Ann Darda

Ann Darda website

Ann is an accomplished people and organizational leader with more than 25 years of experience in global corporate and consulting HR roles for life science companies at all stages of development. She has successfully helped biotech companies scale and deliver value through rapid growth and well managed transitions. Prior to joining Danforth, Ann served as Head of Human Resources for Omega Therapeutics, where she supported rapid expansion and readiness for the company’s IPO. She previously held senior leadership roles for Semma Theraputics, now part of Vertex Cell and Gene Therapies; Novartis, Biogen and Pfizer. 

Ann holds an MA in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University and a BA in Business & Psychology from St. Ambrose University. She has several certifications including the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).

Select Achievements

  • Successfully delivered HR roadmap for private therapeutics company in partnership with executive team, compensation committee and BOD, achieving IPO readiness and compliance.
  • Led all people and culture aspects of preclinical scientific strategy to build value for a private biotech company, acquired for $950M by Vertex.

Specialties

People and culture strategy
Organizational design and development
Team effectiveness and high-performing teams
M&A
Change management
Leadership development
Workforce and compensation planning
Talent acquisition and management