Big time

 

 

 Kathy Bilotas
Manager of Public Affairs, State Government Affairs
Company: Eli Lilly and Company
Education: B.S. in Sociology, Suffolk University; Master of Public Health, Boston University School of Public Health
Kathy Bilotas has 23 years of experience as a public policy analyst, strategist and political adviser. She has focused on health care and human service related issues. As manager of public affairs for Eli Lilly & Company, she is responsible for all legislative and regulatory issues of interest to Lilly within Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Maine. Kathy represents the Industry (PhRMA), as Task Force Chair in Rhode Island. 

 

Four years ago, amid reports of a ‘Brain Drain’ that was sapping the business community’s most talented workers, the Greater Boston Chamber created the Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program to identify the leaders of tomorrow and engage them in the business and civic life of our community. Every Monday, Chamber president & CEO Paul Guzzi has a conversation with one of the more than 200 alumni of the BFL program to introduce the region’s next generation of business leaders to Metro readers.

What is the coolest part of your job?
Working for a company that is improving the health of hundreds of thousands of patients around the world and being provided the opportunity to advocate on behalf of people with mental illness and their families.

What is your favorite thing about working in Boston?
The rapid city pace and the historical aspect of the city.

Favorite place to take a client for lunch?
Vinalia Restaurant on Arch Street.

If you could have any job in Boston, other than your own, what would it be?
The opportunity to teach (college and graduate students) about government and health care related issues. In sharing my knowledge and experience, hopefully it would provide confidence and creativity for someone trying to decide where to go in their career.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Having made a positive impact on the lives of others, whether it be through my personal or professional actions.

Favorite place to relax after a long week?
Our vacation home in Falmouth.

What’s the best piece of career advice you have ever received?
Make sure that every day, when you look at yourself in the mirror, you feel good about your actions and what you have been able to accomplish.