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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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