Heidi L. Wagner is a Global Executive and Government Affairs Expert with the rare combination of exceptional communications skills, legal and policy expertise, and business acumen. Her deep experience in government policy, product funding and pricing, patient advocacy and international management in the Biopharmaceutical Industry has made her a visionary partner and trusted advisor of top management and boards of directors. She is a thoughtful leader who empowers and guides employees to achieve goals, succeed in their roles and be recognized for outstanding service.

Most recently, Heidi served  as Senior Vice President and Global Head, Government Affairs, for ElevateBio, a technology-driven cell and gene therapy company, accelerating access to the cutting-edge technologies and expertise that will change the future of medicine. Heidi was responsible for leading engagement with external stakeholders regarding public policy initiatives and partnership opportunities designed to expand ElevateBio’s footprint and capabilities, and to advance patient access to CGTs globally.

Previously as SVP of Global Government Affairs for Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Heidi was responsible for directing the company’s Government Affairs activities globally, including all issues and discussions relating to government policy, pricing, reimbursement and patient access, as well as patient advocacy. She managed a team across offices in Washington, DC; Miami, FL; Brussels, Belgium; Zurich, Switzerland; and Toronto, Canada; and was a member of the Executive Committee and Chair of internal Pricing & Reimbursement Committee. She helped develop and implement strategy with key external government stakeholders on a broad range of activities globally, and led funding negotiations and global strategy to ensure patient access to the Alexion portfolio of products.

Heidi also led government affairs at Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc., where she advised and advanced its mission to serve patients with sickle cell disease, and also for Genentech, Inc., a subsidiary of Roche, where she was instrumental in leading a broad industry coalition on U.S. biosimilars policy, managing strategy that led to the successful enactment of the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA) under the ACA.

In addition to leadership roles in government affairs and strategy, Heidi has extensive board experience, currently serving on the Boards of Wave Life Sciences, Inc., the Lieber Institute for Brain Development (LIBD) and the University of Colorado Foundation. She served previously on the. Boards of The American Kidney Fund (AKF) and the European Confederation of Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs (EUCOPE).   

After starting her career as an aide in the US House of Representatives, Heidi earned a Juris Doctor at George Mason University School of Law.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism & Mass Communication (With Honors) from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and is a member (inactive) of the New Jersey and Pennsylvania Bars.

Heidi lives in McLean, VA, with her partner, Rich, and maintains a residence in Colorado. She is an avid runner, skier, philanthropist and sports fan. Her son, Riley, is a 2018 graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder, and lives and works in Denver, Colorado.