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Melanie Morel Ferris

Melanie Morel-Ferris


Vice President, Finance



Professional Overview
Melanie Morel-Ferris is an experienced finance executive with a strong track record of driving strategic financial initiatives and optimizing business operations for leading biopharmaceutical organizations. As the Vice President of Finance at Orna Therapeutics, she applies her expertise in accounting, financial planning, and analysis to support the company's growth and innovation in the biotechnology industry.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As Vice President of Finance at Orna Therapeutics, Melanie is responsible for overseeing the company's financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. She plays a crucial role in aligning the finance function with the organization's strategic objectives, enabling data-driven decision-making and ensuring sound financial management.

Career Progression
Melanie's career in the biopharmaceutical industry spans over a decade, during which she has held progressively senior finance roles. Prior to joining Orna Therapeutics, she served as the Vice President of Finance at ReNAgade Therapeutics and the Vice President of Accounting at Relay Therapeutics, where she was instrumental in driving process improvements and enhancing financial visibility. Melanie also held the positions of Head of Accounting and Chief Accounting Officer at Akcea Therapeutics, where she played a pivotal role in streamlining financial operations and supporting the company's global expansion.

Academic Background
Melanie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional development throughout her career.

Areas of Expertise
  • Proficient in financial planning, analysis, and reporting

  • Expertise in accounting and financial management best practices

  • Skilled in identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance operational efficiency

  • Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams to align financial strategies with business objectives

  • Experienced in supporting and advising executive leadership on strategic decision-making


Professional Impact
During her tenure at Relay Therapeutics, Melanie played a pivotal role in the successful integration of the finance function following a major acquisition, ensuring seamless financial reporting and enabling the organization to capitalize on new growth opportunities. At Akcea Therapeutics, her leadership in the implementation of a global finance system and the establishment of robust financial controls and governance frameworks contributed to the company's successful expansion into international markets.

Conclusion
Melanie Morel-Ferris is a seasoned finance executive with a proven ability to drive strategic financial initiatives and optimize business operations in the dynamic biopharmaceutical industry. Her expertise in accounting, financial planning, and analysis, combined with her collaborative leadership style, positions her as a valuable asset to Orna Therapeutics as the company continues to pioneer innovative therapeutic solutions.