Kelle H. Moley, MD, has been named Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of March of Dimes, it was announced today. In her new position, Dr. Moley is responsible for the strategic direction and oversight of March of Dimes research. This portfolio includes the international network of six March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centers, which are seeking to find the unknown causes of preterm birth and new ways to prevent it.
"We are thrilled to have Dr. Moley join the leadership of March of Dimes. Her background and expertise in women's health and reproduction are exactly what our organization is looking for to advance our research, grow our knowledge, and improve the health of all moms and babies," says Stacey D. Stewart, president of the March of Dimes.
"It is a great honor to be joining March of Dimes. Their approach to research is innovative and the science is making tremendous strides. I am proud to spearhead these efforts and join this organization that is leading the fight for maternal and infant health," says Dr. Moley.
Until recently, Dr. Moley was the James P. Crane Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and vice chair and chief of the Division of Basic Science Research in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She was also a professor of cell biology and physiology.
Dr. Moley's particular research interest is maternal obesity and diabetes before and during pregnancy and the long term effects on infant health. She is the principal investigator on several National Institutes of Health grants exploring aspects of reproductive biology and risk.
A native of Connecticut, Dr. Moley earned her B.A. from Wellesley College, her medical degree from Yale University, and completed her residency in OB-GYN, as well as a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and Infertility, at Washington University School of Medicine. She is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and was elected a member of the National Academy of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine) in 2014. She is a past president of the Society for Reproductive Investigation.
She resides in St. Louis, Missouri with her three adult sons, Patrick, Charles and John.