VERONICA JOHNSON
Austin,TX
Summary
Results-driven account manager with extensive experience launching injectable and infusible biotechnology agents in the buy-and-bill space. Expertise in access and reimbursement, along with large account management. Skilled in developing and executing health system strategies, including GPO rebate and discount programs. Demonstrated success in leading field teams within the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Reimbursement Business Manager-Ophthalmology
Regeneron
03.2023 - Current
- Provide comprehensive support to physician offices across all stages of the reimbursement cycle, ensuring seamless communication for current and upcoming Regeneron products.
- Collaborated effectively with the payer team and sales matrix partners to launch and drive the pull-through of EYLEA HD. Achieved successful execution at key accounts, including stocking, access, payer policy updates, and claims assessment, by leveraging tools, educational resources, and programs.
- Foster strong relationships with key accounts (e.g., MDs, administrators, and office staff) and efficiently address product concerns.
- Proactively communicate updates on reimbursement requirements, payer trends, and policy changes, while leveraging approved access materials to enhance reimbursement confidence.
Access & Reimbursement Strategic Account Executive
BIOGEN
04.2022 - 03.2023
- Developed and executed strategic plans for key accounts to support the launch of BYOOVIZ, the first biosimilar in the retina space.
- Acted as a strategic partner to support patient access, billing, coding, and reimbursement for BYOOVIZ at targeted accounts, including academic medical institutions and large subspecialty practices.
- Implemented successful C-suite and practice management strategies by executing GPO rebates and discounts, while providing education on local and regional payer policies and trends.
- Partnered with key account stakeholders to develop efficient product adoption strategies, addressing and resolving reimbursement issues. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement pull-through strategies and identify opportunities with key accounts.
- Leadership roles: Interim Commercial Regional Director (12/2022 - 3/2023), Patient services national FIT team liaison (5/2022 - 3/2023), Regional new SAE mentor (10/2022 - 3/2023)
Rare Disease Patient Access Liaison
HORIZON THERAPEUTICS
12.2021 - 04.2022
- Secured patient access of TEPEZZA, an infusion treatment for thyroid eye disease
- Educated patients regarding coverage based on their benefits and assisted with gaining authorization prior to treatment
- Followed the patient journey from treatment initiation through completion including relationships with cross functional partners to support ongoing compliance with therapy
- Collaborated daily with Market Access, Advocacy, Marketing and the Site of Care team to facilitate and improve patient access to insurance, medications and financial support
Customer Experience Manager
NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS
01.2021 - 11.2021
- The primary BEOVU commercial point of contact for Retina key accounts
- Built and developed relationships with key providers and practice management stakeholders
- Engaged customers via strategic business implementation by leveraging expertise and knowledge of the retina marketplace, disease state, buy and bill reimbursement and payer coverage
Retina Account Specialist
NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS
03.2019 - 12.2020
- Key account management, owning the relationship with the largest retina practices and the sole sales specialist driving performance of retina products by engaging customers at all levels within the assigned accounts
- Served as an expert on the on-label clinical data and information for BEOVU
- Continuously built and developed professional relationships with C-suite stakeholders
- Utilized my expertise and knowledge of the marketplace, disease state, buy and bill pathway, applicable competitors, industry and cross-functional activities/plans to anticipate and effectively managed business opportunities and challenges in a compliant manner
Reimbursement Account Specialist
ALIMERA SCIENCES
07.2015 - 02.2019
- Provided comprehensive case management and reimbursement guidance to Retina practices and institutional accounts across 6 states for a new steroid implant
- Provided retina practices, systems of care and academic medical institutions with claims guidance and assistance by analyzing patient coverage and conveying billing and coding specifics
- Contributed to regional goal attainment via collaborating with sales force to build reimbursement competence and provide solutions to reimbursement challenges
- Cross functional collaboration with payer team to identify and eliminate coverage and reimbursement barriers on a local and regional level
Clinical Account Specialist
ALIMERA SCIENCES
02.2015 - 06.2015
- Successfully launched an ocular steroid implant to Retina Specialists in south Texas
- Developed national level KOLs
- Achieved top 25% performance
- Promoted to Reimbursement Account Specialist position in 4 months
Senior Retina Account Manager
EYETECH, INC./BAUSCH & LOMB
07.2007 - 01.2015
- Total account management for boutique biotech business unit promoting Macugen, Retisert and Visudyne buy and bill injectables for retinal pathology
- Consistent top performer including Everest Award Winner for Macugen sales performance, the highest honor for top sales attainment and accompanying behaviors
- Trained and advised accounts on proper use of J-codes, ICD-9 and CPT codes with respect to buy and bill reimbursement with commercial and CMS payers
