Cheryl R. Blanchard, Ph.D., became the President and CEO of Anika Therapeutics in April 2020, stepping up from her role as interim CEO just two months earlier. Her journey at Anika began in 2018 when she joined the Board of...

Cheryl R. Blanchard, Ph.D., became the President and CEO of Anika Therapeutics in April 2020, stepping up from her role as interim CEO just two months earlier. Her journey at Anika began in 2018 when she joined the Board of Directors. Before Anika, Dr. Blanchard led Microchips Biotech, a company focused on regenerative medicine, until it was sold. She also held high-level positions at Zimmer Biologics, where she managed a team that created a successful regenerative medicine business worth over $100 million. Dr. Blanchard’s educational background is strong: she earned her Ph.D. and M.S. in Materials Science from the University of Texas at Austin and her B.S. in Ceramic Engineering from Alfred University. She has served on several boards, including Vigil Neuroscience and Daré Bioscience, reflecting her expertise in medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Her leadership philosophy aligns with Anika’s mission of improving patient outcomes, making her a key player in their innovative development. Notably, her total compensation in 2020 was around $984,000, illustrating her role's significance in guiding the company towards growth and success.