*This Event is Sold out. Please contact the office at office@ispeboston.org to be put on a Waiting List*

Join us for an insightful panel featuring three influential women in the New Hampshire life science market. We are honored to have speakers from Lonza, Vertex, and the CEO of New Hampshire Life Sciences, moderated by the VP of Life Sciences of C&W Services. Discover firsthand how these professionals leverage allies and collaboration to propel their expertise and achievements forward. 

WHEN:
Thursday, October 16, 2025                                                                      
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm                                                                              

WHERE: 
Lonza, 101 International Dr. Portsmouth NH 03801

REGISTRATION FEES:
ISPE Members: $25
Non-Members:$40

SPEAKERS:
Kerri Edwards, Interim Head of MSAT, Lonza
Andrea Hechavarria, President & CEO, NH Life Sciences (NHLS)
Varija Verma, Executive Director, Analytical Science & Technology, Vertex Pharmaceuticals

MODERATOR:
Dorrian Fragola, Vice President, Business Development, Life Sciences, C&W Services

Kerri Edwards, Interim Head of MSAT, Lonza

Current Interim Head of MSAT at Lonza-Portsmouth, BS in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and certified professional coach both through UNH. 15 years industry experience, specializing in leadership, manufacturing sciences, and technology transfer. Mom to 3 kids ages 5-7. 

Andrea Hechavarria, President & CEO, NH Life Sciences (NHLS)

Andrea Hechavarria is President & CEO of NH Life Sciences (NHLS), the statewide life sciences association—built by the industry, for the industry. Alongside co-founders Cindy Conde and John Whelan, Andrea established NHLS in 2023, successfully building membership from the ground-up with the backing of founding member companies and attracting broad interest from life sciences companies across the state. NHLS’ arrival in New Hampshire represents an exciting new chapter in the state’s economic history, as the industry is a priority growth sector for the Granite State with significant opportunity for further expansion. NHLS’ mission is to foster growth and awareness of the life sciences industry in New Hampshire and to attract and retain world-class talent and innovation. Under Andrea’s leadership, NHLS works to connect, convene, and facilitate the advancement of the life sciences industry in the Granite State through member programs and events, policy advocacy, industry intelligence, and education. 

Andrea is a proud NH native with an extensive career in government, policy and industry.  Most recently she built and led the Global Government Affairs function for Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, a global leader in blood component, therapeutic apheresis and cellular technologies. Prior to Terumo BCT, Andrea served as Chief of Staff to the CEO and as VP of Government Affairs at Butterfly Network, a highly innovative and disruptive handheld ultrasound technology start-up.

Andrea began her work in the medical device industry at 3M Company where she worked closely with the White House COVID-19 Task Force and 3M business leaders to respond to the pandemic and the unprecedented global demand for N95 respirators. While at 3M she also worked closely with the global medtech association, AdvaMed, to successfully repeal the medical device tax.

Andrea is passionate about advocating for the life sciences community and the impact R&D, science, and innovative technology have on patients and our healthcare system at large. She has a strong reputation within the highest ranks of government and our nation’s leading business trade associations.

Varija Verma, Executive Director, Analytical Science & Technology, Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Varija Verma is Executive Director of Analytical Sciences & Technology at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, based in Boston, Massachusetts. At Vertex, Varija leads teams advancing analytical science across small molecules, protein therapeutics, oligonucleotides, cellular and genetic therapies, directly supporting the company's mission to deliver life-changing medicines for serious diseases and contributing directly to the commercialization of several transformative therapies.

She brings over two decades of biopharmaceutical experience, having held senior leadership roles at Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals, Bristol Myers Squibb, Selecta Biosciences, Nitto Denko Avecia, and Abbott Labs. Her career highlights include leading a multidisciplinary team responsible for analytical development, method validation, and control strategy development in support of pivotal clinical trials and commercial programs.

Varija has shaped analytical and CMC strategies and is particularly passionate about bridging scientific innovation and regulatory expectations, ensuring product quality, quality management, and sustaining knowledge management to accelerate access to life-changing medicines for patients. Her commitment to rigorous science and effective teamwork has helped her teams meet global excellence standards, achieve multiple regulatory approvals (BLA and NDA), and launch products to the market while delivering impactful results across diverse therapeutic modalities.

Varija earned her MS. in Analytical Chemistry from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, and an MS in Organic Chemistry from India.

MODERATOR:

Dorrian Fragola, Vice President, Business Development, Life Sciences, C&W Services

Dorrian Fragola is a seasoned leader with nearly 20 years of experience in life science facility services, currently serving as Vice President of Business Development for Life Sciences at C&W Services. Since joining the company in October 2024, Dorrian has spearheaded strategic growth initiatives, driving client acquisition and expanding market presence across the Life Sciences sector. Her deep-rooted connections in the New England region and prior leadership roles with organizations such as the Boston Business Journal and Janitronics Building Services underscore her expertise in strategic planning, corporate partnerships, and sales leadership. Dorrian is also a recognized industry contributor, actively serving on boards and committees for ISPE, BOMA Boston, MassEcon, and Building Impact, and has earned accolades including the BOMA Boston Affiliate Member of the Year. She is committed to lifelong learning and continuous improvement furthering her education and certifications in life sciences and facilities management. Her dynamic approach and commitment to excellence make her a trusted partner to clients and a driving force in the industry.