Jody Petrakes

Senior Executive Assistant to Head of Research & Development and Chief Medical Officer

Professional Overview

Jody Petrakes is a seasoned executive assistant with extensive experience supporting senior leadership in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. In her current role as Senior Executive Assistant to the Head of Research & Development and Chief Medical Officer at Novavax, she plays a pivotal part in facilitating the strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations of the research and development functions.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the Senior Executive Assistant at Novavax, Jody provides high-level administrative support to the Head of R&D and Chief Medical Officer. Her key responsibilities include managing complex calendars, coordinating travel arrangements, preparing presentation materials, and serving as a critical liaison between the executive leadership and cross-functional teams. Jody's exceptional organizational skills and ability to anticipate needs have contributed to the efficient execution of critical research and development projects.

Career Progression

Prior to her current role, Jody held the position of Executive Assistant - NanoFlu and Global Program Management at Novavax, where she supported the successful development and global launch of the company's influenza vaccine candidate. She has also served as an Administrative Coordinator/Executive Assistant in the Cell Therapy Research division at Kite Pharma, and held roles in inventory analysis, office management, and procurement administration at American Honda Motor Company, Inc., Robotic Research, LLC, and En-Net Services, respectively.

Academic Background

Jody holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, equipping her with a strong foundation in management principles and cross-functional collaboration.

Areas of Expertise

• Executive-level administrative support

• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry knowledge

• Project and program management

• Stakeholder coordination and communication

• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite and enterprise software

Professional Impact

Throughout her career, Jody has demonstrated a consistent track record of providing invaluable support to senior executives, contributing to the successful execution of critical research and development initiatives. Her ability to anticipate needs, manage complex schedules, and facilitate seamless collaboration across teams has made her an indispensable asset to the organizations she has served.

Conclusion

With her extensive experience, industry knowledge, and strong administrative expertise, Jody Petrakes is poised to continue making significant contributions to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Her unwavering commitment to supporting executive leadership and driving organizational efficiency positions her as a highly valuable strategic partner in her current and future roles.