Kim Gawart

Kim Gawart began her career in the pharmaceutical industry in 1985 when she was hired by Marion Laboratories directly from her college campus. As hire number 178, she joined a company that trained recent graduates to prioritize both patients and business needs. Over her 40 years in the field, she has developed deep expertise in leadership, collaboration, market access, and mentoring. She is especially proud of the teams she has built and led at various points in her career. Kim holds a bachelor's degree and was the first person in her family on both sides to graduate from college, an accomplishment made possible by her parents' hard work despite financial challenges. She is a member of the National Charity League in St. Louis, where she helps mentor young women preparing for college and careers. Outside of work, she volunteers at the Open Door Animal Sanctuary as an animal advocate. Kim attributes her success first to an internal never-give-up work ethic instilled by her upbringing, second to a willingness to try new approaches and move on from failures without fear, and also to her ability to build professional friendships across all levels as well as the outstanding leaders and mentors she has had. She values trust and honesty without politics in both her work and personal life, along with human compassion that extends beyond sales results to supporting colleagues through personal challenges. In the current healthcare landscape, she notes the biggest challenge is navigating its increasing complexity involving HMOs, buying groups, 340B programs, government pricing, and contracting. Her advice to young women entering the industry is to first understand who they are internally, identify their strengths and interests, then connect with networks to find the right fit where they can apply their gifts, rather than risking being stuck or let go in a mismatched role.