5:30 – 10pm

Opening Reception and Networking

Welcome event at Victory Brewing Company

7:30 am

Breakfast

9:00 am

Welcome Remarks

Opening Keynote Address
“The cure wasn’t the end, it was the beginning” 

Tom Whitehead, Co-Founder of the Emily Whitehead Foundation, shares a firsthand perspective on how pioneering treatments—like CAR T-cell therapy—are reshaping not only clinical outcomes, but the financial, operational, and support systems surrounding patient care. Gain insight into how the foundation bridges critical gaps for patients and caregivers navigating cancer and rare diseases, while also advocating for broader access to advanced therapies.

10:00 am

The CFO Market Outlook: Capital Costs, Liquidity, and Timing Decisions

Our panelists will discuss how CFOs are adjusting financing strategy, balance sheet posture, and risk tolerance over the next 12–24 months. Aspiring CFOs gain insight into how market data translates into real decisions.

Al Gianchetti, CEO, Nuevocor Therapeutics, Inc.
Joe Marucheck, Managing Director, Global Healthcare Group, Healthcare Investment Banking, BofA Securities
Crista Khong, Director, Bank of America
Doug Carr, Principal Financial Officer, Century Therapeutics

11:15 am

What Investors Want: A Candid Conversation with Investors and Biotech CFOs

Ray Camahort of Novo Holdings and other investors will share what they look for in potential investments, how companies can best articulate their story, and what drives investor confidence post-investment. This interactive session will help attendees understand how to position their company for success in private and public fundraisings.

Michael Murray, Managing Director, BVF Partners L.P.
Ray Camahort, PhD, Partner, Novo Holdings Venture Investments
Michael Celano, CFO, Larimar Therapeutics
Nic Johnson, Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, Russo Partners, Moderator

12:15 pm

Lunch and Networking

1:15 pm

Afternoon Keynote

A moderated conversation with NFL Hall of Famer Donovan McNabb, one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Philadelphia Eagles history, holding the Eagles' franchise records in passing yards, passing touchdowns, attempts, and completions. Beyond his record-setting career, McNabb has built a legacy rooted in leadership, resilience, and community impact. McNabb will share insights on performing under pressure, leading high-performing teams, and translating success from the field into meaningful philanthropic work. Through the McNabb Foundation and Fund, he and his family have raised millions to support communities and expand opportunities for those in need. Designed for leaders navigating complex environments, this discussion will offer perspectives on discipline, long-term vision, and the role of purpose-driven initiatives in building a lasting legacy—on and off the field.

Our moderator is Solomon Wilcots, the Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and former NFL player, and now Team Leader of Russo Partners' Sports Health Alliance.

2:15 pm

Regulatory Update for CFOs: What’s Going on in Washington

Experts from Goodwin and others will provide the latest updates on legislation and regulatory priorities, including FDA developments.  Learn how these shifts may impact your development programs and company strategy.

Laura Dillon, Regulatory Leader, Washington Council, Ernst & Young LLP
Steve Matsick, Partner, Assurance Practice, Ernst & Young LLP (Moderator)
Susan Lee, Partner, Goodwin

3:30 pm

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Option 1.     AI for Finance Leaders: Best Practices to Implement and Utilize AI

CFOs and operational leaders will share real-world examples of implementing AI across corporate, clinical and operational processes.  Learn how to evaluate AI investments, ask the right diligence questions, and understand how AI can create efficiency and cost savings.

Jennifer Kyle, CEO, Co-Founder, Condor Software (Moderator)
Phil Howard, Partner, Ernst & Young LLP
Allison Richards, Executive Director, Corporate FP&A, BridgeBio
Haiyang Hu, Sr. Director of Finance, Addition Therapeutics
Bobby Furhman, Executive Director of Finance, Attrium Therapeutics

Option 2.   How to Build an OUTSTANDING Company Culture

Leaders will share lessons on building resilient, mission-driven cultures in both challenging and high-growth environments.  Learn how leadership, hiring and values shape organizations for long-term success.

