I’m excited to share a deeper look into my professional journey and the work I’m passionate about at the intersection of science, strategy, and innovation. With a background in biomedical engineering, venture capital, and healthcare commercialization, I’ve been fortunate to work on translating complex ideas into real-world impact. Here is my biography.

Dr. Heather E. Stefanski, MD, PhD, is a leading authority in pediatric hematology, stem cell transplantation, and cell therapy innovation. As Executive Vice President of CIBMTR and Clinical Services at the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), she drives national and global initiatives focused on donor safety, transplant access, and cellular therapy advancement. With over 65 peer-reviewed publications and multiple patents, Dr. Stefanski blends clinical excellence with groundbreaking research to improve outcomes for patients worldwide. She serves in key leadership roles across the WMDA, ASH, and ASTCT, and is recognized for her visionary contributions to donor health and translational medicine.

I'm a biotech executive and scientist with a passion for advancing oncology therapeutics from discovery through clinical development. Over the course of my career, I’ve led R\&D strategy and operations in organizations ranging from early-stage startups to large global pharma, including Takeda, ImmunoGen, Novartis, and Biogen. I’ve had the privilege of building high-performing teams, guiding complex portfolios, and contributing to therapies that make a real difference for patients. Today, I enjoy advising innovative biotech companies and VCs as they shape the next generation of cancer treatments.

Dr. Gilles Besin is a visionary scientific executive whose career spans over 20 years at the forefront of RNA therapeutics and immunology. As Chief Scientific Officer at Orbital Therapeutics, he is redefining the landscape of next-generation RNA medicine through groundbreaking work in mRNA and circular RNA platforms. From leading vaccine development programs to spearheading major biotech acquisitions, Dr. Besin blends deep scientific expertise with strategic insight, positioning him as a driving force in translating cutting-edge research into real-world therapeutic solutions.

After 25+ years working at the intersection of science and strategy in cell and gene therapy, I’m excited to share a comprehensive look into my professional journey—from hands-on scientific innovation to leadership across CDMOs, biotech, and academic institutions. My passion lies in building high-impact teams, developing therapies that matter, and bridging ideas to execution. Here is my biography.