In honor of Veterans Day, we spoke with Rob Caskey, a senior manager in PhRMA’s finance department about his military service, journey to PhRMA and why veterans make great employees for America’s biopharmaceutical companies.
At 17 years old, Rob Caskey met with a recruiter from the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) to discuss what he wanted out of his life and career. His ultimate goal was to help people, and he walked away from the meeting convinced that the USMC was how he would be able to meet that goal.
As a Gunnery Sergeant, Caskey spent 22 years in the USMC working in supply chain, logistics and business management, including serving in Desert Storm and two tours in Iraq. When it came time to retire, Caskey maintained the same goal of helping people and after a few years working for a government contractor, he had the opportunity to apply to a temporary job at PhRMA.
“When I joined PhRMA, I came on as a temp,” said Caskey, “I told the folks who hired me that I would make sure that their decision to keep me on full time would be the easiest one they ever made.”
Two weeks later, Caskey was brought on as a full-time employee in the finance department, where he now oversees contracts and works with many of PhRMA’s members. Although the first position was just temporary, Caskey knew PhRMA was the right fit for him after researching the organization, and the biopharmaceutical industry.
“What struck me about PhRMA was its overarching mission to help bring new medicines to patients,” said Caskey, “I come to work every day to do what I can to make a difference in the world by supporting the mission of PhRMA and the biopharmaceutical industry.”
Caskey noted that he’s encouraged by the veteran hiring initiatives across the biopharmaceutical industry, including Merck, Pfizer and Eli Lilly which represent just some of the many companies that have programs in place aimed at hiring veterans. According to Caskey, veterans make fantastic employees – they are disciplined, accountable and are used to putting on a uniform and making each day their best day.
An unexpected challenge for Marines in corporate culture?
“In the Marines, if you come to a 9:00 am meeting at 9:00 am, you’re late; you’re only on-time if you arrive at 8:45am -- I’m still getting used to not showing up to meetings 15 minutes early,” said Caskey.
PhRMA is proud of Caskey, and all of the veterans working in the biopharmaceutical industry, for their service to our country and now to patients around the world.
Andrew Powaleny
Andrew Powaleny is the Deputy Vice President of Public Affairs at PhRMA, where he leads communications on scientific, regulatory and intellectual property issues, highlighting the biopharmaceutical industry’s efforts in developing innovative medicines and vaccines while promoting an environment that encourages necessary risk-taking. For five years starting in 2019, he launched and led PhRMA’s grassroots initiative, Voters for Cures, bringing patients and caregivers together to advocate for access to medicine and biopharmaceutical innovation. He also co-founded and co-chaired PRIDE Umbrella, a resource group for LGBTQ+ individuals. Prior to joining PhRMA in 2015, Andrew worked as a communications consultant in Washington, D.C., and as Deputy Press Secretary for the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce under Chairman Fred Upton. He holds a degree in public policy and government from Eastern Connecticut State University, with a minor in music. Outside of work, Andrew enjoys exercise, musical theater and mentoring college students through The Fund for American Studies alumni association.
Andrew Powaleny
Honoring veterans serving in the biopharmaceutical industry
Honoring veterans serving in the biopharmaceutical industry
Honoring veterans serving in the biopharmaceutical industry