2025 HBA STAR - Rebecca Vermeulen

Rebecca Vermeulen, Vice President, Global Patient Networks, Product Development Medical Affairs at Genentech, a member of the Roche group, is honored for her exceptional contributions to the HBA and her unwavering commitment to patient advocacy and equity. The STAR award recognizes an HBA Member Leader who has significantly impacted the growth, stature and footprint of HBA's United Force for Change.   

Rebecca’s strategic leadership was pivotal during her tenure as a two-term HBA Global Board Chair, guiding the organization through the pandemic with resilience, vision and empathy. Rebecca was also instrumental in establishing the HBA Constellation League, of which she currently serves as a co-chair, and has held leadership positions within the HBA's San Francisco and Indiana chapters.  

In her current role at Genentech, Rebecca champions patient-centric approaches to healthcare, ensuring equitable access to research and treatment solutions. She serves on the board for Patient Focused Medicines Development (PFMD), an organization committed to improving global health by co-designing the future of healthcare with patients. Rebecca is also the Chair of the Genentech Patient Foundation. She was formerly Chair of the board for the Drug Information Association (DIA), a global member-driven organization mobilizing life sciences and healthcare professionals.