Stacey Bledsoe, RN, MSN, Head of Clinical Patient Engagement and Inclusion, joined Gilead Sciences in July 2023 as Head of Global Clinical Trial Diversity and Inclusion. Her role has since expanded to include Patient Engagement, where she leads efforts to integrate the patient voice across the drug development lifecycle. She is responsible for advancing clinical trial diversity across Gilead’s portfolio, helping ensure treatments are effective for all populations. Stacey brings over 22 years of pharmaceutical industry experience across Research & Development, Clinical Operations, Global Health Outcomes, Medical Affairs, and Six Sigma.
Before Gilead, Stacey spent over two decades at Eli Lilly & Co., where she led diversity in clinical trials, health outcomes research, and medical information. Under her leadership, Lilly earned a Gold rating for its diversity initiatives. She frequently contributes to national boards, conferences, interviews, and publications to advocate for equitable access to clinical trials. Stacey also founded the Lilly Global Medical Outreach Program, which mobilized Lilly medical professionals to serve underserved communities in Africa, Greece, and South America.
Stacey’s commitment to patients began in her early career as a Registered Nurse in the Level III NICU at Riley Hospital for Children. She holds both Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing degrees from Indiana University. She is passionate about ensuring that all patients—especially the most vulnerable—have equal access to clinical research and life-changing therapies.
Stacey lives in Indianapolis, Indiana, with her husband of 24 years, their three daughters—including one attending Indiana University—and their Yorkie, Sam