Conference Speakers

Mark Adams has had three very different careers in his life. The first was in law enforcement, where he spent 21 years as a member of the Philadelphia Police Dept, retiring as a Captain. His second career was at Merck & Co., where he spent 14 years in the Compliance Dept., retiring as an Executive Director. Most recently, he served as the VP of Audits at G&M Health, LLC. He has a Master’s Degree from St. Joseph’s University in Public Safety. In his 19-year tenure with the Alliance, he has been President, VP, Treasurer, and Operations Director. He feels the members all share a sense of purpose, that of compliance. He brings value to the group through his varied life experiences and hopes that this experience helps solve compliance-related issues for members. Mark has been married for 42 years, with 2 grown children, a grandson, and a granddaughter. In his spare time, he enjoys the Jersey Shore and daydreaming of life on the Senior PGA Tour.

Julianne began her career in pharmaceuticals at Upjohn and has been at Novartis for over 22 years in a variety of roles. Beginning in specialty field sales, Julianne then had the opportunity to capitalize on her love of coaching and developing others in several training roles including disease and clinical training and skill building, working across multiple therapeutic and functional areas.

With a move to marketing, Julianne gained experience engaging in a collaborative arrangement, taking this opportunity to learn about several new areas of the commercial business. During this time, Julianne began to develop an interest in how compliance can fit into the creation of successful and innovative business practices while supporting innovation and change.

Julianne transitioned into compliance as the Head of ERC Learning and Development with a goal of simplifying and streamlining Novartis’ CIA required training while delivering engaging and impactful learning. To date she has improved the overall impression of compliance training by implementing more role-specific, targeted, and as she would say, interactive and “fun” training.

Julianne holds a BBA in Marketing and Economics from The University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Julianne and her husband Bob have one son, Chandler, who plays professional baseball. During her time off, Julianne enjoys reading, walking, pilates and watching baseball any way and anywhere she can.

Scott Brinks began his career with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 2001, after serving several years as a Military Police Officer in the US Army and a civilian police officer. From 2001 to 2014, Mr. Brinks worked as a Diversion Investigator (DI) in the DEA, Detroit Field Division, Cleveland Resident Office. There, he worked for 3 years in the Tactical Diversion Squad and 11 years in the Diversion Group conducting several large national and international pharmaceutical investigations. From 2014 to 2017, Mr. Brinks served as the Group Supervisor of the DEA Merrillville Indiana Resident Office and the Springfield Illinois Resident Office Diversion Groups, overseeing 6 Diversion Investigators and several national complex pharmaceutical investigations.

During his tenure with DEA, he has provided pharmaceutical diversion training to those in the pharmaceutical industry and hundreds of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers. In September 2017, Mr. Brinks was reassigned to DEA Headquarters where he served in the Policy Section, Liaison Section, and the Import/Export Section. In July of 2019, Mr. Brinks was promoted to his current position as the Section Chief of the DEA Regulatory Drafting and Policy Support Section.

Mr. Brinks is a graduate of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned a M.A. in Pastoral Counselling and St Leo University where he earned a B.A. degree in Sociology. Mr. Brinks has been the recipient of numerous awards and commendations throughout his career to include the United States Attorneys Award for Distinguished Service and the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association (NHCAA) Investigation of the Year.

Lisa A. Butler is the Director of State Licensing, DEA/PDMA Compliance within the Ethics, Risk & Compliance, CIA Operations area of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. She has held various roles within the pharmaceutical industry for the last 33 years and has worked within her current area of responsibility for the last 23. Lisa’s areas of expertise include DEA Controlled Substance compliance, PDMA Sample Compliance and State and Federal commercial distribution licensing for pharmaceutical products. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Centenary College in NJ. Lisa has been an Alliance Board Member since 2009 and is the current Sharing Alliance President. Lisa has been married to her best friend for 30 years and has two daughters, two sons and three amazing grandchildren.

Steve Conn has worked in the pharmaceutical sales sample distribution industry for over 34 years. He is currently Senior Vice President & Managing Director at Genesis Logistics. In his current role Steve works closely with Sample Accountability, Compliance and Supply Chain in the coordination, planning and execution of regulated deliveries of sales samples to field representative in accordance to the PDMA guidelines. Steve has a B.S. in Finance from Monmouth Universe and currently lives in Metuchen, NJ with his beautiful 15 year-old daughter.

Keisha is the Sr. Manager of Sales Operations and Sample Administration at Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Keisha has over 25 years of experience in various roles in the pharmaceutical industry including Quality Assurance, Sales Operations and Sample Compliance and Sample Operations.