- Thought leader development
- Peer coaching and development
Interim Regional Sales Director
EYETECH, INC./BAUSCH & LOMB
02.2006 - 06.2007
- Assumed the role of managing and leading the Central Region while continuing in my account manager position
- Played a key role on the leadership team during the sales force restructuring process
- Achieved sales goals in hybrid role
Retina Account Manager
EYETECH, INC./BAUSCH & LOMB
07.2004 - 06.2007
- Successfully launched and branded Macugen (an anti-VEGF anti-angiogenesis agent) for the treatment of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration to Retina Specialists in southwest Texas
- Secured top tier buy and bill injectable sales in a start up sales organization
- Developed territory from start up to top 25% sales volume at launch
- Consultative sale of a first in class novel therapeutic
District Sales Manager-Neuroscience Specialty
ELI LILLY & COMPANY
01.2002 - 07.2004
- Coached and developed 10 Neuroscience specialty sales representatives in southwest Texas promoting a mental health portfolio in mental health systems and to psychiatrists and neurologists
- Responsible for coaching for performance, sales forecasting, strategy development, budget management and succession planning
- Exceeded sales targets of a $35 million portfolio
- 2003 performance at 128% of effective targets (ranked top 1/3rd nationally); 2002 ranked of top 25%
- Promoted 7 reps in 2 years by successfully engaging the performance management and talent development processes
- Led top tier performance during the launch of Strattera
District Sales Manager-Primary Care
ELI LILLY & COMPANY
08.1999 - 12.2001
- Built a district of 10 sales representatives to launch Actos for the treatment of adult onset diabetes to primary care physicians in Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Dakotas
- Responsible for recruiting, hiring, deployment, coaching for performance and management
- 2001 improved performance of $10 million portfolio to top 1/3rd national rank for lead products
- Successfully launched Actos, Prozac Weekly and Humalog Mix 75/25
Direct Marketing Associate-Insulin Brand Team
ELI LILLY & COMPANY
01.1999 - 07.1999
Human Resources Associate-Compensation Analyst
ELI LILLY & COMPANY
06.1998 - 12.1998
Award winning Sales Representative
ELI LILLY & COMPANY
02.1991 - 05.1998
Education
B.S. - Business Administration
Florida A&M University
Tallahassee, FL12.1990
Skills
- Extensive knowledge of healthcare frameworks
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Reimbursement policy optimization
- Healthcare payment systems proficiency
- Understanding payer policies
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Collaborative problem-solving
Community Service
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Social Action Committee Co-Chair, 01/2020, Present
- C.A.S.A. of Travis County, Tenured Court Appointed Special Advocate, Teen Specialist, 01/2012, 12/2022
- Girl Scout Oak Hill Service Unit, Silver Award Consultant, 01/2015, 12/2019
- Florida A&M University Alumni Association, Austin Chapter, Charter 1st Vice President, 01/2014, Present
- Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, Austin Chapter, Chapter Program Director, 01/2018, Present
- Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, Austin Chapter, Chapter Sergeant at Arms, 01/2016, 12/2018
- Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, Austin Chapter, Chapter Nominating Committee Chair, 01/2014, 12/2016
- Hill Country Cotillion, Co-Founder, Board Member, Treasurer, 01/2011, 12/2013
- Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Beth Moore Simulcast Logistics Coordinator, 01/2007, 12/2007
- Girl Scout Troop 2219, Leader, 01/2006, 12/2018
- Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Children's Drama Team Section Leader, 01/2006, 12/2009
- Patton Elementary School, Library Volunteer, 01/2006, 12/2006
- Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Women's Ministry Retreat Leadership Team, 01/2006, 12/2012
- Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Women Reaching Women Christmas Outreach Leader, 01/2005, 12/2009
- Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Community Health Ministry Core Team, Health Festival logistics coordinator, 01/2005, 12/2015
- Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Children's Church Teacher, grades 4-6, 01/2004, 12/2017
- Mocha Moms of Austin, Charter Member, 01/2003, 12/2003
Timeline
Reimbursement Business Manager-Ophthalmology
Regeneron
03.2023 - Current
Access & Reimbursement Strategic Account Executive
BIOGEN
04.2022 - 03.2023
Rare Disease Patient Access Liaison
HORIZON THERAPEUTICS
12.2021 - 04.2022
Customer Experience Manager
NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS
01.2021 - 11.2021
Retina Account Specialist
NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS
03.2019 - 12.2020
Reimbursement Account Specialist
ALIMERA SCIENCES
07.2015 - 02.2019
Clinical Account Specialist
ALIMERA SCIENCES
02.2015 - 06.2015
Senior Retina Account Manager
EYETECH, INC./BAUSCH & LOMB
07.2007 - 01.2015
Interim Regional Sales Director
EYETECH, INC./BAUSCH & LOMB
02.2006 - 06.2007
Retina Account Manager
EYETECH, INC./BAUSCH & LOMB
07.2004 - 06.2007
District Sales Manager-Neuroscience Specialty
ELI LILLY & COMPANY
01.2002 - 07.2004
District Sales Manager-Primary Care
ELI LILLY & COMPANY
08.1999 - 12.2001
Direct Marketing Associate-Insulin Brand Team
ELI LILLY & COMPANY
01.1999 - 07.1999
Human Resources Associate-Compensation Analyst
ELI LILLY & COMPANY
06.1998 - 12.1998
Award winning Sales Representative
ELI LILLY & COMPANY
02.1991 - 05.1998
B.S. - Business Administration
Florida A&M University
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