Elena Ridloff, CFA, is the Chief Financial Officer and Head of Corporate Development at SIONNA THERAPEUTICS INC., a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing transformative therapies for debilitating neurological disorders. With more than 18 years of experience in finance, strategic planning, and corporate development within the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, Elena has established herself as a pivotal leader in driving sustainable growth and value creation. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and her MBA from Harvard Business School, complemented by her Chartered Financial Analyst designation obtained in 2008. Prior to joining SIONNA in 2021, Elena held senior roles at blue-chip firms, including Vice President of Corporate Development at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, where she spearheaded over $500 million in strategic partnerships, licensing deals, and equity financings that advanced multiple drug candidates to late-stage clinical trials. Her achievements also include orchestrating a transformative merger at a mid-cap biotech firm that doubled enterprise value and positioned it for NASDAQ listing. Recognized as a "Rising Star in Biotech Finance" by BioSpace, Elena's expertise in capital markets, risk management, and M&A has consistently delivered outsized returns for stakeholders. In her dual role at SIONNA, Elena oversees all financial operations—including budgeting, forecasting, treasury, and investor relations—while leading corporate development efforts such as alliances, acquisitions, and business development initiatives to fuel the company's pipeline expansion. Under her stewardship, SIONNA has raised over $300 million in venture funding and non-dilutive grants, enabling accelerated enrollment in key Phase 2 trials and positioning the company for potential IPO or strategic exit. Elena's strategic vision continues to propel SIONNA toward becoming a leader in precision neurology therapeutics.