WIB National Leadership
WIB National Board of Directors
WIB National Staff
Elle Carne
Director of Operations
Elle Carne is happy to be an operational generalist with experience in progressive organizational leadership specializing in team and policy change management, project management, and organizational growth. In her previous role as Director of Operational Strategy & Effectiveness at Mundo Verde Public Charter School, she operated in the capacity of the organization’s Chief Operating Officer, leading a diverse team with a focus on sustainability, equity, team development, and efficiency. She has managed various DC charter school and national higher education construction projects totaling over $75M, as well as provided organizational strategic advisory services. Elle holds a BA in history and a master’s in public administration, both from the University of Washington. She serves on the Finance Committee for Two Rivers Public Charter School and the Advisory Council for DC Scores. She is an avid traveler, scuba diver, and Peloton user and enjoys mentoring youth through sports.
Reach out to Elle for questions about executive leadership, contracts, and partnerships.
Tawnya Durbin
Senior Finance and Accounting Manager
Tawnya Durbin is a Certified Public Accountant with over 30 years of accounting experience in the non-profit sector. In her previous roles she worked at Monongahela Valley Hospital as the Director of Corporate Accounting managing all aspects of accounting and budgeting for the parent company and subsidiary organizations including physician practices, medical supply company, fitness center, and an assisted living facility. She has also worked at Family Behavioral Resources as the Controller and The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh as the Director of Finance. She is a graduate of University of Pittsburgh with a BS in accounting. She likes to spend her time with her Labradoodle and husband.
You can contact Tawnya for any questions regarding accounting, budgets, and other finance related items.
Gina Ford, DPh, MBA
Executive Director
Gina Ford is a highly experienced professional with 20 years of expertise in life sciences, biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles in Corporate Strategy, Commercial, Portfolio Management, Business Development and Patient Advocacy.
As the principal of One Joule, LLC, a corporate strategy consulting firm she founded, Gina provides strategic advice to life science clients on various aspects of their business, including company formation, corporate strategy, fundraising, dealmaking, and US commercial and globalization strategies. In her recent Executive and C-Suite roles at OncoSynergy, NephroSant, and Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Gina was responsible for Corporate Strategy, Corporate Development and Commercial Planning where she helped drive growth and development for these companies.
Gina is a Doctor of Pharmacy with an MBA. She is an accomplished start-up and growth phase expert, sought after for her successful fundraising experience at all levels. Early in her career, Gina was the executive director for the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacist. Her long-term focus on patient advocacy highlights her commitment to the life science industry’s core mission of improving patient outcomes through innovative therapies and treatments. Gina’s previous industry leadership roles include AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Ipsen Pharmaceuticals, Solstice Neurosciences, and Elan Pharmaceuticals.
Tamara Kilgore
Senior Program Manager
Tamara is the Senior Program Manager of Executive Women In Bio (EWIB) and Young Women In Bio (YWIB). In her role, Tamara is responsible for coordinating national programming and administration of the EWIB and YWIB programs. She works together with staff and volunteers to ensure that WIB’s mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning, and community outreach. Tamara has more than 15 years of event planning, marketing communications, and fundraising experience.
Reach out to Tamara with questions about the EWIB and YWIB programs.
Carrie Palsson
Membership & Volunteer Engagement Manager
Carrie Palsson is a professional educator who enjoys working with people of all ages as a teacher and mentor. Her role at Women In Bio is tailor-made for her experience and passion—she loves connecting all of our volunteers with the resources they need to be successful as they drive our mission forward. Carrie has a BA in secondary English education and a master’s in strategic leadership with an emphasis on volunteer management. Carrie managed over 300 volunteers as Regional Coordinator for MOMS Club, providing oversight and guidance to a diverse membership group. She is also a long-time PTA volunteer at the local, county, and state levels. These two roles have given her a deep understanding of the non-profit realm, including successful tactics for driving membership and attaining and retaining volunteers. In her spare time, Carrie is a proud Girl Scout Leader, not only working with her own troop but training new leaders in Girl Scout best practices to allow girls to thrive in the 21st century. She is also a 4-H leader, award-winning baker, avid reader, and occasional writer.
Reach out to Carrie if you need training for yourself or another chapter volunteer. She can also help you find resources and answer policy and procedure questions. If she doesn’t know the answer, she will connect you with the person who does.
Florencia Rago, MBA
Senior Communications & Marketing Manager
Florencia Rago is a nonprofit marketing and branding professional with experience across various health-focused organizations. In her previous roles, she’s managed large fundraising campaigns, worked with corporate sponsors and partners, website development teams, and volunteer cohorts. She is currently working on her Masters of Business Administration (MBA) at The University of Houston (graduating December 2023) and spends her time cooking, working as a freelance website designer, and spending time with family (including her two dogs!).
You can contact Flor for any questions regarding our marketing and communications, website, social media, and marketing collateral.
Amy Rockwood
Communications & Marketing Coordinator
Amy is a project management professional with a background in marketing production, page layout, and copy editing which has helped to prepare her for the details and many moving parts of Women In Bio. As a former Print Production Manager in the marketing department of a global teen retailer, she’s comfortable with changing deadlines and priorities and precise communications. She has a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Syracuse University and enjoys reading, NYT crosswords, walking, and pickleball.
Reach out to Amy if you need help with event processing, chapter newsletter content, bulk emails, or chapter webpage edits.
Women In Bio Team Values
Commitment to Inclusion
We value thoughtful opinions and work together for our mutual success with authenticity, respect, and integrity. We uplift our unique experiences, skills, and values.
Empower Connections
We foster a diverse and inclusive environment that builds a network for our staff, volunteers, members, and supporters. A diverse community makes us stronger.
Value Resourcefulness
We have the resources to support those who want to help us engage, educate, and empower all women in life sciences. We embrace creativity and curiosity.
Work With Passion
We strive for high-quality work that impacts our community and builds trust through open communication, kindness, and following through. We are deeply committed to the mission and each other.