Ashley Johns, Co-Founder and CEO
Ashley Johns is a distinguished leader in the cell and gene therapy sector, renowned for her strategic vision, detailed-oriented approach, and extensive experience in both cellular and gene therapies. As the co-founder and CEO of MasKidney, Ashley is spearheading the company’s mission to revolutionize the treatment of monogenetic kidney diseases through innovative gene therapy solutions.
Ashley earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Management and Leadership from George Washington University, a credential that complements her extensive experience and strategic vision in the biotechnology sector. Her educational background has provided a solid foundation for her leadership roles and her ability to navigate the complex landscape of clinical and corporate development.
Throughout her career, Ashley has played an integral role in the establishment and scaling of two successful cellular therapy companies within the renal space: RegenMedTX and inRegen. Her expertise spans numerous facets of the biotechnology industry, including fundraising, public markets transitions, clinical and business development, and regulatory strategy. Notably, her contributions were instrumental at ProKidney Corporation, which became a publicly-listed company through a SPAC merger that included a successful $575 million PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equity) financing, among the largest-ever in biotech.
With a keen focus on operations, Ashley has excelled in designing and implementing advanced clinical development strategies for cell and gene therapies. She has been a clinical subject matter expert, guiding regulatory designations such as Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT), Orphan Drug, and Fast Track. Her work includes the comprehensive design and development of protocols for an autologous cell therapy product, guiding it from pre-clinical development through multiple Phase 2 studies and the launch of a Phase 3 program.
Tracie Moreau, Co-Founder and CFO
With over 30 years of experience across diverse industries, Tracie Moreau is a distinguished Finance and Accounting professional known for her entrepreneurial spirit and strategic acumen. As the Chief Financial Officer at MasKidney, Inc., Tracie brings a wealth of expertise in managing financial operations, developing strategies, and setting goals to ensure organizational success.
Tracie’s extensive background spans insurance procurement, human resources, payroll, tax preparation, and financial statement preparation. Her leadership is marked by her ability to oversee day-to-day operations while crafting long-term strategies that drive growth and stability.
In her role as CFO at KeraNetics, LLC, Tracie has demonstrated her proficiency in managing all aspects of accounting and tax matters, supervising accounting personnel, and coordinating with the executive team to establish strategic objectives. She has also played a crucial role in investor relations, cap table management, and board reporting. Her contributions to KeraNetics include leading financial planning, cash flow analysis, and guiding the company through significant mergers and transitions.
Prior to KeraNetics, Tracie served as Contract CFO at RegenMedTX, where she was instrumental in establishing the accounting system and supporting the company’s growth and acquisition efforts. Her earlier experience as the President of her own CPA firm equipped her with comprehensive skills in managing a broad range of accounting functions and client relations.
Tracie holds an MBA from Appalachian State University and a BA in Business and Accounting from High Point College. She is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in North Carolina and a Sarbanes-Oxley Certified Professional. Her diverse experience and dedication make her a valuable asset to MasKidney, where she continues to drive financial excellence and support the company’s mission.
Todd Buck, Co-Founder and General Counsel
Todd Buck is a results-driven and entrepreneurial life sciences attorney with more than two decades of experience advising a diverse range of clients, from startups to multi-billion-dollar global companies in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, cell and gene therapy, and medical device sectors. Known for his extensive and varied expertise, Todd excels in guiding companies through complex legal landscapes, including due diligence, patent portfolio development, product lifecycle management, and FDA counseling.
Todd’s career spans counseling and managing high-stakes legal matters such as merger and acquisition agreements, clinical trial agreements, joint-development agreements, and other critical third-party transactions. He is adept at negotiating and drafting intricate contracts, and his creative problem-solving skills, combined with his outstanding communication and presentation abilities, enable him to deliver effective and innovative solutions.
In his role, Todd has served as de facto Chief IP Counsel and General Counsel for numerous startup and smaller clients, working closely with CEOs, Boards, and R&D teams to craft robust IP strategies and compliance policies. His experience includes extensive patent procurement, managing complex biotech and pharmaceutical applications, and overseeing large patent portfolios with international dimensions.
Todd’s expertise extends to diligence and competitive intelligence, where he has conducted thorough evaluations for financing and acquisition transactions, assessed patent and regulatory exclusivity, and provided strategic guidance on Freedom to Operate and complex dispute strategies. His substantial litigation experience includes leading trial counsel roles in Federal District Court and USPTO inter partes disputes.
Holding a Juris Doctor from The George Washington School of Law and a Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Georgia, Todd is also a member of various legal and professional affiliations, including the Virginia State Bar, the District of Columbia Bar, and the American Intellectual Property Law Association. His commitment to advancing legal strategies in the life sciences sector and his collaborative, client-focused approach makes him a pivotal asset to MasKidney, Inc.