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LIFE SCIENCES

Transformation in Quality to Meet the Needs of Our Customers
LIFE SCIENCES

Transformation in Quality to Meet the Needs of Our Customers

Melissa previously served as the chief quality officer for Bristol Myers Squibb. In this role, she led the GPS Quality organization in setting the quality compliance strategy, implementation of quality processes and systems, and development of talent to ensure the highest level of quality and compliance. Before joining Bristol Myers Squibb, Melissa was also the chief quality officer at Biogen. She has had prior roles providing oversight for QC laboratories and spent several years as the vice president of Corporate Quality, with responsibility for global compliance and quality systems as well as in-market Quality.

Melissa earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences and Biochemistry from North Carolina State University and an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from Duke University. She has over 25 years of experience in the quality arena, including quality positions at Novo Nordisk and Glaxo Smith Kline.

Melissa has been involved in influencing regulatory guidance through her participation on non-profit Boards of the Parenteral Drug Association since 2016, currently serving as chair-elect; as well as Rx-360 consortium focused on supply chain security vis-à-vis public health concerns and patient safety. She has been an advocate for simplification of post approval change processes, participating in industry forums, writing articles and interacting with regulators. She holds certifications from ASQ as a Certified Quality Auditor, Quality Engineer and Quality Manager.

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Supporting AZ’s Bold Ambition: Scaling Advanced Therapies for Success
LIFE SCIENCES, VIDEO, LIFE SCIENCES

Supporting AZ’s Bold Ambition: Scaling Advanced Therapies for Success

Sheena Behn is an established global leader in the Pharmaceutical Industry with significant supply chain, manufacturing and development experience and expertise. She has worked at AstraZeneca for 25 years.

Sheena is currently VP Vaccine and Immune Therapies Supply Chain and VP for Oncology Supply, based in Cambridge, UK.

She was previously based in Gothenburg as VP R&D Supply Chain (2012-2014) running the global group for Clinical Supply at AZ; and before that VP for Wuxi Manufacturing site for 3 years, based in China (2010-2012).

Sheena is a Pharmacist who started her career working in London hospitals, before working in pharmaceutical development with GSK and then AZ before joining Operations in 2007.

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Managing Pharma Supply Chains to Navigate Tariffs
LIFE SCIENCES, VIDEO, LIFE SCIENCES

Managing Pharma Supply Chains to Navigate Tariffs

Allyson Nicholson is a seasoned biopharmaceutical executive with 29 years of experience in end-to-end supply chain management, business reengineering, and digitalization, across a wide range of industries including banking, airline, food, public sector, consulting, and pharmaceutical. Allyson has a proven track record in process improvement, large systems implementations, and mergers and acquisitions. With extensive experience in clinical and commercial supply chains, Allyson has successfully led product commercialization and in-market execution, ensuring supply reliability.

Currently, Allyson serves as the Head of Global Supply Chain at BioMarin Pharmaceutical, where she is responsible for the successful execution and services of all global supply functions ensuring supply to patients for their commercial portfolio and pipeline candidates.

Outside of work she enjoys cooking, learning about wine, skiing and walking in a beach somewhere. She currently lives in Boston with her husband, two young-adult children, and their two dogs.

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Transforming Global Operations: Accelerating Production and Innovation at BMS
LIFE SCIENCES, VIDEO, LIFE SCIENCES

Transforming Global Operations: Accelerating Production and Innovation at BMS

Catalina Vargas is Senior Vice President and Global Supply Chain (GSC) Lead at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS). A global pharmaceutical executive with more than 20 years of experience, Catalina currently leads a talented team, working to seamlessly deliver medicines to patients in more than 50 countries around the world. Under her leadership, Catalina has built a highly synchronized, transparent and sustainable supply chain organization.

Catalina joined BMS in 2018 as Vice President, Strategic Sourcing and Procurement, Global Product Development and Supply, where she managed a complex supply chain to bring critical medicines to patients. During her time in this role, BMS acquired Celgene, which at the time was the largest deal in biopharma history, and Catalina successfully integrated the Celgene and BMS sourcing and procurement groups.

Immediately prior to her current role leading GSC, Catalina was Chief of Staff to the CEO of BMS where she led strategic enterprise-wide initiatives and advanced the leadership team’s governance and decision-making model. With an exceptional record of building high performing and agile global teams, Catalina is a passionate advocate for inclusion.

