Her Story
About Pamela L.
Pamela L. Barnes is the Founder and Managing Principal of Elm Capitol Group LLC, a boutique Washington, DC-based consultancy that helps pharmaceutical companies, patient advocacy organizations, trade associations, and mission-driven health entities navigate the intersection of federal policy and commercial strategy. With nearly two decades in healthcare policy, Barnes has built her career on translating complex regulatory and legislative shifts into actionable strategies that protect patient access and affordability. Her expertise spans federal health policy, government affairs, and stakeholder engagement across therapeutic areas including oncology, neuroscience, rare disease, and vaccines.
Barnes's career reflects a rare vantage point spanning both government and industry. She began working with the NIH on clinical trials shortly after completing graduate school, then spent roughly a decade in public policy roles at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Environmental Protection Agency, where she coordinated priorities across agencies such as CMS, FDA, and NIH and helped author the National Health Security Strategy. In 2018, she transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry, taking on federal policy leadership roles at GlaxoSmithKline before spending four years at Bristol-Myers Squibb, where she directed executive branch strategy and strategic alliance efforts. During her time in industry, she played a central role in securing NTAP status for the CAR T therapy Breyanzi, contributed to an FDA REMS removal that expanded access for thousands of patients annually, and was honored with BMS's 2022 Commercialization Innovation Award for her work on the Opdualag launch.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Barnes is a dedicated advocate for women's health and community engagement. She has served for several years on the Board of Directors of the Fibroid Foundation, championing awareness and treatment options for those affected by fibroids, and remains an active member of Women in Government Relations' Health and Social Policy Task Force. A Brown University graduate with a master's degree from Boston University School of Medicine, Barnes credits her achievements to discipline, persistence, and self-confidence, and she frequently encourages young women entering the field to build strong networks, trust their own judgment, and refuse to let setbacks define their path forward.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Pamela L.
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my competitive drive, disciplined work ethic, and persistence. I've built my career on strong networking and, above all, self-confidence — believing in my own ability even when circumstances or others suggested I shouldn't.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women to believe in yourselves, one hundred percent. There will always be someone telling you that the deck is stacked against you — don't give in to the naysayers. Get out there, network relentlessly, and don't take no for an answer. You have to hold onto a self-confidence strong enough to overcome everything negative that society throws at you.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I see the field being shaped by rapid changes in the labor market, including growing concerns around AI's impact on entry-level roles. At the same time, payer and Medicaid policy remain deeply complex, and addressing medical debt and affordability continues to be essential to protecting patient access.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Protecting patient access and affordability sits at the core of what I do. Public service, raising awareness for underserved needs, and maintaining my own personal drive and discipline are the values that guide both my professional and personal life.
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