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​NOVEMBER COMM CONVO: DEFINING "CORPORATE AFFAIRS" IN A CROWDED SPACE

​Corporate affairs in biopharma no longer has clearly drawn borders. Functions like medical affairs, HR, policy, and market access now play increasing roles in how organizations communicate, and many colleagues consider themselves communicators simply because they’ve spoken at a conference, represented the company at an event, or built their own channels. Rather than defending turf, the best communications leaders are focused on defining scope with intention: determining where to lead, where to collaborate, and where to let others take the mic. This month’s Comm Convo explores how to sustain the distinctive value of corporate affairs while building partnerships across functions and maintaining the strategic authority that keeps the enterprise aligned.

​WHY ATTEND

• ​Assess when to lead, collaborate, or step back in areas where multiple functions claim communications territory.

• ​Exchange strategies for defining the role of corporate affairs without alienating colleagues who want to contribute.

• ​Consider approaches to empower others while reinforcing the function’s credibility and strategic influence.

• ​Articulate what corporate affairs uniquely provides when overlapping initiatives arise elsewhere in the organization.

​MEET OUR SPEAKERS

​Gentry Lassiter, Sr. Director, Corporate Affairs, US Chiesi USA, Inc.

​Gentry Lassiter joined Chiesi USA as Senior Director, Corporate Affairs in 2024. Mr. Lassiter brings more than a decade of experience in industry-leading communications and public affairs leadership, advancing corporate reputation, cultivating relationships with stakeholders, and enhancing the position of leading pharmaceutical product launches. Prior to joining Chiesi, Mr. Lassiter held roles of increasing responsibility at AbbVie, including leadership positions in international public affairs and in the U.S. public affairs organization. Mr. Lassiter has experience working in global public relations agencies, advising clients on corporate reputation and communications, international pharmaceutical launches, crisis management and complex cross-geographic mergers and acquisitions. Over his career, he has supported the launches of over 10 new medicines, indications, and combination products across respiratory, neuroscience, oncology, immunology, and infectious diseases globally.

​Mr. Lassiter earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Arkansas and a master’s degree in public relations and advertising from DePaul University. In addition to his professional leadership, he is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, has served as a board member and chairman of the land use review board in his local community, and donates his time and communications expertise to numerous nonprofit organizations in the United States.

​Erin Schellhammer, Chief People Officer, Cogent Biosciences

​Erin Schellhammer is an accomplished HR executive with over 20 years of experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceuticals industry. She currently serves as the Chief People Officer at Cogent Biosciences where she worked on building the company from the ground up.  Previously she was the CPO for Unum Therapeutics, the Head of HR at Intellia Therapeutics and at Biogen holding various global HR positions.  With a passion for building organizations, Erin has accumulated valuable HR experience, working across the spectrum from discovery to commercial organizations. Her commitment to fostering leadership and helping leaders find their voice is a testament to her dedication to developing and supporting talent within the industry.  Outside of her professional endeavors, Erin enjoys a variety of hobbies including playing music, food, and travel.

​Lauren Walrath, Founder, Versedin Communications

​Lauren Walrath is a strategic executive with nearly 20 years of experience leading corporate communications, public affairs, and patient advocacy for global and early-stage pharmaceutical organizations. Throughout her career, she has shaped the messaging, integrated marketing, and communications plans companies need to effectively navigate periods of rapid growth and transformation. 

​As Vice President of Public Affairs for Kyowa Kirin North America (“KKNA,” 2019-2025), Lauren started and maintained a range of internal and external communications programs to support the North America region as it grew from $275M to >$1B in annual revenue. Lauren initiated the company’s use of social media and patient ambassador programs, PR and media relations. Internally, she co-led culture initiatives - using employee events, newsletters and executive forums to keep people informed about strategic initiatives and organizational developments. Lauren also partnered with more than 20 patient advocacy groups to develop campaigns and research addressing the overlooked and underserved patient needs. 

​Prior to KKNA, Lauren was instrumental in Aquestive Therapeutics’ corporate branding, IPO and first commercial product launch. She also brings a wealth of experience from various roles with Bristol Myers Squibb, in advertising agencies (Entrée Health, Cossette Post, Ogilvy, DMB&B), and as the principal / founder of her own consultancy, Versed in Communications.

​Earlier this month, Lauren joined Organon as the Head of US Communications – overseeing all internal, external and product communications.

​Lauren holds an MBA from Columbia Business School (2006) and a BS from Penn State College of Communications / Schreyer Honors College (1997). She lives with her husband, two kids, and a mini Bernedoodle in Pennington, NJ.