, and deliver long-term shareholder value.

The details

At Microsoft, Varghese Presti has played a central role in advancing the company's healthcare strategy, helping operationalize next-generation, AI-powered capabilities that are reshaping how care is delivered, workflows are managed, and health systems scale. She has also held leadership roles at Nuance, IBM Watson Health, athenahealth, and Pfizer, giving her a unique cross-sector perspective on how innovation moves from concept to adoption at scale.

  • Varghese Presti began her career as a pediatric nurse at Johns Hopkins.

The players

Mary Varghese Presti

Corporate Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Microsoft's Health & Life Sciences organization, with over 25 years of experience at the intersection of healthcare, life sciences, and technology.

OptimizeRx Corp.

A leading provider of healthcare solutions helping life sciences companies reach and engage healthcare professionals and patients.

Steve Silvestro

Chief Executive Officer of OptimizeRx.

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What they’re saying

“Mary's experience from deal strategy through post transaction integration, scaling platforms, commercializing innovation, and driving operational rigor at some of the world's leading healthcare and technology companies aligns directly with our strategy.”

— Steve Silvestro, Chief Executive Officer of OptimizeRx

“I'm excited to join OptimizeRx at a time when both healthcare and technology are evolving so quickly. There is real opportunity to rethink how data, engagement, and intelligences come together to better support clinicians and patients. I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team to help scale the platform and build solutions that deliver meaningful impact across the healthcare ecosystem.”

— Mary Varghese Presti

The takeaway

Varghese Presti's appointment to the OptimizeRx Board of Directors brings valuable expertise in scaling healthcare platforms, commercializing new technologies, and driving operational transformation, which will be crucial as the company evolves its integrated, product-led platform to accelerate growth and deliver long-term shareholder value.