Keisha received her B.S. in Organizational Leadership from Trinity International University, Deerfield IL and a Healthcare Certification from Seaton Hall, Law. Keisha enjoys spending time with family!

Teresa Farmer is the Associate Director of Sales Operations for Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. Teresa has been in the Pharmaceutical Industry for over 25 years working in various functional areas such as Finance, Sales, and Sales Operations. In her current role, Teresa oversees all Otsuka Rep Hand Carry and Direct to Practitioner Sampling programs. Teresa has a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a Master’s Degree in Fraud and Forensic Accounting from Rider University. 

Judy is the Director of Compliance Services at QPharma, Inc. where her responsibilities include ensuring compliance concerns and requirements are addressed in the management of client’s commercial programs. Judy also serves as QPharma’s practice lead for spend and sample transparency reporting services. She assists clients in developing Commercial Corporate Compliance program policies, procedures and codes of conduct and conducting audits of the related programs. Judy specializes in a risk-based approach to services and programs and is considered a Subject Matter Expert in federal and state compliance, sample compliance and transparency reporting regulations. Judy’s experience includes serving as a featured speaker, panelist and moderator at numerous industry conference presentations, webinars relating to government regulations and requirements. She has presented Federal and State Compliance and Reporting Workshops to key stakeholders in the industry and has had several industry articles published throughout her career. Judy lives in New Hampshire with her husband, Mike Simmons.

Yvette Gaines is Manager of Sample and Promotional Operations for GlaxoSmithKline. She has 10 years of experience in the Pharmaceutical Industry. Yvette originally joined GSK as Learning Advisor in Global Learning and Development. Through various roles and levels of responsibilities, Yvette transitioned to Commercial Operations in 2021. In her current role, Yvette manages the Sample Management Vendor relationship and is responsible for partnering with matrix SMEs across GSK to ensure the end-to-end sample operations process is achieved. Yvette has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems and a Master’s Degree in Organization Leadership from Cabrini University. Yvette is the mom of 3 adult children and spending time with them is one of her favorite pastimes.

Ricardo Hughes is an Ethics and Compliance professional at Eli Lilly and Company providing oversight and support for the Sample Accountability program and the Oncology Business unit field sales and marketing teams for Lilly USA. In the Sample Accountability Lead role, he ensures strict company compliance with the Prescription Drug Marketing Act (PDMA), sample provisions of Affordable Care Act (ACA) and all applicable federal/state laws and regulations. He works closely with Lilly’s sample operations, legal and Customer Information Quality (CIQ) teams to establish, train, and maintain clear policies for Lilly USA sales and marketing teams regarding the handling and distribution of samples and vouchers.

Over his 15 years at Lilly, Rick held a variety of sales, commercial and operations roles. He has supported the Ethics and Compliance team for the past five years. He is a member of the Sharing Alliance and the Pharmaceutical Compliance Forum (PCF).

Prior to joining Lilly, Rick served in the US Navy for 20 years active duty as a naval officer, where he was responsible for the safe navigation, combat readiness and deployment of US naval warships. During his military career, he earned two Combat Action ribbons, multiple campaign medals, several awards, and the Meritorious Service Medal for his proven leadership and development of prospective Commanding Officers and department heads.

Rick attended the University of San Diego, CA where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics and completed his MBA at Salve Regina University in Newport, RI.

Rick lives in Indianapolis, IN with his wife Marsha, and his daughters Ellison, Ava and Aspen.

Gina Israel is a Senior Manager, in Sales Operations at Incyte Corporation where she manages the sampling programs and fleet program for the US and Canada. In her current role, she has launched a field sampling program to include hand-carry and direct to practitioner sample distribution, implementation of policies, CRM training, and enforcement of rigorous compliance standards. Gina has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for over 10 years and has worked for both vendors and industry companies. Her strategic insights have allowed her to foster vendor partnerships that focus innovations, efficiency, and adherence to high industry standards. Gina has a bachelor’s degree in Labor and Employment Relations from Rutgers University and is currently pursuing her MBA at West Chester University.

Carol Kagdis is the Senior Compliance Analyst of DEA & PDMA for Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. She has worked in sales recruiting and compliance roles within the pharmaceutical industry for the past 21 years and has been with Novartis in her current role for the past 15 years. Carol’s areas of expertise include DEA Controlled Substance compliance and PDMA Sample Compliance. In her role, she is responsible for preparing FDA reports, signature verifications, maintaining compliance data and providing metrics. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education and Fine Arts from Kean University.

