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LIFE SCIENCES

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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Regulatory Strategy: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating the Global Market
LIFE SCIENCES, MEDICAL DEVICES

Regulatory Strategy: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating the Global Market

Dina is currently the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Terumo Medical Corporation where she oversees both US and global Regulatory Affairs. Prior to joining Terumo in 2008, Dina spent 17 years at the FDA as a reviewer and later a branch chief in the Division of Cardiovascular Devices. She also spent some time as a Sr. RA consultant prior to joining Terumo.

Dina holds a BS in Biomedical Engineering from The Catholic University of America and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland.

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Transforming Supply Chain Quality Processes in the Digital Era
LIFE SCIENCES, MEDICAL DEVICES

Transforming Supply Chain Quality Processes in the Digital Era

Aileen Barreto Rivera is a transformational global leader with extensive experience in Supply Chain and Quality within the Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals industry. Since joining Johnson & Johnson in 1995, Aileen has held multiple roles of increasing responsibility across various business units including Orthopedics, Vision Care, Diabetes Care and Innovative Medicine with direct accountability of Manufacturing, Lean, Engineering, and Quality functions. Her professional journey spans across key locations, including Puerto Rico, Europe, and the United States.

Throughout her tenure, Aileen has successfully led numerous strategic projects, including operational readiness for key product launches, site start up strategies and significant efficiency improvements within the manufacturing landscape. Her leadership has facilitated remarkable accomplishments, during acquisitions, compliance improvements initiatives, as well as significant contributions to community initiatives, reflecting her passion for people. Aileen’s commitment to excellence is evident in her ability to drive performance and engagement while maintaining high standards of quality and customer satisfaction.

Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, as well as an alumni of notable leadership programs at J&J.

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From Complaints to Patient Breakthroughs: Harnessing AI to Capture Voice of Customer and Accelerate Medical Device Innovation
LIFE SCIENCES, MEDICAL DEVICES

From Complaints to Patient Breakthroughs: Harnessing AI to Capture Voice of Customer and Accelerate Medical Device Innovation

Zillery A. Fortner is a respected professional in the life sciences industry with over 30 years of experience. She has held roles like surgical assistant, quality assurance specialist, regulatory affairs expert, and accreditation professional. Now, she is the Industry Business Development Director, SME at Honeywell, advocating for customers.

Her dedication to innovation is evident in her involvement in professional organizations and her numerous patents. Zillery’s extensive knowledge helps drive digital innovation and ensure regulatory compliance in the industry.

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Panel Discussion: Navigating the Journey to Quality and Regulatory Mastery
LIFE SCIENCES, MEDICAL DEVICES

Panel Discussion: Navigating the Journey to Quality and Regulatory Mastery

Evaluating the effects of new regulations on the medical device sector
Providing guidance on creating and deploying efficient quality management systems
Examining the careful balance between innovation and safety mandates
Sharing approaches for conducting quality risk assessments and taking proactive measures
Charting a future course for the medical device industry with best practices and learned insights

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How a Global MedTech Leader Operates to Unlock the Future Medical Device Manufacturing
LIFE SCIENCES, MEDICAL DEVICES

How a Global MedTech Leader Operates to Unlock the Future Medical Device Manufacturing

In his role, Viju is responsible for global operations, including manufacturing, direct procurement, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, sustainability, integrated business planning, logistics and advanced operations such as additive manufacturing technology development.

Prior to joining us, Viju served as Chief Supply Chain Officer and Senior Vice President at Verizon. Before his work at Verizon, Viju held key leadership roles at Intel in technology, supply chain and manufacturing operations.

Viju earned his doctoral degree from the University of Pennsylvania and dual graduate degrees (MBA, S.M. in electrical engineering) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Leaders for Global Operations program. He also holds a graduate degree (M.S.E. in computer science engineering) from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Kerala, India.

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The Journey from Quality Remediation to Quality Excellence
LIFE SCIENCES, MEDICAL DEVICES

The Journey from Quality Remediation to Quality Excellence

David Kunz was appointed Senior Vice President, Global Quality and Regulatory Affairs in May 2017. He is responsible for providing strategic and operational direction to achieve Quality and Regulatory Excellence across the organization and he chairs the Company’s Quality Excellence Steering Committee. Mr. Kunz joined the Company (then Zimmer) in 2011 as Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance for the Spine division. He was appointed Senior Vice President, Global Quality, Clinical and Regulatory Affairs in April 2016. Prior to joining Zimmer, he served as Vice President, Quality Assurance of Ecolab, where he led a supply chain network including nine chemical plants and two equipment plants. Previously, he spent 13 years at Guidant/Boston Scientific Corporation in a variety of leadership positions, most recently as the Director of Supplier Quality Assurance for the CRV Division. He began his career at the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program Headquarters as a mechanical engineer. Mr. Kunz holds a Bachelor of Science and an MBA from the University of Minnesota. He is a certified Nuclear Engineer and previously was a certified Licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer.

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Supply Chain as the Enabler to Deliver on the Zero Unserved Patients Promise
LIFE SCIENCES, MEDICAL DEVICES

Supply Chain as the Enabler to Deliver on the Zero Unserved Patients Promise

In his role as Head of Supply Chain & Operations for Philips Image Guided Therapy Devices, Cory is responsible to lead a world-class supply chain organization and to drive operational excellence in support of the business goals, which are fully focused on providing patient-focused and market-leading solutions. His passion for building a high-performing team of supply chain and operational leaders is rooted in his belief that there is always a better, more efficient way to serve our customers. Prior to entering the diagnostic / therapeutic medical devices industry, Cory spent over 20 years in development and leadership roles in the medical device and automotive industries.

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The Data-Driven Future: Leveraging Insights to Stay Ahead in Healthcare
LIFE SCIENCES, MEDICAL DEVICES

The Data-Driven Future: Leveraging Insights to Stay Ahead in Healthcare

Premier Inc. (NASDAQ: PINC) is a leading healthcare improvement company, uniting an alliance of more than 4,350 U.S. hospitals and health systems and approximately  325,000 other providers and organizations to transform healthcare. With integrated data and analytics, collaboratives, supply chain solutions, and consulting and other services, Premier enables better care and outcomes at a lower cost. Premier plays a critical role in the rapidly evolving healthcare industry, collaborating with members to co-develop long-term innovations that reinvent and improve the way care is delivered to patients nationwide. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Premier is passionate about transforming American healthcare.

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