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Courtney Lee-Ashley
Director, Federal Government Affairs at Novartis
Professional Background
Courtney Lee-Ashley is a distinguished professional in the field of political advocacy and health policy, with an extensive career spanning significant roles in both government and the pharmaceutical industry. Currently, she serves as the Director of Federal Government Affairs at Novartis, a leading global healthcare company committed to providing innovative medicines. In this role, she is instrumental in shaping the company's legislative agenda and ensuring that the voice of Novartis is well represented in the federal landscape.
Before joining Novartis, Courtney held vital leadership positions at several prominent organizations. She served as the Director of US Policy & Government Relations at Merck, where she developed and implemented strategies that aligned the company's policy initiatives with its business objectives. Prior to her tenure at Merck, she contributed to the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) as the Director of Federal Advocacy, where she advocated for the interests of the pharmaceutical sector at the federal level, focusing on policies that enhance patient access and healthcare innovation.
Courtney began her career in high-stakes finance and political campaign management, showcasing her ability to integrate government relations with finance strategy. She served as the Deputy National Finance Director at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, where she honed her skills in fundraising and political strategy. Her early career also included significant roles such as the DC Finance Director at the same committee, aligning financial strategies with political goals.
Her experience as a Finance Consultant at The Conrad Group further augmented her expertise in campaign finances, enabling her to provide insightful guidance to various candidates. Additionally, her foundational role as a Finance Assistant at HM Consulting allowed her to grasp the nuances of campaign finance early in her career. Courtney's commitment to public service is also highlighted by her role as Assistant to the Chief of Staff for US Senator Ben Nelson, where she played a pivotal role in legislative operations, ensuring efficient communication and strategy execution.
Education and Achievements
Courtney Lee-Ashley's academic background is rooted in a strong liberal arts education, which she pursued at the prestigious University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She earned her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History and Communications, equipping her with a profound understanding of historical contexts and effective communication strategies. This educational foundation has undoubtedly served as a catalyst for her successful career, allowing her to navigate the complexities of public policy and government relations with confidence and skill.
At UNC Chapel Hill, Courtney was not only an engaged student but also actively participated in various extracurricular activities that enriched her educational experience. Her studies in History and Communications instilled in her a deep appreciation for context and narrative, both essential for her roles in advocacy and public relations in the pharmaceutical industry and beyond. This unique combination of skills has empowered her to effectively communicate complex policy issues to diverse audiences, from lawmakers to the general public.
Notable Achievements
Over the years, Courtney has garnered a wealth of experiences that underscore her capabilities as a leader in public policy and government affairs. Her pivotal roles in several influential organizations highlight her commitment to advancing health policies that benefit the broader community. Notably, her strategic understanding of the intersection between healthcare and government has made her a sought-after leader in her field.
One of Courtney's most significant achievements is her successful advocacy efforts at Merck and PhRMA, where she played a critical role in shaping federal policy frameworks that promote innovation in the pharmaceutical industry while ensuring better access to medications for patients. Her ability to build relationships across the governmental landscape further solidified her reputation as a trusted advisor and advocate.
With a robust network of stakeholders in both the public and private sectors, Courtney Lee-Ashley continues to push the boundaries of public health advocacy, fostering collaboration and dialogue that ultimately seek to enhance patient care and healthcare outcomes. Her seasoned experience positions her well to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape, particularly in a time when public policy plays a crucial role in shaping healthcare delivery.
Through her ongoing work at Novartis, Courtney strives not only to shape the regulatory and policy environment surrounding healthcare but also to mentor the next generation of leaders in the advocacy arena. Her passion for health policy, coupled with her extensive background in political strategy, positions her as a formidable force in federal government relations and beyond.
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