Ashley Craddick is senior director of AAV manufacturing at Forge Biologics, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. As Forge’s first employee in 2020, she played a foundational role in building the company’s current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) operations and has been instrumental in scaling it into a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with over 400 employees. Craddick leads Forge’s downstream processing, manufacturing and fill-finish operations, overseeing multiple teams. Her leadership ensures operational excellence, regulatory compliance and the delivery of high-quality clinical and commercial material, supporting production for over 55 client programs developing therapies for genetic diseases. She played a key role in integrating Forge’s operations following its $620 million acquisition by Ajinomoto in 2023, one of the largest biotech deals in Ohio history.
With over 15 years of experience in cell and gene therapy, Craddick previously led the chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) department at Scout Bio and directed process development at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She has contributed multiple proprietary invention disclosures for novel AAV purification processes and had increasing leadership roles in GMP operations. Craddick has a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Urbana University and a Master of Business Administration in organizational leadership from Franklin University.
Known for her deep technical expertise, strategic insight and people-first mindset, Craddick has helped advance treatments for patients and transform Forge from a startup into an industry leader advancing gene therapies for clients and their patients worldwide. She is also dedicated to advancing STEM education and elevating women in biotech, with a leadership presence that extends across regional and national initiatives.