Xilio Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: XLO) appointed Cheryl R. Blanchard to its board of directors, the clinical-stage biotechnology company announced. Christina Rossi stepped down from the board effective April 15, 2026.

Blanchard brings over 30 years of leadership experience in life sciences companies across biologics, small molecules and medical devices. She currently serves as executive chair of the board at Anika Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: ANIK), where she previously served as president and chief executive officer.

Prior to Anika, Blanchard served as president and CEO of Microchips Biotech Inc. until its acquisition by Daré Bioscience Inc., and as chief scientific officer at Zimmer Inc. She also established the medical device practice at Southwest Research Institute and served as an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

Blanchard currently serves on the boards of privately-held life science companies Lumicell Inc. and Surgicure Technologies Inc. She holds a bachelor's degree in ceramic engineering from Alfred University and master's and doctoral degrees in materials science and engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.

"Cheryl brings over three decades of leadership experience advancing the development of innovative products across biologics, small molecules and medical devices," said Sara Bonstein, chair of Xilio's board of directors.

Xilio Therapeutics develops masked immuno-oncology therapies designed to activate within tumor microenvironments. The company is based in Waltham, Massachusetts.