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Melanie Morel Ferris

Melanie Morel-Ferris


Vice President, Finance


Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States



Professional Overview
Melanie Morel-Ferris is an experienced finance executive with a proven track record of driving strategic growth and financial optimization in the biotechnology industry. As the Vice President of Finance at Orna Therapeutics, she leverages her expertise in accounting, financial planning, and business strategy to support the company's mission of developing innovative RNA-based therapeutics.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the Vice President of Finance at Orna Therapeutics, Melanie is responsible for overseeing the company's financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. She plays a crucial role in aligning the finance function with Orna's strategic objectives, ensuring the efficient allocation of resources and the optimization of financial performance. Melanie's leadership and financial acumen have been instrumental in supporting Orna's growth and positioning the company for long-term success.

Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Melanie served as the Vice President of Finance at ReNAgade Therapeutics, where she contributed to the successful integration of the company's finance operations during a critical period of transition. Before that, she held the position of Vice President of Accounting at Relay Therapeutics, where she spearheaded the implementation of robust financial controls and reporting systems to support the company's rapid growth.

Melanie's career in the biotechnology industry also includes roles as the Head of Accounting and Chief Accounting Officer at Relay Therapeutics and Akcea Therapeutics, respectively. In these positions, she demonstrated her ability to drive operational efficiency, enhance financial reporting, and provide strategic guidance to executive leadership.

Academic Background
Melanie holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she graduated with honors. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has completed additional professional development programs in financial management and strategic decision-making.

Areas of Expertise
  • Biotechnology industry expertise

  • Financial planning and analysis

  • Accounting and financial reporting

  • Financial process optimization

  • Business strategy and decision-making

  • Cross-functional collaboration and leadership


Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Melanie has played a pivotal role in supporting the growth and success of several biotechnology companies. Her strategic financial leadership and ability to align finance with business objectives have contributed to the successful execution of key initiatives, such as the integration of financial systems, the implementation of robust internal controls, and the optimization of financial reporting. Melanie's expertise and commitment to excellence have earned her a reputation as a trusted financial advisor and strategic partner within the industry.

Conclusion
Melanie Morel-Ferris is a seasoned finance executive with a proven track record of driving financial and operational excellence in the biotechnology industry. As the Vice President of Finance at Orna Therapeutics, she continues to leverage her expertise to support the company's mission and position it for long-term success. Melanie's strategic mindset, financial acumen, and collaborative leadership make her a valuable asset to the organizations she serves.