Brad has been working in the Pharmaceutical Industry going on 29 years. He was employed with AmerisourceBergen “Specialty Group” at the time, for 20 years, which is currently ranked number 10 as a fortune 500 company. He had Compliance oversight at a division level as the Senior Regulatory Compliance Manager/Compliance Officer for the administrative and distribution side of the business covering oncology drugs, OTC, Controlled Substances and Med Surg also serving as the HIPAA Privacy/Security Officer. He is currently employed with Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. (KPA) located in Montgomery, Alabama being the home office for the United States. His responsibilities with KPA include oversight in many facets of Regulatory and Healthcare Compliance in areas such as facility, Rep., and HCP licensing, state/federal aggregate spend, compliance reporting, compliance training, audits, SBOP, DEA, FDA, DSCSA and PDMA. The parent company for KPA is Kowa Company, Ltd. (KCL) residing in Japan. He has worked for a “Big 3 Drug Wholesaler”, a Specialty Pharmacy, and now a Manufacturer. His core areas of experience throughout the Supply Chain include Regulatory and Healthcare Compliance, Business Operations and Drug Distribution/Logistics and Fleet. He graduated from Troy University with a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Management (concentration Leadership/Organizational Effectiveness), a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management, and a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration. In his free time, he enjoys being in the outdoors with his son, Collier, and helping coach his baseball and football teams

Allyson is the Associate Director of Samples Management at Bristol Myers Squibb, where she provides oversight for compliance and operational activities related to commercial sample distribution across multiple therapeutic areas. Her responsibilities include ensuring sample accountability for representative-delivered sampling programs and direct-to-prescriber sampling. With a wealth of experience in sample compliance and process/technology implementation projects within commercial and medical domains, Allyson is dedicated to implementing solutions that enhance customer experience while meeting complex regulatory requirements.

Residing in central New Jersey with her husband and three children, Allyson is a novice cyclist who is currently training for the 2024 BMS-Sponsored Coast to Coast for Cancer bike ride. This event aims to raise funds for cancer research, reflecting her passion for making a difference in the fight against cancer. Additionally, Allyson actively contributes as a member of the TGaS Sample Management Advisory Board, leveraging her expertise to help shape and advance industry sample management practices.

Jennifer is the Associate Director in Sales Operations at Gilead Sciences. Her experience includes over 10 years in the biotech pharmacology and healthcare industries. Her previous work experience includes being Neuroscience/Neurosurgery Nurse, and Human Resources Director in the hospitality industry.

Her current role includes leading the Drug Sample and Compliance Programs, where she manages sample accountability and the direct to practitioner programs. Over the years, she has launched several sample programs, supported the implementation of PDMA guided policies, conducted sample field training, and worked with key stakeholders to uphold all compliance requirements. Her additional role in Sales Operations includes Field Sales Enablement where she oversees Field Credentialing, Jurisdiction State Licensing, and Exhibits just to name a few.

Jennifer is a native of San Francisco Bay Area where she received her B.S. in Organizational Behavior with a concentration in Human Resources Management from the University of San Francisco, and attended US University in San Diego, California and attained her RN License. Jennifer is married and is a “baseball mom” who will cheer on her son Sam while he plays D1 Baseball in college. Other time well spent is spoiling and walking the adorable Golden Doodle Jax.

Jay, known in the industry as “The Professor,” combines a profound love of knowledge with an exceptional ability to simplify complex concepts, making them accessible to all. With a career that spans technology, quality, compliance, business strategy, and leadership, Jay’s passion for teaching others shines through every endeavor and his focus has naturally evolved to embrace a groundbreaking role in AI evangelism, reflecting his commitment to innovation and technological advancement.

In December 2023, Jay took on a significant role as an AI Evangelist and Trainer with the Vjal Institute, a position that perfectly aligns with his deep-rooted passion for technology and education. This role draws on his extensive experience in technology and business, aiming to advance AI knowledge and its application not only in his capacity as COO at a life science solutions provider but also more broadly within the community. Through conducting workshops and training sessions on AI advancements, Jay is at the forefront of technological innovation and is committed to inspiring AI transformation.

Jay’s professional journey began with a formative period at Siemens AG, where he honed his skills in software development and gained valuable leadership experience across different cultures in the US and Germany. This path led him to Synergistix, where he has since applied his depth of knowledge and strategic insight to support the advancement of life science solutions. His contributions reflect a commitment to leveraging technology for operational excellence and compliance within the industry.

Jay’s academic credentials are as impressive as his professional achievements: an MBA from Nova Southeastern University, a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois, and a master’s certificate in Project Management from George Washington University, with certifications as a Project Management Professional, ISO internal Auditor, and an AI Evangelist/Trainer.

