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.

Saloni Behl

Senior Director, Development Team Leader of Global Clinical Development | Otsuka

Saloni’s work brought the first-ever approved treatment to address symptoms of agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease.  She has also engaged with members of Congress and administration staff to help drive awareness of the disease. Additionally, she has advocated for policy changes that are reflective of the evolving treatment landscape.

Marci English

Vice President, Head of BioPharma Development | Astellas

Marci has raised awareness of women’s health needs and research efforts at Astellas to treat them. She has discussed the stigma around talking about menopause and other aspects of women’s health. At the same time, Marci joined researchers from companies around the country to meet with members of Congress and their staff to discuss their

Dr. Stephanie Fradette

Sr. Medical Director, Clinical Development | Biogen

Dr. Fradette has taken time outside of work to enlighten policymakers about industry risks, science and challenges. She showcases her relentless commitment for patients by amplifying their voices to members of Congress, the FDA and at medical conferences across the world. 

Katrin Hofer

Principal Scientist II, Pharmacology Research GTx | Novartis

Katrin is one of Novartis’ champions who has been a great advocate for Novartis and patients, meeting with key members of state legislatures across the U.S. She has gone above and beyond to educate policymakers about the importance of R&D and innovative therapies while highlighting the challenges and expenses of bringing new medicines to the

Anthony Orth

Director, CBT Genomic Science | Novartis

Anthony is one of Novartis’ champions who has been a great advocate for Novartis and patients, meeting with key members of state legislatures across the U.S. He has gone above and beyond to educate policymakers about the importance of R&D and innovative therapies while highlighting the challenges and expenses of bringing new medicines to the

Dr. Anu Osinusi

Vice President, Clinical Development | Gilead Sciences

Dr. Osinusi advocates for policies that encourage therapies to combat emerging viruses. This includes educating policymakers and administration officials on how intellectual property protections enabled the R&D that was so crucial to Gilead’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also includes her work to explain how policies that undermine IP protections, like the TRIPS waiver,

Tracy Sims

Executive Director Lilly Diabetes and Lilly USA Communications | Eli Lilly and Company

Tracy is a member of Lilly’s Diabetes and Obesity Corporate Affairs team. They have made a significant impact in increasing access to evidence-based comprehensive obesity care. The team has helped reduce obesity related bias and stigma by engaging the policy community on the importance of person-first language, bias-free imagery, and achieving obesity care access parity.

Justin Sperry

VP, BTxPS Transformational Technology St. Louis, MO Site Lead, Pfizer Research & Development | Pfizer

Justin is the site lead of Pfizer’s St. Louis, MO office. For the last 15 years, Justin and his team have furthered the understanding of novel biotherapeutics, gene therapies, and vaccines within Pfizer’s R&D organization. There, he has hosted external partners to explain the vital role R&D plays in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Kimberly Storino

Head, U.S. IRA Planning and Implementation | GlaxoSmithKline

Kimberly serves as the project lead for GSK’s Inflation Reduction Act Planning and Implementation team, making her the single point of accountability. She coordinates GSK’s efforts to adapt to the law’s provisions and ensures the IRA’s impact is included in strategic and operating assessments. Kimberly also engages with government agencies and other groups to discuss

Helen Tarleton

Director, U.S. Employee and Community Engagement | UCB

Helen has helped build UCB’s external community-giving approach. She has long-term relationships with STEM organizations like BioBuilder, as well as organizations doing STEM work, like the Girl Scouts. She organizes service projects for UCB’s Atlanta employees and she even spent her volunteer days on a health mission trip in Honduras.