Women Aware recently announced the appointment of Rachel Carnes as a member of its Board of Trustees. Ms. Carnes is Senior Vice President, Global Product Strategy for Ionis Pharmaceuticals. A member of Ionis’ Leadership Team, she is committed to supporting the commercialization of Ionis pipeline products, ensuring that pioneering therapies are developed, commercialized and made readily accessible to the patients who need them worldwide.
Ms. Carnes’ 20+ years of diverse experience in the pharmaceutical industry includes sales and sales training, as well as global and US marketing. Prior to being recruited by Ionis, Ms. Carnes enjoyed a successful career with Celgene Corporation that was acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb in 2019. Her most recent role at that time was Vice President, Early Commercial, Global Hematology Marketing.
“Rachel has a long track record in advancing opportunities for women,” said Women Aware Board of Trustees President Diane Palmer. “She recognizes that access to resources are critical to victim-survivors’ ability to break down the barriers that stand between them and a brighter, self-sufficient future. We welcome the experience and strategic thinking she brings to the board at Women Aware.”
Ms. Carnes earned a Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia and attended the University of Virginia Darden School of Business Executive Finance Program. An active member of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, she served on the steering committee which developed the Career Transformations Initiative. Ms. Carnes also served as a guest lecturer for Rutgers University’s Communicating Science course.
“My decision to join the Board of Trustees of Women Aware stems from a deep belief in the importance of empowerment, advocacy and access to resources,” explained Ms. Carnes. “I am committed to helping women reclaim their futures and to raising awareness about the services available—so that those suffering in silence, or those close to someone in need, can find a path to safety and support.”
