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.

Norris Turner Jr., PharmD, PhD

Therapeutic Area Director, Healthcare Quality Systems, Strategic Customer Group | Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson

(Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson) Norris helps develop and drive programs aimed at elevating the standard of care for those with serious mental illness. Through legislative advocacy and community outreach, he champions policy solutions and population health management strategies that support earlier treatment interventions and enhanced collaboration between the mental health and criminal

Robert Kernstock, PhD

(Astellas Pharma US) – Dr. Kernstock is a member of Astellas’ Science WoRx steering committee that focuses on fostering science education at the elementary and high school grade levels. As part of the program, he has helped many high school students on projects in the STEM lab, including one to identify potential biomarkers for Alzheimer’s

Keya Pitts

Executive Director, Pharmacovigilance and Clinical Quality Assurance | Astellas Pharma US

Over the past several years, Keya has been a passionate volunteer in iBio Institute’s Stellar Girls program. As part of these efforts, she has mentored and coached girls (grades 3-8) in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, helping to diversify the STEM talent pipeline. Keya also has inspired young women and minorities to

Adam Price

Vice President of Legal operations, Employment & Transactions | Boehringer Ingelheim

Adam works with BI’s state lobbyists to educate state legislators on employment and data privacy issues, such as paid family and medical leave and harassment, as well as BI’s current policies and procedures. Through his work, legislators have the knowledge to make informed decisions about employment-related legislation. In addition, Adam provided BI’s unique perspective on

Paul Richardson

Director, Oncology Medicinal Chemistry Group | Pfizer Inc

Paul is a special type of researcher who can translate scientific concepts into themes and messages that resonate with non-scientists. He communicates the value of the critical work of pharmaceutical research in understandable, impactful ways to key elected officials, advocates and the public visiting Pfizer’s La Jolla, California site for many years now. Additionally, he

Michele Schmidt, RN

Executive Director, Global Project Leadership | Celgene

(Celgene Corporation) As a “Celgene Ambassador,” Michele has been a tremendous partner to the Government Relations teams in helping them understand and communicate Celgene’s clinical trials footprint to legislators across the United States. She helped create the first Celgene State Fact Sheets to demonstrate Celgene’s presence in states across the country – an important tool

Catherine Roman

(Astellas) – Catherine selflessly volunteers her time and energies as a PAC ambassador to educate her peers on the value of supporting Astellas’ government affairs initiatives. She has also volunteered in Massachusetts state politics for 10 years and is currently an elected official in her hometown.

Michael Devine, RPh

(GlaxoSmithKline) – Michael “Andy” Devine serves as a great role model on service to patients, to the industry and to the political process. A trained pharmacist, Andy dispenses the right messages to colleagues, senior management and elected officials alike, helping to create an environment where his colleagues and our industry can continue to succeed.

Dr. Janelle Sabo

Sr. Director, Clinical Systems and Supply Plan | Eli Lilly and Company

Dr. Janelle A. Sabo currently leads clinical systems, supply and innovation within the Clinical Design, Delivery, and Analytics division, enabling clinical development from early discovery through commercialization. She helped develop Indiana’s largest COVID-19 reference lab and the state’s largest drive through testing facility. Along with Chris Otto, she assisted in building a lab design strategy

Michele Sharr

Director and Program Lead for Cell Therapy Specialists in Clinical R&D Management | Bristol-Myers Squibb (Previously Celgene Corporation)

As a PAC Ambassador, Michele recruited dozens of new Ambassadors and PAC Members, including the research & development team and CAR T team. She is also a strong advocate for the industry within the New Jersey life-science and business community, and consistently represented her company at countless events with elected officials and key leaders throughout