Executive Biography
Stephen Chang | A Visionary Leader in Life Sciences and Biotechnology
Dr. Stephen M. Chang is a distinguished human geneticist with over 32 years of commercial experience in the life sciences, specializing in stem cells, cell and gene therapy, and drug development. He has co-founded multiple companies, including Orpheus Therapeutics, Legacy Therapeutics, Prometheus Therapeutics, and Princeton Drug Discovery, and serves on the boards of Orpheus Therapeutics and Histogen, Inc., where he is also Chairman and Acting CEO. Dr. Chang has held significant roles such as Vice President for Research & Development and Senior Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at the New York Stem Cell Foundation, and Chief Science Officer and Vice President at Canji Inc./Schering Plough Research Institute. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the University of California, Irvine, and a B.S. in Zoology, Microbiology, and Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan. Throughout his career, Dr. Chang has co-authored over 30 published papers, filed more than 15 Investigational New Drug Applications with the FDA, and is an inventor on over 50 patents worldwide. He is recognized as a pioneer in commercial gene therapy technologies and induced pluripotent stem cells, with recent successful drug developments including Adstilirin™ (rAd-IFN/Syn3) for bladder cancer therapy and Intravail™ diazepam for epilepsy treatment. Dr. Chang also serves as Entrepreneur in Residence at Rutgers University and New York University, providing strategic guidance on genetic technologies and their market applications.
Leadafi Councils Articles
LEADAFI COUNCILS POST
Strategic Growth: Lessons from the Vice President of Global Sales & Enablement
In Strategic Growth: Lessons from the Vice President of Global Sales & Enablement, Dan Spitale distills 25 years of leadership into five powerful principles that redefine how we think about growth. Beyond the metrics and market share, Spitale argues that true, lasting growth stems from alignment, culture, enablement, agility, and authenticity. He shares how embedding enablement into daily operations, fostering a culture of trust, and leading with humility—both at work and at home—can transform performance and people alike. The takeaway? Strategic growth is a people-first mission, and when teams are empowered and aligned, growth isn’t just achieved—it’s accelerated and sustained.
LEADAFI COUNCILS POST
From CTO to Boardroom: Why Every Board Needs a Technology Leader
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the presence of technology leaders such as Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) and Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers (CAIOs) on corporate boards has become essential. These executives provide critical insights into digital transformation initiatives, cybersecurity oversight, and strategic innovation. Their technical expertise enables organizations to bridge the knowledge gap between technology and business, ensuring informed decision-making around complex technological investments. By integrating technology leaders into board governance, companies can effectively navigate digital disruption, enhance cybersecurity resilience, and foster a culture of continuous innovation and competitive advantage. #DigitalTransformation #Cybersecurity #TechLeadership #BoardGovernance #Innovation #StrategicLeadership
LEADAFI COUNCILS POST
From Data to Decisions: Leveraging Business Intelligence for Executive Success
In today’s fast-paced, high-stakes business environment, organizations can no longer afford to treat data as a back-office asset — it must be a boardroom essential. Business Intelligence (BI) empowers leaders not just to analyze performance, but to anticipate change, challenge assumptions, and make bold, strategic decisions with clarity and confidence. Yet, despite widespread investment in BI tools, many companies struggle to translate data into action at the executive level. Bridging this gap requires more than technology — it demands a shift in culture, leadership mindset, and a commitment to building data fluency among decision-makers. When executives are trained to lead with insight, BI becomes more than a reporting tool — it becomes a catalyst for innovation, alignment, and lasting competitive advantage.
LEADAFI COUNCILS POST
Empowering Women in Leadership: A Communication Perspective
Women’s History Month is the perfect time to reflect not only on trailblazers who’ve changed the course of history, but also on the everyday power of strategic sisterhoods in the workplace. True empowerment comes when women move beyond surface-level support to build intentional alliances that share resources, elevate voices, and challenge systemic barriers. Whether it’s encouraging a colleague to speak up in meetings, celebrating each other’s wins, or having honest conversations about pay, these connections create ripple effects that foster equity, visibility, and collective advancement. After all, behind every successful woman is a community of other women who had her back.
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