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.
Commercial Lead for Digital Therapeutics | Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.
With years of experience in both pharmaceuticals and digital medicine, Rohit is driving Otsuka’s launch strategy to bring prescription digital therapeutics to patients suffering from serious mental illness. His work has propelled Otsuka as a driver of legislation around creating a benefit category and reimbursement paradigm for PDTs.
Director of U.S. Pricing Analytics | Merck
A self-described “number monkey,” Doug’s work in data modeling has been an essential component of Merck’s legislative strategy. Doug is committed to ensuring the government affairs team is always equipped with data to guide and advance their advocacy efforts. His recent work on drug pricing reform echoes his ability to supply complex guidance in a
Associate Clinical Scientist | Bristol Myers Squibb
As a specialist in cell therapy, Victoria has played a vital role in engaging policymakers at every level of government including state and federal “fly-ins” hosted by PhRMA. BMS’s Policy, Government Affairs, and Advocacy team is continually impressed by her thoughtful approach to educating and advocating for medical innovation, like CAR T.
Director of Vaccines Government Affairs | GSK
Formerly an R&D scientist, her passion for improving the public health system led her to pivot to public policy and advocacy. Kate is now focused on elevating the role of vaccines in the broader health care debate. Her recent work includes the launch of a website called “Vaccine Track” — a searchable database that allows
Director of Market Access Strategy | Astellas
Lori’s work to educate her colleagues on policy developments and the value of our industry helps create enthusiasm among her colleagues when Astellas asks for voluntary engagement on legislation. She also empowers women across the company as a passionate member of the Stellar Women Employee Impact Group.
Head of WRDM Drug Safety Research and Development and Comparative Medicine | Pfizer
As the site leader of one of Pfizer’s largest worldwide research & development sites in Groton, CT, Raja understands the power of colleagues’ voices and engagement. He has become a welcome advocate and partner to Pfizer’s US Government Relations team — providing forums for colleagues to learn more about public policy issues and new opportunities
Associate Director, Launch Excellence | Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.
Kathryn plays a key role in Takeda’s grassroots action network — including the launch of a new employee Ambassador program that educates and connects employees from all disciplines with public affairs projects. To date, the Ambassadors program has educated three cohorts of cross-functional colleagues.
Crystallography Lead | UCB
Stephen has been with UCB since 2015, working on protein crystallization and X-ray diffraction, producing high-quality structures supporting the development of new chemical and biologic therapies. During his tenure, Stephen has also developed a passion for advocacy — leading lab site visits and participating in Researcher Fly-ins in both Olympia and DC. Stephen also played
Medical Director of Atherosclerosis | Novartis
Dr. Osei-Wusu provides critical input into the strategy, development and implementation of studies in the company’s cardiovascular program. She has represented Novartis at both the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association Scientific Congresses. And is also an active member of Women of Color in Pharma. Over the last year, she has partnered
Director of Access Solutions | Boehringer Ingelheim
Deb consistently goes beyond her traditional day-to-day responsibilities to advance policy priorities at both the state and federal level. Her ability to simply translate complicated schematics has been invaluable in educating and engaging diverse stakeholders on some of the industry’s most pressing policy fronts — including co-pay accumulator bans, rebate pass-through and improved transparency around