Prior to joining BMS, Catalina was with Pfizer for 17 years, where she was tapped for leadership positions across strategic sourcing, operations, and external manufacturing.

Catalina has a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and a graduate degree in finance and capital markets.

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Resilient Operations in a Changing World: Innovation with Purpose
LIFE SCIENCES, VIDEO, LIFE SCIENCES

Resilient Operations in a Changing World: Innovation with Purpose

Arleen Paulino, senior vice president, Manufacturing, leads Amgen’s commercial manufacturing organization. Prior to this role, Paulino served as vice president, Site Operations at Amgen Singapore Manufacturing from 2016 to 2018, where she led the team to the successful licensure of Amgen’s first Next-Generation Biomanufacturing plant.

Paulino joined Amgen in 2002 and over the years has held various positions with increasing responsibility in Process Engineering and Process Development. She was also the head of Clinical Operations and Development Supply Chain, where she was responsible for the end-to-end supply chain for the manufacture and delivery of clinical product to support Amgen’s global clinical trials.

She began her career in Operations at Genentech and later joined Immunex, where she held a variety of roles overseeing development and scale-up operations, contract manufacturing and technology transfer, as well as plant manager for the cell culture facility.

Paulino holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Marquette University.

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From Platform Excellence to Personalized Oncology: Shaping the Next Era of mRNA Science and Manufacturing at Moderna
LIFE SCIENCES, VIDEO, LIFE SCIENCES

From Platform Excellence to Personalized Oncology: Shaping the Next Era of mRNA Science and Manufacturing at Moderna

As Chief Technical Operations and Quality Officer, Dr. Collins is responsible for the technical development, quality, and supply of preclinical, clinical and commercial programs within Moderna’s portfolio.

Dr. Collins joined Moderna from Novartis, where he held roles of increasing responsibility over the last nearly 30 years, focused on pharmaceutical production and manufacturing, including roles serving as Head of Global Chemical Operations and Anti-Infectives and as Head of Global Chemical Operations.

Dr. Collins received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from University College Cork, Ireland. He also conducted post-doctoral cancer research at Arizona State University.

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LIFE SCIENCES, VIDEO, LIFE SCIENCES

Regulatory Instability’s Impact on Drug and Biologics Manufacturing

Alexander Gaffney is a regulatory and media executive responsible for founding and leading the research division of AgencyIQ, the regulatory analysis division of the media company POLITICO. As the Vice President of Regulatory Policy and Intelligence, Alexander directs the division’s analysis of regulatory issues affecting pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, chemical and food companies.

Before joining AgencyIQ, Alexander analyzed life sciences regulations as part of PricewaterhouseCoopers’s Health Research Institute and was the Manager of Regulatory Intelligence at the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS), where he also served as Managing Editor for the company’s flagship publication, Regulatory Focus.

Alexander is regularly asked to speak to executive audiences about life science regulatory policy developments and his analysis and work (including his daily newsletter, FDA Today) is relied upon by many of the country’s top life sciences companies, law firms, trade associations, regulatory professionals, legislative staffers and public health officials. He has a master’s degree in Regulatory Science from the University of Maryland and his Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) in US regulation. He also serves as the co-chair of the Drug Information Association’s (DIA) Regulatory Policy and Intelligence Community and the Chair of RAPS’ Regulatory Intelligence Conference.

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Bold and Unafraid: Lessons in Leadership and the Value of Manufacturing in Building the Next Great Biotech
LIFE SCIENCES, VIDEO, LIFE SCIENCES

Bold and Unafraid: Lessons in Leadership and the Value of Manufacturing in Building the Next Great Biotech

Tim Maines joined Alnylam in August 2017 as the Global Head of Quality Assurance and Quality Control and was promoted to Chief Technical Operations and Quality Officer in April of 2023, holding over 35 years of experience. Prior to joining Alnylam, Tim was a member of the senior leadership teams at Ariad Pharmaceuticals, Omthera Pharmaceuticals, Astra Zeneca/MedImmune, GTC Biotherapeutics (formerly Genzyme Transgenics) and Stryker Biotech where he provided strategic input and independent quality and technical oversight of each company’s global GxP operations. In total, these experiences resulted with the commercialization and market expansion of thirteen novel medicines, including four FDA-approved therapies at Alnylam.

