2024 Employee Champions

Mike is a leader in Amgen’s Black Employee Resource Group. He partners with community-based organizations to advance public health priorities and is actively involved with the Congressional Black Caucus. He regularly attends CBC events and champions Amgen's work to build partnerships with influential policymakers. Additionally, he is a tireless advocate for elevating colleagues within Amgen who advance health equity.

Liv has raised the profile of women’s health at midlife, highlighting the importance of menopause awareness and access to care. To achieve this, she’s engaged with advocacy groups, developed educational materials and has advocated for meaningful policy changes in Congress and state legislatures.

Shaun partners with Biogen’s Public Policy & Government Affairs team on legislative advocacy and community engagement. She has helped host several congressional and state policymakers at Biogen’s North Carolina site and participated in a fly-in event in Washington, DC.

As the former BMS San Diego site lead, Neil conducted campus point facility tours with members of Congress. He also participated in discussions on IP rights, reinvestment and drug pricing.

Ram educates Genmab's government affairs team about how patients have to navigate obstacles from health plans, hospitals, pharmacies and more. Her understanding of the health care market and the patient experience helps Genmab determine its policy priorities.

Jim closely worked with the Gilead federal government affairs team to engage federal lawmakers and regulatory officials, highlighting concerns over a recent policy that was exacerbating shortages in R&D resources. He was able to resolve the issue so Gilead could continue its important work. His efforts drew attention from national lawmakers, highlighting the impact supply chain issues can have on drug development in the United States.

John is an expert on the 340B program. He brings together a unique and highly valuable set of expertise and common-sense approach to how we approach the 340B Drug Discount Program. At the same time, he navigates the complex policies as they exist today, with an eye toward  potential changes that could improve the program moving forward.

Pearl has long been an advocate in the mental health space, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
She has also taken a hands-on approach to supporting underserved populations and walked alongside street medicine physicians on Skid Row in Los Angeles, and her work has fostered compassion and understanding in the community.

In the past year, Dr. Vachal spoke with 30 congressional offices about Merck's pioneering work on engineered cyclic peptides. Using 3D printed models, he demonstrated the complex chemistry and unique potential of these molecules, which have the potential to revolutionize clinical outcomes and patient access.

Ian collaborates with the Novartis US Public Affairs team, allowing the company to demonstrate its work and commitment to advancing unmet medical needs for patients across the globe. Ian and his team have met with key members of state legislatures across the United States.

Megan has actively engaged with Pfizer’s US Policy & Government Relations colleagues to help educate congressional staffers on Pfizer’s oncology vision and strategy. Additionally, she serves as a member of Pfizer’s Political Contributions Policy Committee.

Jeff is a leader in the rheumatology community. He is also a fierce advocate for patient awareness and rights. He was instrumental in creating the HS Coalition, which helps enhance awareness and diagnosis of this chronic inflammatory skin condition.