Dana Opas

About Dana Opas

Over 10 years of experience leading cross-functional teams in biotech, biopharma, and provider organizations. Proven track record in developing and executing measurable program management initiatives in clinical development and commercial operations, driving strategic priorities and operational efficiencies. Expertise in collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, CROs, and senior management, to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and enhance program outcomes through effective oversight and communication.

Experience

1. Director, Clinical Program Management

   Vaxart, Inc.

   Apr 2022 — Present

   Leading project management and operational strategy for an oral vaccine pipeline across clinical operations, R&D, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing. Providing strategic leadership in executing clinical trials from Phase 1 to Phase 2b, overseeing contract management, CRO/study vendor coordination, and data readout processes to mitigate risks and ensure timely project success- Designed and executed PM-driven process improvement initiative that enhanced project management practices for a team of 15 managers, directors, and VPs. This initiative introduced new meeting structures, integrated timelines, and advanced scenario planning and decision models to improve risk management and efficiency-Developed and implemented a comprehensive clinical budget process across Vaxart\'s finance, clinical operations, and analytics vendors, incorporating standardized, auditable trackers to effectively monitor budgets and expenditures for active clinical studies while proactively identifying financial risks-Program Management Lead for BARDA\'s half-billion-dollar RRPV-24-04-NGVx-003 Project Next Generation Contract: Primary liaison for government leads and contract teams, coordinating internal program teams for strategic alignment, deliverable management, and the execution of a COVID Phase 2B trial-Program Lead for Gates Foundation Grant Phase 1 Norovirus trial in South Africa: Joined the study mid-regulatory workstream, successfully navigating multiple SAHPRA and EC submissions. Implemented an effective enrollment strategy with the CRO, managing risks and enrolling all subjects ahead of organizational goals

Education

• Brandeis University

  BA, Forensic Psychology, Health Policy

  2007 — 2010

• The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

  International Master in Public Health, Health Policy Analysis, Organizational Theories and Management, Research Methods

  2014 — 2015

• Danish Institute of Study Abroad

  Health Policy Analysis and Immigration Studies

  2009 — 2009

Skills

• Nonprofits
• Event Planning
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Editing
• Spss
• Program Development
• Public Health
• Teamwork
• Teaching
• Qualitative Research
• Community Outreach
• Healthcare
• Program Evaluation
• Public Speaking
• Sql
• Organizational Leadership
• Business Strategy
• Gis Application
• Research
• Data Analysis
• Program Management
• Policy
• Volunteer Management