Tim holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Microbiology from Gannon University.

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Panel: Reflecting on the Past and Shaping the Future: Enhancing Our Influence on Medicine
LIFE SCIENCES, VIDEO, LIFE SCIENCES

Panel: Reflecting on the Past and Shaping the Future: Enhancing Our Influence on Medicine

Evaluating which production platforms will be most effective for emerging modalities, such as rAAV gene therapies
Considering the next steps for established platforms like mAbs, ADCs, and mRNA: How can we efficiently address significant markets, such as treatments for Alzheimer’s
Examining the changes within the CMC ecosystem and assessing whether we are once again overextending our capacity
Addressing the risks of fragmentation: How can we improve communication, collaboration, and the consolidation of our best ideas to ensure collective success?
Discussing the motivations for launching new companies today and envisioning the future growth and evolution of our business ecosystem

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Fireside Chat: Accelerating Innovation and Manufacturing Excellence: Leveraging Over 30 Years of Biotech Leadership and Cell Therapy Success
LIFE SCIENCES, VIDEO, LIFE SCIENCES

Fireside Chat: Accelerating Innovation and Manufacturing Excellence: Leveraging Over 30 Years of Biotech Leadership and Cell Therapy Success

Dr. Joanne Beck is currently Chief Technology Officer at Abata Therapeutics. Prior to this, she served as Chief Technology Officer at Aerium Therapeutics and COO at Boston Pharmaceuticals, a private company developing candidates across multiple indications in cardiometabolic, oncology, and immune/inflammatory diseases. Prior to joining Boston Pharmaceuticals, she was Executive Vice President of Global Pharmaceutical Development and Operations at Celgene where she oversaw the company’s Product Development, Global Manufacturing Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering and Quality. Prior to Celgene, she was SVP of Pharmaceutical Development at Shire. Prior to Shire she held roles of increasing responsibility in Process Development at Genentech and Amgen and in Operations at Abbott’s Pharmaceutical and Vascular Divisions. Beck holds a BA in Chemistry from Lewis and Clark College, a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from University of Oregon Medical School and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Beck serves on the board of directors for Orchard Therapeutics and Astria Therapeutics.

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Are We There Yet? – A Maturity Model for Enabling Process Monitoring and Learning in Biologics Manufacturing
LIFE SCIENCES, VIDEO, LIFE SCIENCES

Are We There Yet? – A Maturity Model for Enabling Process Monitoring and Learning in Biologics Manufacturing

Dr. Jack Prior leads MSAT Process Monitoring & Data Science/AI Strategy at Sanofi, where he spearheads global initiatives in process monitoring and AI-driven yield improvement for biologics manufacturing. Previously as Head of MSAT Digital, he led teams working to develop global process data analytics systems and to digitize laboratory operations for Industrial Affairs Specialty Care drug substance and drug product manufacturing.

His leadership spans nearly three decades at Sanofi-Genzyme, where he has led manufacturing science organizations supporting process characterization, modeling, technology transfer, and manufacturing operations for critical therapies treating rare genetic disorders. Throughout his career, he has focused on integrating process modeling and advanced analytics with manufacturing science to enhance biologics production across US and European operations. He has led manufacturing science teams supporting multiple tech transfers across the Sanofi network, including the team supporting transfer to a new continuous single-use digital facility, while advancing approaches to process modeling and scale-up.

Dr. Prior holds a Doctor of Science in Chemical Engineering from MIT, where his research in data reconciliation for bioprocess development laid the foundation for his work in process monitoring and control. His current work continues to advance manufacturing science through the integration of digital technologies, process modeling, and AI in biologics manufacturing.

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Using Innovation to Accelerate & Optimize Your Drug Manufacturing Scale-Up Strategy
LIFE SCIENCES, VIDEO, LIFE SCIENCES

Using Innovation to Accelerate & Optimize Your Drug Manufacturing Scale-Up Strategy

Joe Goodman is the General Manager of the Americas region for Honeywell Life Sciences, where his team partners strategically with the company’s global clients and prospects, identifying the quality and manufacturing system solutions that best fits their needs. Joe is recognized as a thought leader in the fields of quality systems, regulatory compliance, and the implementation of enterprise software within the Life Sciences manufacturing industry. Before joining Honeywell, Joe spent more than 7 years at Merrill Lynch as a Six Sigma Black Belt. He owes much of his penchant for process and solution design to his time spent in that role. Joe also speaks internationally at Compliance and Manufacturing events.

