Lori Reilly

Chief Operating Officer at PhRMA

Ms. Reilly has nearly two decades of experience at PhRMA. Currently Ms. Reilly oversees PhRMA’s advocacy activities, including its federal, state, and international government affairs and alliance development work. Prior to this, Ms. Reilly was the executive vice president of policy, research and membership at PhRMA, leading the development and implementation of legislative, regulatory and political strategies to advance policies that encourage patient access and medical innovation. She has also served as counsel at the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Commerce and was Counsel to a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. She currently resides in Alexandria, Virginia with her husband and their four children.

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Michael Ybarra

MD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, PhRMA

Michael Ybarra, M.D., FACEP, FAPCR is a board-certified emergency physician and Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at PhRMA. In his capacity at PhRMA, Dr. Ybarra leads stakeholder outreach and strategic partnerships on federal and international health policy issues and PhRMA’s internal and external medical affairs. Dr. Ybarra works clinically in the Emergency Department at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.

Mei Acuña

Director, DEI & Talent Acquisition Leader, PhRMA

Mei Acuña has a diverse work experience spanning various industries. Mei is currently working at PhRMA as the Director of DEI & Talent Acquisition. Prior to that, she served as the Director of Global Talent Acquisition at the same company. Mei also worked as a Sr. Talent Acquisition Partner at ICF, a Corporate Recruiter at Strategic Education, Inc, and a Senior Recruiter at HireStrategy. Mei has also held positions at Marriott International, Marriott Foundation - Bridges School to Work Program, Deloitte Services, LP, Stanley Associates, Inc., Sodexo, and the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. From 2000 to 2004, Mei Acuña attended James Madison University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Kayure Patel

Senior Data Sciences Product Leader, Genentech

Kayure Patel is a highly experienced Senior Data Sciences Product Leader specializing in early and late-phase oncology and ophthalmology clinical trials within the Genentech/Roche portfolio. With a comprehensive background in the data sciences domain, Kayure excels in managing the entire clinical data lifecycle, from database construction to trial closeout. Kayure’s skill set includes handling electronic case report form (eCRF) data, non-case report form data, and optimizing clinical data flow. Additionally, Kayure is adept at visual analytics and has substantial experience preparing for and navigating U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory submissions. A key strength is Kayure’s expertise in project management, ensuring seamless execution and oversight of clinical trials throughout their duration.

Becky Klein

PhD Director, Discovery Neuroscience, Merck Sharp and Dohme

Becky Klein has been with Merck Sharp and Dohme for 15 years as a scientist within Discovery Neuroscience. She obtained her Ph.D. from Yale University and did postdoctoral research at the University of Washington. As a scientist for Merck, Becky has worked on chronic pain and itch, focused on identifying new targets to treat conditions like diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Last year Becky transitioned to a director role leading a group focused on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS. Part of Becky's work at Merck has focused on collaborating with academic scientists - working with them to better understand human disease. She's also been working within Merck to bring in new tools for scientific research - like machine learning in scientific literature searching. Becky has also taken part in Merck's outreach activities - advising students at UPenn and UMBC on their career paths and what drug discovery is really like.

Priscila Nieves-Otero

Innovation Readiness Manager, Eli Lilly and Company

Priscila Nieves-Otero is the Innovations Readiness Manager at Eli Lilly and Company. Throughout her academic and professional life, she has used her own scientific training and cultural background to effectively communicate science by making it accessible, equitable, fun, and inclusive. Her goal is to inspire youth from underrepresented groups to become scientists and break existing barriers by expanding STEM education, outreach & policy, and by advocating for more diverse and inclusive STEM fields. Priscila graduated with her Associate’s degree in chemistry from Middle Georgia State University, and her PhD in biology from Kanas State University.

Julie Kim

President of the U.S. Business Unit, U.S. Country Head, and member of Takeda’s Executive Team

Julie Kim is President of the U.S. Business Unit, U.S. Country Head and member of Takeda’s Executive Team. The U.S. Business Unit portfolio encompasses gastroenterology, neuroscience, plasma-derived therapies and rare diseases.She joined Takeda in 2019 through the acquisition of Shire, where she held several diverse roles with increasing responsibility. As part of Takeda, she became the President of the Plasma-Derived Therapies Business Unit, the position she occupied until April of 2022, when she became President of the U.S. Business Unit and U.S. Country Head.Julie has 30 years of experience in health care, with leadership positions at global, regional, country and functional levels. In the biopharmaceutical industry, her experiences have spanned a variety of therapeutic areas, international market access, country and regional general management, marketing and emerging market development.Julie is known for strong, collaborative and inclusive leadership that enables Takeda to meet the needs of the people the company serves while driving innovations that will improve patients’ lives. Her global outlook, a result of having lived and worked in the U.K., Switzerland and the U.S., have helped her create teams that are diverse in multiple dimensions to enable inclusive decision-making that keeps the patient at the center.Julie serves on the boards of directors for PhRMA, an organization which represents the country’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, and Croda International, a company which leverages smart science to create high-performance ingredients and technologies that improve lives. She was named one of Boston’s 50 Most Influential Asian American Pacific Islanders in 2023, to The 2022 PharmaVoice 100 list and to Fierce Pharma’s list of 2020’s Fiercest Women in Life Sciences. She earned an M.B.A. from the J. L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and a B.A. in economics from Dartmouth College. She resides with her family in the Boston area.

