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.

Caroline Pavis

Director, Strategic Communications | Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson

Caroline has created and launched an industry-leading, first- and only-of-its-kind program for increasingly influential online patient health advocates. HealtheVoices, now in its third year, brings together online patient advocates for a weekend of learning, growing and mutual support.

Marie-Claire Peakman

Head Primary Pharmacology, Medicine Design, Worldwide Research & Development | Pfizer, Inc

Dr. Peakman proactively educates policymakers on the importance of the industry’s work. She represented Pfizer at the 2018 Connecticut Pharmaceutical Researchers’ Day at the Capitol and worked with the Pfizer Legislative Team to advocate before the Rhode Island legislature. Dr. Peakman serves on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut and

Jason Pelletier

(Sanofi) – In 2014 Jason brought his incredible energy to Sanofi’s Corporate Affairs department during a field-rotation program specifically working on employee civic action initiatives. His enthusiasm helped drive strong employee participation in company activations and voter education and registration events.

Jeff Perdue

Sr. Regional Director, Account Management, Cell Therapy | Bristol Myers Squibb

Outside of his role as a Senior Regional Director, Jeff frequently represents Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) at meetings and events with federal and state elected officials and with other key policymaker stakeholders. He is a passionate advocate for the patients the industry serves. He has been instrumental in getting his colleagues involved by recruiting new

Dr. Jim Baxter, Pharm.D., Ph.D.

(Boehringer Ingelheim) – Dr. Baxter actively supports the biopharmaceutical industry through advocacy with patients, business leaders and public officials. He shared the industry’s economic footprint with members of Congress and boosted coverage of PhRMA’s Research in Your Backyard initiative.

Dr. Jenny Colombo, Pharm.D.

(Takeda) – Dr. Colombo has demonstrated a great passion for community service within the workplace. She has most recently worked with the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry to coordinate the volunteer efforts of scientifically-trained Takeda employees to inspire children to continue their education in life sciences.

Dr. Mark Vaughan, Pharm.D.

(Pfizer Consumer Health) – Dr. Vaughan has gone beyond his role as a scientist to help his community through various healthcare related initiatives and academic-industrial partnerships, which include volunteering as a pharmacist in a local free-health clinic for the uninsured, traveling on a humanitarian trip to Honduras, and leading discussions on proper diets.

Nancy Bell, PharmD

(Pfizer) Dr. Bell works with insurers and large health care delivery systems to improve the quality of health care. Dr. Bell works extensively with the Iowa Pharmacy Association and her alma mater, Drake University, to shape the profession of pharmacy and relations with the pharmaceutical industry to improve health care in her state. She has

Dean Gianarkis, PharmD

(Pfizer) – Dean represents the biopharmaceutical industry within numerous community organizations, including patient advocacy groups, pharmacists and Federally Qualified Health Centers. He is a strong advocate for wellness and smoking cessation policy and works closely with NJ Breathes to that end.

Chris Reddick, PhD

(Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA) – Dr. Reddick is works to improve access to healthcare and medicines for patients living in extreme poverty in underdeveloped communities worldwide. In 2012, he started Healthcare Partners for Children, an organization that provides opportunities for healthcare professionals to directly impact the lives of patients and people in need beyond their daily