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.

Vanessa Adams

Associate Director, D&I | Novartis

Vanessa, in partnership with her colleague, Dr. Anderson, served as the U.S. D&I leads for the Employee Resource Group (ERG) Capitol Hill Fly-In. They worked to produce content, align with ERG associates for the opportunity and partnered with Public Affairs to execute the initiative. The Fly-in provided Novartis associates who participate in ERGs with an

Dr. Angela Anderson

U.S. Head of D&I, Strategy and Operations | Novartis

Dr. Anderson, in partnership with her colleague, Vanessa Adams, served as the U.S. D&I leads for the Employee Resource Group (ERG) Capitol Hill Fly-In. They worked to produce content, align with ERG associates for the opportunity and partnered with Public Affairs to execute the initiative. The Fly-in provided Novartis associates who participate in ERGs with

Dr. Chureen Carter, PharmD, MS

Vice President, Global Data, Platforms & Partnerships | Janssen (Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson)

Over the years, Dr. Chureen Carter has demonstrated her commitment to supporting and mentoring rising scientists. In her work building alliances that support evidence generation, Dr. Carter puts patients first, ensuring stakeholders understand the full value of the medicines they need. She has an exceptional ability to build bridges, whether with partners outside the organization

Dr. Gersham Dent

Senior Director in the Biomarker Center of Excellence, R&D | Biogen

In 2020, Dr. Dent was a key voice in discussing the importance of biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease with members of Congress. She participated in Capitol Hill briefings and attended multiple meetings with legislators to explain the issue. She is a powerful advocate for pioneering innovation and continues to be a trusted advisor and partner to

Kim Doggett

Head of Site Engagement | UCB

Kim is an individual who is committed to helping educate policymakers and stakeholders about the important and challenging work of developing new medicines for patients. She participates in several fly-ins and she’s UCB’s leading voice on the importance of diversity in clinical trials and is leading work to advance the company in this area. Her

Michael McDermott

President, Pfizer Global Supply | Pfizer

Michael leads Pfizer Global Supply (PGS), an organization of more than 26,000 global colleagues, who are responsible for manufacturing and global distribution of the Pfizer-BioNTech COIVD-19 vaccine. His leadership has been pivotal to the company’s efforts to enhance the COVID-19 vaccine production and distribution process. He has also taken the time to share Pfizer’s vaccine

Don Raineri, Pharm.D.

Vice President, Regulatory Affairs-U.S. and Global Head of Labeling & Regulatory Intelligence | Astellas

In the past year, Don has helped lead the company’s efforts to enhance diversity in clinical trials participation, including shepherding development of an implementation plan specific to PhRMA’s revised clinical trials principles. Don has also represented Astellas in discussions on the reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), working to encourage an efficient

David Riggs

Sr. Director | Eli Lilly and Company

David and his colleague, Caroline Rosewell, were the team leaders in the company’s efforts to set up monoclonal antibody infusion clinics across the state of Indiana. These clinics not only helped get the treatment out to at-risk patients across the state, but they also served as an important tutorial and “how to” for hospitals and

Caroline Rosewell

Sr. Director | Eli Lilly and Company

Caroline and her colleague, David Riggs, were the team leaders in the company’s efforts to set up monoclonal antibody infusion clinics across the state of Indiana. These clinics not only helped get the treatment out to at-risk patients across the state, but they also served as an important tutorial and “how to” for hospitals and

Sanofi Protein Sciences Team

Sanofi

The Sanofi Protein Sciences team is being recognized for their extensive engagement with federal and state legislators. When Connecticut Gov. Lamont was newly elected, the team hosted him and Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz at their Connecticut site to learn about the research and development on the COVID-19 vaccine and their flu vaccine innovative technology. Since that