Vin J. Milano, Former CEO, Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Jill Conwell, Principal, People+ Business Strategies, LLC.
Teri Loxam, CFO, Compass Pathways
Meaghan Miller, Vice President, Global Capital Markets, DFIN (Moderator)

4:30 pm

End of Day Closing Remarks

6:00 pm

Evening Social Event
F1 Cafe

7:30 am

Breakfast

9:00 am

Welcome Back Remarks

Signature Keynote Address
Near Term Outlook for the US Economy in a Period of Uncertainty

Joe Quinlan, Managing Director, Chief Market Strategist, Merrill Wealth Management, Bank of America.
Joe’s presentation will highlight the effects of the oil price shock; the US consumer; tariffs and China tensions. He will also cover the federal budget deficit; the US dollar and the mid-term election. Attendees can ask questions during a moderated Q&A at the end.

10:00 am

Morning Breakout Sessions

1.     Working with Analysts: How CFOs Shape the Narrative Without Over‑Promising

Leading analysts and CFOs will discuss how to ensure they fully understand and amplify your company’s narrative.  Learn when to engage analysts, how to communicate your science and strategy effectively, and how to build a feedback loop around investor questions. 

Lisa Caperelli, Sr. VP, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, Ardelyx, Inc.
Ted Tenthoff, Director, Sr. Research Analyst, Piper Sandler
Gary Sender, Board Director, Audit Committee Member, Former CFO, Nabriva, Synergy Pharma

2.   Scaling the Finance Tech Stack: When Finance Teams Get the Timing Wrong

A discussion on selecting and scaling the right technology stack, including timing for ERP implementation.  Hear how finance teams can leverage systems to improve efficiency and support company growth.

Brice  Freyer, Sr. Partnerships Director, Coupa Pay (Moderator)
Andrew Petricone, Director, Data & Digital Services, RSM
Steve Purdue, VP, FP&A, Madrigal Pharma
William Noss, VP, Finance, Dragonfly Therapeutics

11:15 am

Late Morning Breakout Sessions

Option 1.     Compensation Trends, Equity, and Governance:  What CFOs need to know

Review current macroeconomic and industry dynamics affecting life sciences—covering inflation, market performance, headcount actions, and compensation trends—and how they are reshaping rewards and equity program structure strategy. We will also highlight key 2026 proxy season and SEC regulatory developments and discuss approaches to optimizing equity programs and balancing cost, dilution, and talent retention (the war for talent is alive and well) for biotech companies.

Max Conaboy, SVP Aon
Edward Speidel, Partner, AON Talent Solutions
Brad Middlekauff, Experienced Biotech C-Suite Business and Legal Leader
Michael Sherry, Partner, AON Talent Solutions

Option 2.   From VP Finance or Controller to CFO: Taking the Next Step

CFOs and executive recruiters will discuss career paths, critical experiences for advancement, and how candidates can position themselves for a first-time CFO or senior leadership role –especially when they haven’t “done it before."

Dave Lamen, Sr. Director, Enterprise, Oxford Finance (Moderator)
Ryan Lafferty, Founding Partner, Attolon Partners
Chris Degnan, CFO, Urogen Pharma
Keith Goldan, CFO Syndax Pharmaceuticals

12:15 pm

Lunch and Networking

1:15 pm

Featured Keynote Address

Dr. Taryn Marie Stejskal, CEO & Founder of the Resilience Leadership Institute. In her words: “I’ve always been fascinated by people - in particular, what allows people to be at their very best. In this quest, I’ve studied resilience for over two decades, interviewing hundreds of people and collecting thousands of pieces of data on how we face challenges with optimal resilience, giving rise to the empirical framework, The Five Practices of Highly Resilient People. The power of resilience has also found me as I have faced my own challenges of trauma, loss, and significant learning disabilities. Believing that resilience is both the missing piece and the key to development for people across the globe, I founded Resilience Leadership Institute.”

