We are thrilled to announce the addition of two highly respected experts to our Board of Directors—seasoned biotechnology entrepreneur Christy Shaffer and award-winning employment attorney Kerry Shad.
Kerry and Christy join the Board at an exciting moment as we begin to translate growing knowledge about chordoma into new therapies for chordoma patients, and continue to enhance our services to the chordoma patient community. Their involvement could not come at a more critical time, and the passion and expertise that they bring to the Board will be integral in helping the organization leverage the current momentum to drive progress.
About Christy: "I understand the hard work required in building a world-class disease foundation, and believe CF is on a path to elucidating important biological pathways in chordoma leading to potential treatments and a cure."-Christy Shaffer, PhD, Hatteras Venture Partners
Christy Shaffer, a general partner at Hatteras Venture Partners and former president and CEO of Inspire Pharmaceuticals, has over 25 years experience in the life science industry. Throughout her illustrious career from clinical scientist to industry executive, she has maintained a keen focus on the intersection of strong science and entrepreneurship, directing multiple efforts to support patients and advance new therapies.
Christy currently serves as a board member of five Hatteras portfolio companies and chairs three of them. She also holds positions on several non-profit boards including the NC School of Science and Mathematics Foundation board, the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center Advisory board (Chair), and the Frank Hawkins Kenan’s Institute’s Advisory Board. She earned a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Tennessee and conducted her post-doctoral training at The Chicago Medical School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- In her own words: “I have been following the Chordoma Foundation for several years, and have been very impressed with the progress to date. As a former Board of Trustees member of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, I understand the hard work required in building a world-class disease foundation, and believe CF is on a path to elucidating important biological pathways in chordoma leading to potential treatments and a cure. I am pleased to be joining the board at this transformative time, and look forward to working with the Foundation to accelerate progress for patients and their families.”
About Kerry: "Through losing my godson in 2008 after a six-year battle with chordoma, I came to appreciate both the scientific urgency and emotional imperative of a better care experience [for patients]."-Kerry Shad, JD, Smith Anderson
Kerry Shad is a partner with Smith Anderson, focused on representing employers in all types of employment-related litigation and counseling. She also handles complex commercial litigation matters, and has been recognized as a leading employment lawyer by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers, Legal Elite, and Super Lawyers.
Within the Firm, Kerry serves on a number of leadership committees, including as Chair of the Compensation Committee and Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee. Among her clients are leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. She is a graduate of Florida State University and received her law degree from UNC Chapel Hill.
- In her own words: “I have watched with great admiration the Foundation’s efforts to accelerate new treatments and improve the lives of patients against incredible odds. Through losing my godson in 2008 after a six-year battle with chordoma, I came to appreciate both the scientific urgency and emotional imperative of a better care experience, and am privileged to contribute my time in service of that mission.”
The Foundation is grateful for the tremendous amount of time, energy, and support that all of our Board members, past and present, have devoted to advance our mission to improve the lives of those affected by chordoma and lead the search for a cure. To read more about Christy, Kerry, and the rest of our Board, click here