Kathleen Balestra

VP of Finance

Professional Overview
Kathleen Balestra is an accomplished finance executive with over 35 years of experience in strategic financial management, operational oversight, and business transformation. As the Vice President of Finance at Soleno Therapeutics, Inc., she leverages her deep expertise in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries to provide strategic financial leadership and drive sustainable growth.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the VP of Finance at Soleno Therapeutics, Inc., Kathleen is responsible for overseeing all financial operations, including financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and risk management. She has played a pivotal role in securing funding and streamlining financial processes, enabling the company to accelerate the development and commercialization of its innovative therapeutic solutions.

Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Kathleen served as the Consulting Controller and Director of Finance at Engine Room, where she provided strategic financial guidance to a diverse portfolio of clients. She also held senior-level positions at Varian Medical Systems and Ernst & Young, where she honed her expertise in internal auditing, financial reporting, and public accounting.

Throughout her career, Kathleen has demonstrated a proven track record of driving operational excellence, improving financial performance, and implementing effective risk management strategies. Her ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights has made her a valuable asset to the organizations she has served.

Academic Background
Kathleen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of California, Berkeley, where she graduated with honors. She is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has maintained her license throughout her career.

Areas of Expertise

• Financial planning and analysis

• Budgeting and forecasting

• Financial reporting and compliance

• Internal controls and risk management

• M&A integration and due diligence

• Strategic business advisory

Professional Impact
During her tenure at Soleno Therapeutics, Kathleen has played a pivotal role in securing $50 million in Series B funding, enabling the company to accelerate the development of its lead drug candidate. Additionally, she has implemented robust financial processes and controls, resulting in a 20% reduction in operational costs and a 15% improvement in gross profit margins.

Kathleen's industry contributions extend beyond her direct responsibilities, as she has served on the finance committee of the California Life Sciences Association, leveraging her expertise to shape policy and drive innovation in the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors.

Conclusion
Kathleen Balestra's extensive experience, strategic financial acumen, and proven track record of delivering measurable results make her a valuable asset to Soleno Therapeutics. Her leadership and industry insights position her as a trusted advisor who can navigate complex financial challenges and drive sustainable growth in the ever-evolving pharmaceutical landscape.