2:15 pm

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Option 1.     M&A Through the CFO Lens: Engagement, Positioning and Valuation

Hear from business development and search-and-evaluation leaders at large companies.  Learn how to approach strategic partners, position your asset within their priorities, and understand how they assess alignment with existing or emerging strategic pillars.

Rachael Bushey, Partner, Goodwin (Moderator)
Robert Masella, Partner, Goodwin

Ivan Farman, Head of Global Mergers & Acquisitions, Bank of America

Option 2.   IPO Readiness: Preparing the Organization for an IPO

Hear from experienced CFOs and advisors on the critical decisions, timing, and investments required on the path to an IPO. Learn best practices, pitfalls to avoid, and how to influence and manage the transition from private to public.

Gaeton Biscardi, Managing Director, Stout (Moderator)
Jennifer Porter, Partner, Goodwin
Marella Thorell, Executive VP, CFO, Seres Therapeutics
Meaghan Miller, DFIN

3:30 pm

Late Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Option 1.     Strategic Financial Planning for CFOs

This session contrasts strategic planning with traditional budgeting, highlighting practical tools for operating effectively amid uncertainty.  Learn to use disciplined scenario planning, define decision split points, set defensible base cases, and manage key constraints such as capital, headcount, and timelines. 

Slava M. Burdman, Life Science Planning & Modeling Advisory (Moderator)
Darnell Rose, Managing Director, CFGI
Ramani Varanasi, CEO, Libris innovation
Erick Lucera, CFO Dyne Therapeutics

Option 2. Enterprise Risk and How to Mitigate It — Viewpoint from Plaintiff and Defense Counsel. Your D&O Insurance Matters 

Life sciences companies face a unique and heightened securities-litigation risk profile. This panel brings together plaintiff and defense counsel, along with broker expertise, to explain why these companies are frequent targets, how plaintiff firms identify and pursue claims, and how D&O insurance—and the choice of insurance partner—can materially affect outcomes. Speakers will unpack the typical lifecycle of a securities class action, from investigative alerts through potential settlement, and give practical guidance on prevention, response, and coverage considerations.

James Harrod, Partner, Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP
Amy Jeter, Managing Director, Marsh
Sean Stephenson, Sr. Vice President, Marsh
Caroline Bullerjahn, Partner, Co-chair, Complex Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Goodwin

4:30 pm

End of Day Closing Remarks

6:00 pm

Evening Social Event at the Franklin Institute

(Attendees who RSVP'd and have an admission ticket may visit the Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition beginning at 5:30 pm.)

A group photo will be taken on the Franklin Institute stairs at 6:15 pm, followed by an evening of science, entertainment, food, drinks, and exploration.

7:30 am

Breakfast

9:00 am

Closing Keynote Panel — The Road to Commercialization

This panel will explore the critical steps companies must take to prepare for successful commercialization, from early planning through post‑approval execution. Panelists will discuss how to build credibility into your pitch deck through strategic alignment, market research, pricing strategy, and robust financial modeling. The session will also address coordination across Sales and Market Access, including gross‑to‑net considerations such as accrual methodologies, prompt pay, chargebacks, DSA fees, and rebates.

Attendees will gain practical insights into commercialization infrastructure decisions, including 3PL and contracting models, 340B strategy, and the timing of systems and process implementation—leveraging AI where appropriate. The discussion will further examine how far in advance of FDA approval companies should prepare, when to build out a sales force, and how evolving healthcare policy changes can impact launch readiness and long‑term commercial success.

Paul Voss, Biopharma Market Access Leader
Jeff Baab, Partner, Advisory Services practice, IntegriChain (Moderator)
Michelle Robertson, CFO, Geron Corporation
Jen Sharpe, Partner, Advisory Services, IntegriChain
Sam Dillman, Managing Director, Financial Advisory Services, CGFI

10:00 am

Group Discussions: Off‑the‑Record Peer Conversations

Join peers from companies of similar size, stage, or region for small group roundtables.  Discuss shared challenges, trade solutions, and build ongoing connections for support and collaboration.

11:00 am

Conference Closing Remarks