Frances Kilgallen McNierney, MBA, PMP, is the multifaceted and dynamic associate director of business strategy and planning at Moderna Inc. based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Her diverse academic and occupational background has shaped her into a strategic thinker and a leader in her field. Well qualified and prepared, Ms. McNierney earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts Lowell Robert J. Manning School of Business in 2020 and holds a Bachelor of Science in conservation biology from St. Lawrence University, where she also participated in the Kenya Semester Program in 2012. Her academic journey began at The Island School in 2007 and continued at Lawrence Academy in 2010.
Ms. McNierney has a deep commitment to continuous learning and professional development. She earned a Lean Six Sigma green belt certification through the Greater Boston Manufacturing Partnership, also known as GBMP, and the Northeast Lean Conference in 2024; and she holds a project management professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute, obtained in 2022. Her dedication to professional growth is evident in her varied path, which spans roles in strategy, business planning, and product management across life sciences and medical affairs.
Ms. McNierney’s professional trajectory is marked by progressive leadership roles. She joined Moderna in 2022 as a senior manager in medical affairs, strategy, and business planning and was promoted to her current role as associate director in 2023. Before her time at Moderna, she worked at FluidEdge Life Sciences in several capacities, from consultant to senior manager II, between 2019 and 2022. Her time at MilliporeSigma, a leading life sciences company, included the roles of marketing operations manager and global associate product manager, through which she honed her skills in product management and marketing strategy.
One of Ms. McNierney’s most notable achievements is her successful leadership in product buying, extension, and launch initiatives— showcasing her invaluable ability to think cross-functionally and strategically. The depth of her knowledge in strategy development and execution, along with her skill in creating project visions and developing annual strategic plans, has been critical in meeting objectives and driving success. She brings a unique perspective to her work, leveraging her experience in execution and metric development to guide the annual strategic planning processes within Moderna’s medical department.
Ms. McNierney credits her success to her determination, diligence, and understanding of cause and effect. This mindset enables her to think beyond linear processes and instead map out connections and interrelationships, an approach that has proven crucial for understanding the broader implications of decisions in project management and strategic planning. She recognizes the significance of collaboration, believing that working closely with peers and mentors is essential for overcoming challenges and fostering continuous learning. Her professional insights are further influenced by her upbringing in a household rich in intellectual diversity. Ms. McNierney’s father, with a background in organic chemistry and Old English, and her mother, a psychology enthusiast, created an environment that nurtured both scientific and humanistic perspectives. This early exposure to varied fields shaped her comprehensive approach to problem-solving and strategy in her professional life.
In addition to her achievements, Ms. McNierney is involved in civic activities and has a passion for lifelong learning. In her community, she contributes to the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, and she continues to be a Project Management Institute member. Her creative endeavors include her contribution to the “Quality Tolerance Limits Framework for Successful Implementation and Clinical Development” in 2021. Also, possessing an adventurous spirit, one of her significant personal achievements includes summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in 2012 during a six-month study program in Kenya, where she also worked at a sea turtle rehabilitation center. Through this experience and her academic and professional pursuits, she has become a versatile individual who treasures intellectual advancement and personal exploration.
Pondering the future, Ms. McNierney aims to continue her impact in the business and strategic planning sectors by enabling Moderna’s Department of Medical Affairs to fulfill its mission. She is focused on expanding her positive influence on others and deepening her expertise through collaborative learning. Her goals include increasing her contributions to all the organizations she is involved in, sharing her knowledge, and gaining new insights to enhance her leadership and strategic capabilities.
Reflecting on her career, Ms. McNierney finds value in lessons learned about organizational behavior, change management, and the importance of engaging people in the process of driving change. She believes that successful implementation is not just about modifying processes but also about guiding people through transitions. This understanding has been fundamental to her approach to leading teams and executing strategic initiatives.
Emphasizing her growth and development as she moves forward, Ms. McNierney acknowledges the significance of balancing ambition with patience. She encourages individuals to adopt this practice as they progress toward success. Her own experience has been bolstered by continuous learning, adaptability, and strategic foresight—qualities that have defined her career and will undoubtedly influence her future contributions to the field.