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Building Audit-Ready Facilities: Quality Leadership from Design to Commercial Launch
LIFE SCIENCES, VIDEO, LIFE SCIENCES

Building Audit-Ready Facilities: Quality Leadership from Design to Commercial Launch

LeeAnn Chrisco is an accomplished Quality Assurance executive with over 20 years of leadership in GMP manufacturing and compliance. As Director of Quality Assurance at INCOG Biopharma Services, she provides strategic QA oversight across manufacturing, packaging, and quality control, ensuring global regulatory compliance. LeeAnn has led audit readiness, regulatory agency interactions, and facility startups for clinical and commercial operations. Her expertise spans technical transfer, aseptic processing, and quality systems innovation. A contributing author to ISPE and BioPhorum publications, LeeAnn brings deep industry insight and a passion for building high-performing quality cultures in fast-paced, regulated environments.

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Fireside Chat: Transforming Supply Chains into Competitive Advantages: A Strategic Vision for Medtronic
LIFE SCIENCES, MEDICAL DEVICES

Fireside Chat: Transforming Supply Chains into Competitive Advantages: A Strategic Vision for Medtronic

Greg Smith is Executive Vice President, Global Operations and Supply Chain at Medtronic. He is responsible for the performance and integration of all aspects of the company’s operations including Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Supply Management, Operational Excellence and Transformation, Enterprise Risk and Facilities, and Operations Quality.

Before joining Medtronic in April 2021, Greg was the Executive Vice President of U.S. Supply Chain at Walmart, one of the world’s largest and most complex supply chains. Greg transformed Walmart’s supply chain to be best in class, developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy that drove sales, achieved operational excellence, reduced costs, and that created an engaging, enabling, and empowering work environment.

Greg is deeply committed to diversity, equality, and the belief that a diverse workplace where everyone feels included results in stronger teams and the highest level of service to our patients, customers, and employees. He was recognized as a 2020 Diversity Leader by Diversity Journal (opens new window).

Before joining Walmart, Greg was Senior Vice President, Global Operations at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, where he was responsible for 52 manufacturing facilities across four business units around the world. He successfully led the company’s global optimization program and implemented an enterprise manufacturing operating system, a global procurement program, and an enterprise planning and logistics approach.

In his more than 35 years of supply chain and operations experience, Greg has also transformed manufacturing, procurement, and logistics programs at companies including ConAgra Foods, United Signature Foods, VDK Frozen Foods, and Quaker Oats.

Greg earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and he currently serves on the College of Business advisory board. He serves on the GS1 Management Board and is the Vice Chairman of its Board Committee for Healthcare. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors for Advance Auto Parts, Inc. He is also a member of the Gartner Supply Chain Executive Advisory Board.

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Are Sustainable Supply Chains a Myth?
LIFE SCIENCES, MEDICAL DEVICES

Are Sustainable Supply Chains a Myth?

Paudie O’Connor is the Senior Vice President for Global Supply Chain at Boston Scientific, a position he has held since May 2022. In this role, he serves on the company’s Executive Committee and is responsible for leading the world-class Global Supply Chain team, comprised of thousands of colleagues guided by its purpose of delivering for patients. Paudie’s career in healthcare and medical technology has spanned over 26 years, serving in various roles across management, operations and engineering. Previously, Paudie served as Vice President, Planning and Customer Experience at Boston Scientific from January 2021 to April 2022 and multi-site vice president, Manufacturing from February 2015 to January of 2021. Prior roles in Boston Scientific included Vice President of the Clonmel, Ireland site from January of 2009 to February of 2015 and various engineering and operations positions in the U.S. and Ireland from 1998 to 2008. Prior, Paudie worked for Aer Lingus, PRI Automation and Integer. He is the current sponsor of the Massachusetts PRIDE employee resource group. Paudie earned a B.A. in Mechanical Engineering from Trinity College in Dublin and a master’s degree in industrial engineering from University College Dublin.

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