When not immersed in learning or teaching, Jay seeks adventure in running, biking, backpacking, kayaking, or exploring new destinations with his family from their home base in Deerfield Beach, Florida. These personal pursuits underscore his belief in balancing professional growth and personal fulfillment.

Marc Lavin has worked at Pfizer for 30+ years. His entire tenure at the company has been devoted to supporting regulated environments (GxP, PDMA, SOX). Marc is currently the Director of HCP/Patient Compliance and Audit, responsible for oversight of compliance for samples, savings cards and promotional materials in North America. Marc has vast experience in managing large-scale, cross-functional projects in many different functions, including information technology. He was a key player in the development and implementation of Pfizer’s global samples policy which is in place in over 60 markets.

Mike has over 30+ years of PDMA and sampling experience. He started his career in the Sample Accountability department in 1992 (7 years prior to the 1999 PDMA final rule) at Ciba Geigy Corp (now Novartis). Throughout his career he has leveraged his extensive PDMA knowledge and has built sampling programs and created SOP’s for several large and small Pharmaceutical companies including Pharmacia, Yamanouchi Pharma (now Astellas), and Altana Pharma. In 2007, he was hired to lead the Sample Accountability team at Watson Pharma. Through many mergers and acquisitions, Watson became Actavis, which purchased several companies including Allergan. Allergan was purchased by AbbVie in 2020 and Mike took on his current role as the Director of Sample Operations with responsibility for managing the sample distribution process to representatives, tracking and monitoring shipments, and all Sample Accountability processes including SOP creation.

Niketa G. Prince is a Staff Coordinator (SC) assigned to DEA Headquarters, Diversion Control Division/Office of Policy in the Liaison Section since May 2023. SC Prince is a distinguished graduate of Hampton University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. SC Prince served as the DEA Diversion Group Supervisor (GS) of the Baltimore District Office (BDO) Diversion Group from September 2017 to May 2023.

SC Prince completed Basic Diversion Investigator Training at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia. From September 2017 to May 2023, SC Prince oversaw the diversion operations for the DEA Washington Division- BDO with an area of responsibility that included Baltimore City, Baltimore County, parts of central Maryland, Western Maryland and the Maryland Eastern Shore.

While GS of the BDO Diversion Group, SC Prince aided in the development of the Narcotic Treatment Program (NTP) Initiative to help bring these programs in compliance with DEA regulations. Also, and in collaboration with Maryland state counterparts, the Behavioral Health Administration and the Office of Controlled Substances, SC Prince coordinated and organized a Substance Abuse Provider Training that targeted all NTPs in the state of Maryland. SC Prince regularly participated on the MedChi Opioid Task Force Committee, where she worked alongside substance abuse providers and various other state and local entities to help combat the opioid epidemic in Maryland.

SC Prince worked tirelessly along with her staff of senior investigators to fulfill the mission of DEA Diversion and to provide community outreach and diversion education to the residents, DEA registrants as well as DEA applicants throughout Maryland.

SC Prince looks forward to bringing her continued drive and knowledge to her position as Staff Coordinator in the Liaison Section at DEA Headquarters.

With over 25 years in the industry, Ruby is a seasoned professional specializing in sales enablement. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with sales professionals, providing them with the tools, training and strategies needed to succeed in their roles. Her expertise lies in optimizing sales processes, enhancing team performance, and driving revenue growth through effective sales enablement strategies.

Derek Scarsella is a Customer Relations Manager at df YOUNG. Derek brings over 15 years of experience in self-storage management and large-scale self-storage partnerships with unique requirements. Prior to dfYoung, Derek spent time in senior roles with two of the largest self-storage companies in the industry. His attention to detail, ability to think of creative solutions and understanding of self-storage contracts and regulations make him an asset to dfYoung’s customers.

Don Schenker, President and CEO of Synergistix since its inception in 1997, brings over three decades of information technology expertise to the forefront of the life sciences industry. His leadership has propelled Synergistix to deliver cutting-edge solutions in Sample Management, CRM, and data analytics, underscoring his commitment to enhancing client success and team well-being.

Prior to Synergistix, Schenker helped lead the technology team Ryder System, Inc., and has been instrumental in fostering innovation across projects with giants like Siemens AG. Recognized three times by PharmaVoice as one of the “100 Most Inspiring People In the Pharmaceutical Industry,” his contributions extend to shaping compliance best practices within the sector.

Beyond his professional achievements, Schenker finds balance in music, motorcycling, and SCUBA diving. With an M.B.A. and a Master of Science in Computer Engineering, his role as a speaker and thought leader continues to inspire the IT and pharmaceutical industries alike.

