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.

Joseph Latella

Senior Regional Specialty Sales Manager | Astellas Pharma US

(Astellas) Joseph (Joe) is a passionate PAC Ambassador and an active student of health care policy. He is a member of the St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Foundation Board and brings a trusted perspective on the implications of evolving policies on physicians, patients and the hospital.

Terri Swanson, MA, PMP, LATG

(Pfizer) – In addition to her “day job,” Terri Swanson has been a leader in reaching out to schools and civic organizations to help build an understanding and awareness of the drug discovery and development process. With a group of colleagues at Pfizer’s Groton, CT, site, Terri created, “The Long Road to Drug Discovery,” an

Camille Lee

(Novo Nordisk) – This year, under Camille’s leadership, her company’s Cornerstones4Care diabetes program will send more than 3 million action alerts to patients, helping inform them of new treatment options – and helping build out our industry’s army of advocates.

Chris Leibman

Senior Vice President, Value and Access | Biogen

In addition to his role at Biogen, Chris and his team are an essential resource to the company’s Public Policy and Government Affairs (PPGA) team. Chris and his team developed Biogen’s Pricing and Access Principles, which is a guiding post for Biogen with a focus on the value to patients, society, innovation, value, and affordability

Dr. Kristen Hege, M.D.

(Celgene) – Dr. Hege has developed a comprenhensive, national strategy for policymaker education and engagement. Along with Celgene’s Corporate Affairs team, Hege has highlighted the research, development and innovation needed to ensure that patients have access to life-changing medicines.

Lori Madsen

(Sanofi US) – Lori was chosen in 2013 to serve as a champion for her region as part of a company and industry advocacy campaign. Lori has been a standout contributor by consistently mobilizing her peers and leadership to engage in a dialogue about the importance of our industry to patient-health and local economies.

Marilyn Mainardi

(Merck) As Merck’s national representative for the Merck Patient Assistance Program, Marilyn has been instrumental in supporting Merck’s core value of expanding access to medicines and vaccines. She embodies the underlying principles of the program by always remembering it is about ensuring patients have access to the medicines they need to improve their health and

Tony Major

Senior Software Engineer | Eli Lilly and Company

Tony has been a key figure in educating public policymakers on the process of innovation, the cost of R&D and the lost opportunities when not making investments in these areas. To translate this arduous work, he has helped develop an augmented reality program and sample presentations for policymakers. The presentation includes 3-D goggles that show

Jon Martin

Executive Director, Payer Marketing, US Hospital/Specialty | Merck

Jon plays an invaluable role in supporting Merck’s work on federal policy issues, providing content expertise on a wide variety of legislative and regulatory proposals. His extensive experience in a broad array of both therapeutic and program-level areas of Merck’s business contributes to the development of innovative, actionable solutions for an increasingly challenging policy environment

Carmela Mascio

(Cubist Pharmaceuticals) – Carmela Mascio is a leading ambassador for STEM education and community outreach. She is passionate about demystifying science for students through interactive, hands-on activities, as well as helping students understand various career opportunities in STEM-related fields.