Tauzin Bolsters PhRMA Staff with Longtime Aides

December 16, 2004

Washington, D.C.--Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) today announced two new hires, Mimi Simoneaux and Ken Johnson. Both employees were longtime-serving aides to incoming PhRMA president and CEO Billy Tauzin during his 25-year tenure as a congressman on Capitol Hill. Simoneaux will assume the post of Senior Vice President of External Affairs, and Johnson will assume the post of Senior Vice President of Communications, effective January 3, 2005, the same day Congressman Tauzin assumes his new post.  “These aides have shared with me a vision to help people,” said Tauzin. “Part of my decision to join PhRMA was based on its deep commitment to a partnership with patients. Both Mimi and Ken understand this goal and will help PhRMA actively pursue that partnership.”

Simoneaux first worked for Representative Tauzin in 1991 through his chairmanship of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade and Consumer Protection, serving as his top legislative aide. She then consulted for Clark & Weinstock and later spent a year as Director of Policy & Government Affairs for Verisign/Network Solutions. When Tauzin became chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Simoneaux was asked to return as Tauzin’s chief of staff. She holds a B.A. degree in international relations from Tulane University.

“PhRMA has assembled some of the best and the brightest to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.    We are looking forward to working to earn patients’ trust by continuing to demonstrate how this industry provides patients, and those who hold them dear, a better quality of life,” said Simoneaux.

Johnson is currently Senior Advisor to the Chairman, Chief Spokesperson and Communications Director for the House Select Committee on Homeland Security. Prior to that, he was with the House Energy and Commerce Committee as its communications director, deputy chief of staff and principal spokesman. Before coming to Capitol Hill, Johnson was an award-winning journalist, with 20 years experience as a news director, anchor, and political reporter for CBS-TV affiliates in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Cincinnati. A native of Galesburg, IL, Johnson graduated from Knox College and later earned a Master of Science degree from the College of St. Francis (Joliet, IL). This past year, the College of St. Francis awarded Johnson the Alumni Professional Achievement Award.

"It's an honor to have the opportunity to work with an organization that is completely committed to saving lives. Every one of us has a relative, friend or neighbor who would not be here today without the miraculous research being done by America's pharmaceutical companies. Working alongside Congressman Billy Tauzin, someone who has been a friend and mentor for more than 30 years, is an added bonus,” said Johnson.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies, which are devoted to inventing medicines that allow patients to live longer, healthier and more productive lives.   PhRMA members invested an estimated $33.2 billion in 2003 in discovering and developing new medicines.  PhRMA companies are leading the way in the search for new cures.