Nyerere Billups | Sr. Dir, Portolio Program Management
Abbvie

Nyerere consistently delivers results with a strategic lens, innovative ideas, and a focus on advancing business-critical programs. Nyerere is a leader with a drive and passion for developing his team. Nyerere infuses a positive, inclusive, contagious energy that elevates those around him. Nyerere started his career as a research assistant at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences with a NASA fellowship. He then worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and later moved into industry, leading clinical trials for CROs and start-ups. He spent over a decade in clinical operations, climbing to the director level before transitioning to portfolio program management. In June 2018, Nyerere joined Pharmacyclics just before the announced integration with AbbVie. As Director of PMO Development Operations, he spearheaded the merger of Pharmacyclics's PMO into AbbVie's PPM and led the launch of the Governance Model component of the Pipeline Commercialization Model (PCM). Today, as Sr. Director, Portfolio Program management, Nyerere's organization is accountable for delivering Integrated Evidence and Strategy, Integrated Access, and Early Brand Plans. Nyerere is also responsible for overseeing and continuously improving the PCM.

Nyerere is deeply committed to fostering a positive work culture, equity, diversity, and inclusion. He is also active in talent management and is involved in several diversity, mentoring, and talent development initiatives within the company. Nyerere holds various leadership positions in the community, including serving on the Board of Trustees at his alma mater, Knox College, and Chicago Scholars. In his free time, Nyerere enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, mentoring, public speaking, biking, running, hosting family game nights, and leisure reading.