Leveraging the experience of cord blood banking in the development of cellular therapies

Heather Stefanski, M.D., PhD, joined NMDP/Be The Match in May, 2021 as Vice President, Medical Services. Prior to her arrival, Dr. Stefanski was an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota and was actively involved in clinical care and research involving children with life-threatening blood and immune system disorders. One of her areas of focus was the use of cord blood units in stem cell transplants and other cellular therapy. She is board certified in both Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology-Oncology.

Marcie Finney is the Executive Director of the Cleveland Cord Blood Center. With an extensive background in the field of cord blood, she spent over10 years at Case Western Reserve University where she participated in cord blood research. As Executive Director, her responsibilities include strategic planning, finance, administration and quality product development. She is active in the cellular therapy community, sharing knowledge and experiences in cord blood banking research and cellular therapy in presentations through out the U.S. and globally. Prior to her current role, she served as the organization’s Director of Hospital Relations where she headed the education and training of collection coordinators and medical staff at hospital collection sites. She received a Master of Science in Chemistry and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Slippery Rock University. Finney serves on the Board of Directors for the Cord Blood Association, one of the industry’s foremost organizations. She is a member of the Advisory Board for Gamida, a cell therapy company that is pioneering new standards of care for patients with blood cancers and other blood diseases. Finney also serves on the Board of Directors for the Good will Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio.

Dr. Christina Leonhard Melief is a visionary in the field of cell therapy and stem cells, and a compassionate leader for medical science professionals and their patients. As co-founder of the Center To Cure, she serves as interim Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO, guiding the organization's efforts to advance translational medicine and bridge the gap between patients, doctors, and researchers. With a deep understanding of the complexities of rare diseases, Dr. Melief is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by these conditions.

Dr. Melief holds a Ph.D. in Genetics from Stonybrook University and a BS in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of Washington. Her diverse background in basic science research, including DNA damage repair in Drosophila, pluripotent cell contribution in zebrafish, cell fate and transdetermination in Drosophila, and early embryonic development of mice, has equipped her with a unique and comprehensive perspective on the field.

Her doctoral research in glycobiology was groundbreaking, as it allowed her to contribute to the knowledge of glycoproteins associated with several rare diseases. This exposure to the field of glycobiology sparked Dr. Melief's passion to advance rare disease research and her desire to contribute to translational medicine. With her extensive background and expertise, she is a true advocate for patients and their families and is committed to making a difference in the lives of those affected by rare diseases.

With her leadership, dedication, and passion, Dr. Christina Leonhard Melief is a driving force in the field of rare disease research, working tirelessly to bring hope and improved outcomes to those in need. Whether through her role at the Center To Cure or through her tireless efforts to improve the lives of those affected by rare diseases, she is truly making a difference in the world.

Ana Valverde, MBA, has 20 years of experience in strategic development, financial analysis and operational management. Ana has worked at Duke for 17years in positions of increasing responsibility, currently as the Administrative Director for Duke's Marcus Center for Cellular Cures (MC3). In that capacity, Ana manages a team of 120 employees and oversees an annual budget of $18M. Prior to her current position, Ana was Director of Finance and Business Strategy for the Duke Translational Medicine Institute (DTMI), Medical Instructor in Community and Family Medicine and Strategic Service Associate at the Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI). Before joining Duke, Ana worked in investment banking as an Equity Research Analyst. Ana graduated with a BS in Economics and Business Administration from CUNEF, Universidad Complutense de Madrid and received her MBA with a concentration in Health Sector Management from Duke University, where she was a Fuqua Scholar and recipient of the Dean's Recognition Award. Ana received a La Caixa Scholarship for graduate studies in the United States and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.