Deb Segura is the Executive Director of the Sharing Alliance and has over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. She has dedicated herself to providing valuable compliance information to Alliance members and industry. She is a founding member of the Sharing Alliance, a not-for-profit organization established in 1989 with a mission to improve the pharmaceutical industry’s understanding of the Prescription Drug Marketing Act (PDMA) and related sample compliance regulations. Prior to taking the position of Executive Director, Deb’s career included various management positions at Kos Pharmaceutical (now Abbott), Novo Nordisk, and Bristol Myers Squibb. Her primary focus was sample compliance, education and training, and sample investigations. She is the proud mother of three wonderful children and grandmother to five. She and her husband reside in York, SC.

David Earl has served in the pharmaceutical industry for over 29 years in a host of commercial and leadership roles. He has made contributions in multiple organizations including Sales, Marketing, Operations, Payer, and Global Market Research. He has served in Ethics & Compliance for the past 10 years where he has provided oversight to Oncology, Biomedicines, Patient Services, Medical Affairs, and the Grants Office functions. David Earl is actively involved with Business Ethics Indiana where he serves as VP of Administration. David Earl earned a B.S Degree from Tuskegee University, an MBA from Columbia University, and a Certification in Advance Topics in E&C Management from Marian University.

Debbie Tay has over twenty years of broad sales operations experience including Sample Compliance, Sales Force Automation, Field Reporting, Fleet, HR/Benefits, Recruiting and Incentive Compensation. She is currently the Senior Manager Master Data Operations. In her role as a results producing manager and team member who consistently demonstrates strong leadership in improving systems and processes to meet the business acumen. Her in depth experience of more than 15 years of innovative successful sales operations and HR productivity development of intuitive compliant processes. She has led advances in technology and field enablement for a variety of Specialty Pharmaceutical, Hospital and Managed Markets teams. In addition to incentive compensation design and KPI scorecards to motivate sales teams to fulfill business strategy plans. Debbie holds an MBA from University of Phoenix majoring in Business Administration and is a current Sharing Conference Board Member.

Monique Thomas is a Commercial Operations Manager at Supernus Pharmaceuticals who believes that clear policies and knowledge of ever-changing regulations are the building blocks needed to ensure a risk-free and compliant program.

While she has been in Pharma for 13 years, she calls herself a “Rookie” with 9 years of Sample Accountability/Compliance experience. She manages sample distribution, inventory, compliance and CRM at Supernus but also enjoys working with the sales reps and teaching new sales hires.

When she is not at work, she can be found spending time with her husband and 4 sons, riding her Harley, listening to music or reading.

Alex Ullrich, VP of Sales at Warehouse Anywhere, brings over a decade of sales experience, driving results for Fortune 100 organizations. As VP of Sales, Alex leads a team focusing on revenue growth, customer acquisition, and strategic initiatives. Warehouse Anywhere offers technology-enabled logistics solutions, including, tech-enabled forward stocking locations, and national account services within the self storage industry.

Alex earned his M.B.A. from Canisius University in 2017, complementing his Bachelor’s Degree from Canisius in 2012.

Liz Updike is a Director and Sr. Managing Attorney for the State Services group, part of IQVIA’s U.S. Compliance division. In this role, Liz’s focus is managing the State Services department, which is comprised of the legal research, Puerto Rico, state consulting and licensing teams. Liz is a currently licensed attorney and was admitted to the Virginia State Bar in 2003. Prior to joining IQVIA, she had over ten years of legal experience as outside counsel and worked at two well renowned Richmond law firms.

Before joining G&M Health, Brian worked for Eli Lilly and Company for over 30 years in various positions in sales, marketing, medical, and compliance. Most recently, Brian was responsible for supporting US Sales and Marketing leaders to understand and manage risk. Brian has served as President of the PDMA Alliance and maintains his license as a Registered Pharmacist and Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional. He is graduate of Purdue University School of Pharmacy.

Teresita has over 25 years of legal and compliance experience in the pharmaceutical and life science industries.

She is a member of Knipper Health’s Executive Leadership Team, which serves to ensure corporate business practices conform to federal and state mandates. She is a Subject Matter Expert on regulatory requirements impacting the warehousing and distribution of pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices for U.S. supply chain.

Teresita guides the design of drug-sampling campaigns and drug fulfillment programs including patient assistance programs. Her previous experience is in products liability and patent law. She balances business objectives against regulations based on a risk management approach.

Teresita completed her JD in 2010 at Seton Hall University, School of Law, Newark, NJ and she also has a Healthcare Compliance Certification.