2026 SAMA Annual Conference Session

Session 202 – Inside Healthcare C-Suite: Building strategic partnerships that stick

Date(s):
  • May 19, 202610:15 am11:30 am
  • May 19, 202612:00 pm1:15 pm
Session Info:
Track: Critical Skills for Strategic Account Managers

Pharmaceutical decision-making has become more complex, interconnected, and value-driven than ever. Strategic account managers face mounting pressure to move beyond access and create partnerships that resonate with top executives. In this dynamic panel discussion, senior leaders from the pharmaceutical C-suite will share what truly drives their decision-making — what makes them engage, what keeps them skeptical, and how they measure long-term value in their external partnerships.

Attendees will walk away with a rare insider perspective on:
• How C-suite executives align partnerships with corporate strategy.
• The top three priorities shaping pharma’s external collaborations in 2025–2026.
• Common pitfalls that derail otherwise promising partnerships.
• Practical advice on becoming a strategic ally instead of a transactional vendor.

This workshop is designed to help strategic account managers refine their approach, strengthen executive engagement, and create mutually valuable partnerships with top pharma decision-makers.

Learning objectives:
• Understand the evolving priorities of pharmaceutical executives in today’s competitive and regulated environment.
• Identify the key drivers and decision-making frameworks that influence partnerships at the executive level.
• Learn actionable strategies to position yourself as a trusted advisor to the C-suite.
• Avoid common mistakes that erode trust and credibility with pharma leaders.

William Ford

William Ford

Founder

The Prime Meridian Group

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Kirollos Hanna

Kirollos Hanna

Director of Pharmacy

Minnesota Oncology

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MaryAnn Connor

MaryAnn Connor

Chief Nursing Informatics Officer

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

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Michael Evans

Michael Evans

Chief Pharmacy Officer

Geisinger Health System

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