L Maria ("Mariah") G Kelly
Chatham,MA
Summary
Accomplished Senior Director, Global Patient Advocacy leader with extensive expertise shaping international and US strategies to expand access to innovative care and strengthen health equity. Known for building trusted alliances with over 50 rare disease advocacy groups around the world. Recognized for stewarding multi-million-dollar budgets, managing complex challenges into actionable solutions and leading cross-functional strategic initiatives such as global advocacy summits, patient centric support platforms, and global working groups. Demonstrated success in driving innovation and aligning advocacy efforts with community needs to enhance patient support. A proven leader who thrives at the intersection of science and advocacy, consistently uniting stakeholders to deliver lasting impact for patients while driving organizational innovation, growth and reputation.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director, Specialty Care, Patient Advocacy
Pfizer, Inc
New York, New York
06.2023 - 05.2026
- Directed global advocacy strategy initiatives that strengthened Pfizer’s reputation and engagement within the SCD/RD community landscape.
- Spearheaded the GBT advocacy acquisition integration, broadening organizational reach, stakeholder influence, and strategic positioning within the rare disease sector.
- Served as crisis management lead during the global SCD product withdrawal, guiding engagement and communications with patients, advocacy organizations, and key stakeholders to preserve trust and continuity.
- Oversaw and aligned all global advocacy communications, ensuring transparency, message consistency, and protection of corporate and brand reputation.
Senior Director, Rare Disease Research Unit
Pfizer, Inc
Cambridge, MA
04.2018 - 06.2023
- Cultivated strategic partnerships with more than 30 rare disease advocacy organizations to strengthen patient-centered clinical development and inform product strategy.
- Led cross-functional collaboration to embed patient insights and advocacy perspectives into global rare disease initiatives, enhancing organizational alignment and decision-making.
- Served as a key representative for the RDRU across U.S. and global professional engagements, elevating organizational visibility, stakeholder relationships, and industry influence.
Director, US Brands, Global Innovative Pharma, Patient Affairs Liaison
Pfizer, Inc
New York, New York
12.2011 - 04.2018
- Architect of world’s first kosher certified, FDA-approved, plant-cell based biologic for rare diseases with Orthodox Union.
- Spearheaded global advocacy launch for first plant-based enzyme replacement therapy in partnership with Israeli biotech, Protalix.
- Developed and launched Patient Affairs Liaison role across the US to support community.
- Led launch of Gaucher Personal Support brand platform. Created and managed the international Gaucher Advisory Council.
- Partnered with FDA, NIH, and NYC Department of Public Health
Strategic Sales Operations Manager
Pfizer, Inc
North East
10.2010 - 12.2011
- Managed all operations for Northeast sales district overseeing 300+ colleagues to ensure alignment with brand priorities and compliance mandates.
- Analyzed market trends to execute sales strategies which drove revenue growth across territories.
Therapeutic Specialist, Congressional District Captain, Patient Advocacy
Pfizer, Inc
North East
02.2001 - 10.2010
- Led North East district operations and sales management for team of 300+ to include recruitment, training, professional development, performance management, and cross-functional collaboration.
- relationships with physicians and hospital systems across New England to enhance collaboration.
- Fostered partnerships with advocacy groups to support healthcare initiatives in the region.
Education
BSN - Nursing
Worcester State University
Worcester, MASkills
- Strategic patient advocacy and alliance
- Health literacy equity
- Patient preference generation
- Patient insight assessment
- Support services for drug development
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Pipeline development
- Vendor relationship management
- Crisis management (pandemic/tx withdrawal)
- Acquisition Advocacy Lead
- Team building & motivation
- Launch coordination & effectiveness
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Advocacy Corp Communicaitons
Awards
- Most Influentiential Initiative - ERT Kosher Certification
- EPBU Innovation Award – Outstanding Accomplishments - Architect of Patient Affairs Liaison Role
- EPBU Innovation Award – Development of Gaucher Personal Support Patient Platform
- Monarch Award(s) - Leadership, Innovation, and Management
Professional Memberships
- Massachusetts Board of Nursing, 01/00, Present
- Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, 01/09 -12/24
- PGS Women’s Mentoring Program, Pfizer, 01/12 - 12/24
- Board of Directors, Chatham Historical Society, 01/23, Present
Timeline
Senior Director, Specialty Care, Patient Advocacy
Pfizer, Inc
06.2023 - 05.2026
Senior Director, Rare Disease Research Unit
Pfizer, Inc
04.2018 - 06.2023
Director, US Brands, Global Innovative Pharma, Patient Affairs Liaison
Pfizer, Inc
12.2011 - 04.2018
Strategic Sales Operations Manager
Pfizer, Inc
10.2010 - 12.2011
Therapeutic Specialist, Congressional District Captain, Patient Advocacy
Pfizer, Inc
02.2001 - 10.2010
BSN - Nursing
Worcester State University