“Leadership is the art of unlocking potential—in people, in processes, and in performance.”

Hadassah Eley, PMP, is a results-oriented leader, change champion, and seasoned operations strategist whose 17-year career spans some of the most complex and highly regulated sectors, including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and food service. With a sharp focus on operational excellence, cross-functional leadership, and strategic program management, Hadassah has carved a reputation as a forward-thinking executive who not only delivers transformative results but also uplifts the teams she leads.

Currently serving as CEO and Principal Consultant at CME Strategies and recently serving as Senior Program Manager at Biogen, Hadassah’s impact is evident in her successful navigation of global, multi-million-dollar initiatives that demand precision, innovation, and resilience. Her leadership has played a vital role in aligning multidisciplinary teams, integrating systems post-merger, and implementing process efficiencies that yield measurable improvements in compliance, cost, and performance. At the heart of her career lies a deep commitment to excellence and a people-first approach to operations.

Hadassah began her career in the pharmaceutical industry at Merck, where she developed her foundational expertise in quality systems, manufacturing operations, and risk management. It was here that she first showcased her talent for optimizing performance by streamlining operations and championing root cause analyses to prevent production delays and financial losses. Her transition to Biogen marked a pivotal step in her journey, as she expanded her influence from the shop floor to strategic leadership roles, ultimately managing complex clinical programs and global reliability initiatives for an organization of over 10,000 employees.

Throughout her career, Hadassah has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead during times of change. As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, she blends analytical thinking with agile decision-making. Notably, she was entrusted with leading the change culture at newly acquired sites, where she applied her expertise in human and organizational performance to navigate integration challenges and transform operations. Her leadership style is grounded in collaboration, trust, and the courage to make bold decisions that drive sustainable outcomes.

Among her many achievements, Hadassah has led multi-phase clinical programs totaling over $6.7 million in operating costs, developed and executed a long-range planning (LRP) program feeding directly into annual operational budgets, and facilitated emergency risk management strategies that mitigated losses during critical production pauses. Her success is not just in the numbers, but in her ability to cultivate cross-functional synergy, inspire team commitment, and turn complexity into clarity.

Beyond her operational accomplishments, Hadassah brings an invaluable voice to the table as a mentor, public speaker, and advocate for women in leadership. Her article in the Spring 2023 issue of “The Possible Woman” reflects her belief in the power of representation and empowerment. She has also spoken publicly on the topics of risk management and process streamlining, reinforcing her reputation as a trusted thought leader in the space. Her involvement with ISPE-CaSA as Vice President of the board that covers 6 states, further exemplifies her commitment to professional development and industry collaboration.

Hadassah’s influence extends beyond the boardroom. She values wellbeing, finding joy and release in Zumba; a reflection of her optimistic outlook. Her holistic approach to leadership—bridging technical acumen with human connection—resonates deeply with the teams and organizations she serves. She thrives in mid-sized companies (10–200 employees) where agility, innovation, and personalized impact are paramount. 

With a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Science from North Carolina Central University and an impressive portfolio of certifications—including Kepner-Tregoe Problem-Solving and Decision-Making, MORT (Management Oversight and Risk Tree), and Root Cause Analysis facilitation—Hadassah brings a rare combination of technical depth and emotional intelligence. Her philosophy is not only to solve problems but to build frameworks that prevent them, creating cultures where learning and excellence go hand-in-hand.

As she explores opportunities to serve on corporate boards, Hadassah offers a compelling mix of strategic insight, operational discipline learned from big industry, and empathetic leadership. Her experience in both Fortune 100 and consulting environments equips her with the versatility to contribute meaningfully to diverse organizational challenges. She is driven not by her personal accomplishments, but by the opportunity to make a meaningful, measurable difference in as many companies as possible.

In a world where organizations are expected to evolve rapidly while maintaining integrity and efficiency, Hadassah stands out as a catalyst for purposeful change. She listens deeply, acts decisively, and leads with vision—a rare blend of attributes that makes her a valuable advisor and executive.

Character:

Hadassah leads with integrity, humility, and empathy, making her a trusted guide during periods of transformation. She is known for being a generous listener and a strong advocate for others, especially underrepresented voices in leadership.

Knowledge:

Her 17 years of experience, bolstered by robust certifications and hands-on program leadership, demonstrate a profound understanding of operational dynamics and strategic management. She applies structured methodologies to solve problems, build systems, and cultivate learning organizations.

Strategic:

Hadassah brings a forward-looking mindset to every initiative, always aligning tactical execution with long-term objectives. Her ability to integrate acquisitions, manage global programs, and oversee cross-functional collaboration reflects her strengths in strategy and scalability.

Communication:

A skilled operations executive and public speaker, Hadassah simplifies complexity to bring teams together around shared goals. Her communication style is clear, sincere, and grounded in mutual respect, enabling her to lead change and drive consensus.