Kelly Esperias Appointed as NORD's New Chief Strategy Officer to Enhance Rare Disease Advocacy
Introduction
In an exciting development for the rare disease community, Kelly Esperias has been appointed as the Chief Strategy & Operations Officer of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). With her wealth of experience in corporate operations and a commitment to advocacy, Esperias aims to drive the organization toward enhancing the lives of individuals affected by rare diseases.
Professional Background
Esperias brings a rich background to NORD, one marked by significant roles in both management and community service. Prior to joining NORD, she served as the Chief Financial Operating Officer at the Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) in California. Here, she demonstrated a strong aptitude for managing complex operational functions and developing effective corporate partnerships. Esperias' previous positions have equipped her with a multifaceted understanding of areas including marketing, finance, and human resources, all of which she plans to leverage in her new role.
NORD's Mission and Esperias' Vision
Founded in 1983, NORD is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the advocacy of individuals affected by rare diseases. With over 40 years of history, NORD has established strong networks of support, encompassing over 350 patient advocacy organizations. Esperias expressed her honor in joining an organization that stands as a beacon of hope for the rare disease community. She stated, "Together with the incredible team at NORD, I look forward to advancing NORD's mission to ensure that individuals and families affected by rare diseases have access to the care, resources, and support they need." Esperias' primary role at NORD will encompass shaping and implementing strategic plans while overseeing operational functions crucial to the organization's mission.
Strategic Growth and Innovation
Pamela Gavin, NORD’s CEO, praised Esperias' leadership experience in operations and biotechnology, noting that her expertise would be invaluable in driving NORD's growth and innovation. Esperias will oversee key departments such as finance, information technology, and marketing among others, ensuring that NORD remains at the forefront of advocacy and support for rare disease patients.
Career Achievements
Esperias' career began with Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), a move that provided her with significant experience managing large-scale operations. During her time with AEG, she handled merchandise operations for sports teams, managing a workforce of 300. This hands-on experience in operational management laid a solid foundation for her future roles.
In her later role as Director of Marketing and Communications at Servite Catholic High School, she spearheaded enrollment initiatives and major fundraising campaigns, significantly boosting the school's financial resources for growth and development.
At KGI, Esperias not only exceeded fundraising goals but also contributed to the development of new academic programs focused on biotechnology and genomic data analytics, demonstrating her commitment to education and innovation within the health sector.
Educational Credentials
Esperias holds an EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California and an MBA from the University of La Verne. Moreover, she completed specialized training in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Notre Dame and Advancement Leadership from Harvard University, equipping her with a strong skill set tailored for her upcoming responsibilities.
Conclusion
Kelly Esperias' appointment as NORD's Chief Strategy & Operations Officer marks a significant step forward for the organization as it continues to advocate for the needs of the rare disease community. By harnessing her extensive operations background and her passion for advocacy, Esperias is set to enhance NORD's mission of improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by rare diseases. With her leadership, NORD can look forward to a new era of growth and impactful outreach.