Seasoned entrepreneur and biotech executive, Christy Shaffer, Ph.D. has over 20 years in the life science industry. Joining Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in 1995 as the first, full-time employee, Dr. Shaffer built a company that successfully went public in 2000 (NASDAQ: ISPH) with annual revenues of over $100 million. Under her leadership, Inspire developed a dynamic and vibrant corporate culture resulting in several top awards such as “Best Place to Work for Scientists”, “Best Place to Work in North”, “Best Place to Work in RTP”. She retired from Inspire in 2010 after 15 years of service and is currently serving as a consultant to the new CEO.

She has served on numerous boards including the NC Biotechnology Center, NC BIO, national BIO, the Biotechnology Institute and PhRMA. She currently serves on multiple non-profit boards including the Carolina’s Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (Chair), the foundation board of the NC Museum of Art, the advisory board for the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, the Drug Discovery Center for Innovation and the foundation board for the NC School of Science and Mathematics (Chair-Elect).

Dr. Shaffer continues to have a passion for promoting and enhancing science education, particularly for young women, and building new and innovative life science/biotech companies.