Meet our 2021 Employee Champions. We recognize individuals who strive to advance science and support innovation so that patients around the world can get the medicines and treatments they need. This year’s recipients have demonstrated commitment and resiliency that goes above and beyond expectations.

Travis Gregory

Associate Director, Corporate and Government Affairs IT | Biogen

Travis was instrumental in creating Biogen’s new employee engagement platform, Biogen Political. It was no small task – it required modifying multiple IT, HR, compliance, legal and other processes to build a website accessible to employees. Thanks to the site and Travis’ hard work, Biogen’s voice to members of Congress and state and local officials

Daniel Hoeppner

Associate Director of Neuroscience | Astellas Research Institute of America

Daniel’s peers recognize his knack for translating the complexity of today’s science to patients, colleagues and lawmakers. Over the past year, he has educated federal and state policymakers on the innovative ways that Astellas is advancing neuroscience. He’s participated in researcher “fly-ins” in DC and Sacramento and organized facility visits for legislative staff in San

John Hoffman

Head of Health Policy & Advocacy | Johnson & Johnson

As the Head of Health Policy and Advocacy, John works to protect patient access by collaborating with both advocacy groups and with the J&J Government Affairs and Policy team. The Brooks Group ADVOCATE report has recognized Mr. Hoffman and his colleagues as leaders of advocacy relations in the pharmaceutical industry.

Regina Holzbauer

Executive Director of Operations | Merck

Regina has played an instrumental role in helping Merck organize site visits at its Animal Health facility in Millsboro for federal and state legislators, the USDA Deputy Secretary and local high school students with an interest in science and agriculture. She is an incredibly collaborative partner who brings a high level of focus and rigor

Andy Hull

(Takeda Pharmaceuticals International) – Andy believes in the importance of providing educational opportunities for students to become future leaders in the industry and worked to support the EDUCATE Center, providing industry-led science and math programs for middle and high school teachers and students.

Brian Johns

Vice President, DPU Head HIV, R&D Infectious Disease | GlaxoSmithKline

Brian leads a team at GSK that is collaborating in research with UNC-Chapel Hill HIV Cure Center with the focus of finding a cure for HIV instead of just treating the disease. In addition to his WWFH Champion Award, Brian was also honored as “Tar Heel of the Week” in October 2016 by the Raleigh

Jennifer Jorgenson

Senior Hematology/Oncology Consultant | Celgene

Jennifer created and launched an “Ambassador Captain” program, identifying and partnering with a colleague in each of 40 sales districts throughout the country. These captains work directly with Jennifer, and in coordination with the Government Relations team, to facilitate grassroots outreach among their teams to elected officials on key policy issues at the state and

Allyson Kayton

(Ikaria) – Allyson is a leading advocate for Ikaria and neonatal patients across the country. Through her work with the FL Assoc. of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners and the National Assoc. of Neonatal Nurses and Nurse Practitioners, Ally ensures that the voices of our nation’s vulnerable critical care patients are heard by policymakers in Florida and

Gregg Lanez

Senior Patient Support Specialist | Celgene

In his day-to-day role, Gregg helps patients navigate their insurance benefits, understand their options for assistance, and ultimately ensure that they get the medicines they need. Gregg sees firsthand the impact that public policy can have on a patient’s ability to access life-changing and life-saving medicines. He is a regular attendee at Celgene’s Annual Legislative

Colleen Lange

(Merck) – Colleen Lange has been instrumental in helping Merck organize facility site visits for federal legislators over the past year. Hosting Members of Congress at facilities across the county is one of the most important ways to demonstrate the value of our industry in particular states, and to showcase our highly technical – and