​***If you do not receive your event confirmation within 1 business day of RSVPing (above), check your email spam folder. The automated Luma email includes the Zoom info and cal invite.***

​Comm Convo pricing:

• ​Complimentary for T2B Pro and Student community members (log into your T2B account and access your promo code here)

• ​$40 for Basic members (access to live event only, not the recording)

​If you're not part of Ticket to Biotech, confirm you're eligible, and join before registering for this event:

​T2B Intake Form

​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.

​Duccio Manetti, PhD, Chief Communication & Institutional Affairs Officer, Kedrion Biopharma

​Duccio Manetti is a corporate communication executive with over 18 years of global experience in the Energy, Food & Beverage and Healthcare industry sectors. Duccio has a university degree in Philosophy of Language and Philosophy of Science, a second degree in Science of Communication and a PhD in Cognitive Sciences.

​He has extensive experience in the communication field, holding several leadership positions in multinational companies in the Energy, Food & Beverage and Healthcare industry sectors and living in America, Asia and Australia. More recently, Duccio has been the Global Director of Communications at Bracco, leading the 360° communication strategy for the company, from internal to external comms, as well as PR, digital and public affairs.

​Today he is the Chief Communication Officer at Kedrion, a leading pharmaceutical company in the area of rare diseases and plasma derived products. Duccio is responsible for the Corporate Communication and Government Affairs function, with the responsibility of external and internal communication strategy, and of the governmental affairs agenda.

​Duccio is also a guest lecturer at the Quadriga University of Berlin and at IULM, as well as a global mentor for Mentee (an international non-profit organization that helps marginalized young students in disadvantaged countries).

​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.