Paula O'Neill

Paula currently works as the Legal/Regulatory Operations Lead at Spark Therapeutics in Philadelphia, PA. Spark is a fully integrated, commercial company committed to discovering , developing and delivering gene therapies, Spark challenges the inevitability of genetic diseases, including blindness, hemophilia, lysosomal storage disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. She is an experienced professional with expertise in operations management, strategic solutions, contract management and event operations. Credited with creating several high-profile teams, solutions for high profile projects and exemplary project management skills. Noted as a team leader dedicated to developing self and others for success. Paulais inspired and proud to work for an industry that brings such great value to society. She says, “Having the opportunity to help patients every day is why I joined the pharmaceutical industry more than 20 years ago. Paula remembers telling people, "I save lives every day.” She brings that energy and enthusiasm to work every day and encourages others to do the same. During her tenure in the industry, Paula has worked in various areas of responsibility including Legal and Regulatory, Commercial Operations, Operations Planning, Material Management, Communications, Marketing, Strategic Product Planning, International Medicines, Diagnostics, Business Development, Virology and Contract Management. Paula created and maintained the first instant award program at Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) - Spot Awards. Shae also created and managed the year round volunteer program at BMS entitled “Helping Hands”. The program continues to provide volunteers throughout the U.S. to help their surrounding communities. Paula was a Millhill Child & Family Development Center Foundation Board member from 2006 - 2018. Paula also served on the executive leadership team of the American Heart Association (AHA) of Mercer County from 2005 - 2012, received several awards (2010 Executive Challenge award NJ, 1st recipient of the AHA Grasso Award and was named the AHA’s Volunteer of the Year in 2006). In 2010, Paula was awarded the Top Fundraiser Award for the Arthritis Walk of Mercer County. In 2009 she was awarded Bristol-Myers Squibb was awarded Company of the year by the NJ American Red Cross, by increasing donations by more than 40%.