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Liz Mahar

Director of Advocacy and Strategic Alliances at PhRMA

Liz’s portfolio includes health equity and Medicaid, along with stakeholder outreach to multicultural organizations and the disability and caregiving communities. Prior to joining PhRMA, Liz was the Director of Family and Sibling Initiatives at The Arc, where she oversaw The Arc’s health and Center for Future Planning initiatives. She also spent time at Fleishman-Hillard and on Capitol Hill working for Representatives John Larson (CT) and Hilda Solis (CA).

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Tammy Boyd

Vice President of Federal Advocacy and Strategic Alliances at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

Tammy Boyd is Vice President for Federal Advocacy and Strategic Alliances for ACS CAN. She comes from the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and wellness of Black women and girls where she has served as Chief Policy Officer and Senior Counsel. In this role she has overseen the implementation of BWHI’s national advocacy program and has led federal government affairs. Boyd also launched the Sickle Cell Disease Diversity Alliance and Rare Disease Diversity Coalition, a multicultural coalition to identify solutions to alleviate the burden of rare diseases in communities of color. Prior to joining the BWHI, Boyd held government affairs leadership roles at TKB Global Strategies, DaVita, Inc. and Johnson & Johnson. She was also Legislative Director for the late Congressman John Lewis, handling Ways and Means Committee issues with a strong health care focus. While in that position, Boyd served an essential leader in legislative efforts to establish the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

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Zach Sentementes

Director of Federal Advocacy at PhRMA

Zach Sentementes is an experienced government relations and public affairs professional specializing in issue advocacy, strategic communications, and bipartisan coalition management. Zach joined PhRMA’s Federal team in August 2022, where he advocates on behalf of the biopharmaceutical industry for pro-innovation policies in the areas of health equity, trade, and intellectual property. Most recently, Zach worked at a boutique public affairs helping clients communicate their policy positions on key legislative issues at the federal and international level. While there, he represented civil rights organizations, major trade associations, and Fortune 500 companies, assuming a lead role in the development and execution of advocacy campaigns as well as mobilizing an extensive network of think tanks, policy experts, and grassroots organizations. He previously worked at the Washington International Trade Association. Zach is a graduate of Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, where he earned a B.A in Political Science and a Minor in Mandarin studies. He also studied in Beijing at the Communication University of China. While at Concordia, he worked as a teaching assistant and lecturer for international political economics and emerging economies courses as well as a research fellow at the Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies.

Amanda Pratter

Associate Director for Policy Advocacy and Alliances at Gilead Sciences

Amanda Pratter is Associate Director, Policy Advocacy and Alliances at Gilead Sciences. As a member of the Government Affairs and Policy team, Amanda leads engagement with external stakeholders on HIV and cross-cutting industry policy priorities and issues. Amanda has deep experience in advancing and fostering new and trusted relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders with deep experience in health equity. Prior to joining Gilead, Amanda was Director, Advocacy and Strategic Alliances at PhRMA where she managed alliances focused on engaging LGBTQ, progressive and multicultural organizations. At PhRMA, Amanda supported the launch of Equitable Breakthroughs in Medicine Development, a first of its kind initiative to enhance diversity in clinical trials through sustainable, connected community-based trial sites. She also supported alliance development for the Biotechnology Innovation Organization focusing on minority health advocacy organizations. Amanda did her undergraduate work at the University of Maryland, College Park and holds a MS in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences - Pharmacology and Biochemistry from Drexel University. Amanda is also a proud wife and mother of two young children who have very full schedules – outside of work her favorite role is serving as “chief chaos coordinator” for their many activities and adventures.

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Dr. Audrey Escobedo-Escotto

Vice President at Emerson Clinical Research Institute

Dr. Escobedo-Escotto holds a medical degree and a master’s degree in public health from George Washington University. She has dedicated her last 8 years to the conduct of clinical research in the most underserved communities of the Washington D.C area. Her proficiency in English, French and Spanish has allowed her to gain the trust of the community. She joined ECRI in 2014 and her goal has been to increase diversity in clinical trials. Currently she is the Vice President for Emerson Clinical Research Institute, and makes sure the studies are a benefit to all communities. She has always been focused to improve health access to minorities. As a result, she established and now the COO of Emerson Community Clinic, which provides low-cost care to patients regardless of the financial/legal status. She is co-hosts of the Tv show “Tu Salud Tu Familia” on Telemundo and received her fourth Emmy for Outstanding Health and Science program special. Dr. Escobedo-Escotto was recognized as one of the 40 Under 40 Leaders in Minority Health by the National Minority Quality Forum’s for her accomplishments in the Healthcare field and her potential to continue positively impacting minorities.

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Renuka Iyer

Executive Vice President, Chief People & Culture Officer at PhRMA

Ms. Iyer is a certified human resources leader with about three decades of global experience in people practices leading diverse teams and working with 20 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. She has an extensive portfolio, having worked at the World Resource Institute as the Chief Human Resource Officer, at the International Executive Service Corps as the Director for Human Resources, at Population Services International as the Director of People and Global HR Network and Training Manager, and at Levi Strauss & Co. as the Head of Human Resources. Ms. Iyer has global nonprofit and private sector experience, an agile mindset, a keen focus on accessible and relevant professional development, and a creative and data-driven approach to improving diversity and inclusion.

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Andrew Powaleny

Senior Director of Public Affairs at PhRMA

Andrew Powaleny (He/Him/His) is senior director of Public Affairs at PhRMA.In his multifaceted role, he is responsible for the organization's scientific and innovation public affairs. Andrew also oversees PhRMA’s Voters for Cures program, a grassroots initiative involving thousands of patients and caregivers across the U.S. Additionally, Andrew founded and co-chaired The PRIDE Umbrella, PhRMA’s employee resource group for LGBTQ+ colleagues from fall of 2019-December 2022 and continues to serve as an active member, advocating for LGBTQ+ representation at PhRMA and throughout the biopharmaceutical industry.Before joining PhRMA in 2015, Andrew worked in public affairs for a boutique consulting firm in Washington, DC and served as deputy press secretary for the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Connecticut State University in public policy and government, and he minored in music. Andrew is active as a runner and volunteer with the DC Front Runners; and served on its Board of Directors for three years as co-race director. He is also a member of the NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists, singer with The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, and mentors students through his alumni association with The Fund for American Studies. Andrew resides in Washington, DC with his partner Jessada of over five years.

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Kristin Williams

Manager of Policy and Research at PhRMA

Kristin Williams is a Manager of Policy and Research at PhRMA, supporting public policy analysis and research on issues related to health equity and prescription drug coverage. She joined the PhRMA community as an intern three years ago and worked herself up to her current position as a full-time manager. Recently, she received her Master of Public Health in Health Policy from George Washington University. She is committed to helping develop equitable solutions to address disparities in health outcomes and access to care among marginalized populations.

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Dr. Lolita Smith

Medical Science Liaison (MSL) Director at Vertex

Dr. Smith has a healthcare professional career spanning over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry, academia, clinical and retail pharmacy. She possesses a variety of experience in both Medical and Commercial Affairs.Dr. Smith specializes is building teams, creating a culture of inclusivity, and mentoring. It is her responsibility to provide clinical information to healthcare providers to influence them to provide the best treatment for their patients. As a national team lead, individual development and the success of each direct report are her top priority. Prior to working at Vertex, she spent 14 years at GSX as the Senior Medical Liaison and a District Sales Manager.

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Dr. Fabian Sandoval

CEO & Research Director at Emerson Clinical Research Institute

Dr. Fabian Sandoval, CEO & Research Director, has over 25 years of bench to bedside research experience. His diversified research career has been in academia, healthcare systems and the public sector. Before opening the doors to Emerson Clinical Research Institute (ECRI) Dr. Sandoval’s research activities have included bench research at the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) where he focused his work on Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, and Cretzfelt-Jakob Disease and at the NIHs’ Clinical Center conducting research in the outpatient Oncology unit, followed by his successful support of an NIH RO1 grant on preventing epilepsy in post-traumatic brain injury patients in adults and children, simultaneously run at the Washington Hospital Center, and Children’s National Medical Center. Dr. Sandoval served as the Supervisory Research Integrity & Compliance Officer in the Army Human Research Protections Office in the Office of the Army Surgeon General. He has since started the Emerson Community Clinic, in order to support un-insured patients across the DC metro area, as well as starting the Emerson Diversity Health Foundation, whose mission is to educate patients and providers in the importance of participating in clinical research and accesses to care.

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Magdia De Jesus

Director of Scientific Strategy and Portfolio Lead for Worldwide Medical and Safety at Pfizer

As the Director of Scientific Strategy and Portfolio Lead for Worldwide Medical and Safety, Dr. De Jesus works with research units and external partners to develop strategies that engage and support the scientific work of Pfizer’s Worldwide Research, Development, and Medical group. Ms. De Jesus has an extensive career in immunology and strategy, having worked as an infection diseases fellow and life sciences research fellow for the New York Department of Health. While previously working as a senior principal scientist at Pfizer she was also a public policy fellow at the American Association for Immunologists.

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Reid Porter

Senior Director of State Public Affairs at PhRMA

Reid Porter is Senior Director of State Public Affairs at the Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). Reid leads the State Public Affairs team, focusing on supporting biopharmaceutical companies across America and their commitment to combatting the coronavirus health crisis while advancing research and development to meet patients' needs and ensuring that patients can access the medicines they need. He enjoys traveling, cheering for the Green Bay Packers, playing, and watching soccer, practicing violin, rereading Hemingway novels, and spending time with family.

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