Katie Brandt, MM is the Director of Caregiver Support Services and Public Relations in the Frontotemporal Disorders (FTD) Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital. Through this role, she provides leadership for research, education and community events aimed at understanding and supporting the caregiver experience for families impacted by Alzheimer’s Disease, Frontotemporal Disorders, atypical and young-onset dementias. As Co-Chair of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Research, Care and Services, Katie is able to connect with experts in the field of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias and contribute to federal policy initiatives and research priorities that promote health equity and person-centered care at every stage of dementia. Katie is a passionate advocate in the rare disease community, inspired by her personal experience as a former FTD caregiver for her late husband, Michael. Today, Katie is an Alzheimer’s caregiver for her father, Tom. Her experiences of love and loss embolden her to keep moving forward, determined that the cure of tomorrow is not so far from the care of today.

As President and CEO of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, Bob’s mission is to advance Massachusetts' leadership in the life sciences to grow the industry, add value to the healthcare system and improve patient lives. Over the last decade, Bob has truly become a champion for patients by ensuring innovative companies have the best environment possible to research, develop, and commercialize breakthrough therapies and cures for people around the world who need and deserve them. Bob has spent his career in both the public and private sectors. Before joining MassBio, he served as the Undersecretary of Economic Development within Governor Deval Patrick's administration, where he prioritized both healthcare and economic development issues and was a strong advocate for the life sciences industry in Massachusetts. Prior to that, he was elected as State Representative to the 11th Norfolk district for three terms. Bob has also held senior executive positions in the environmental services, capital management and venture capital industries. He brings passion and energy to all of his endeavors.

Paul Kidwell is a Boston-based, independent public relations/patient advocacy consultant providing media relations and patient engagement support for biopharmaceutical companies, and a rare disease podcaster. Paul has also been a Parkinson’s care partner since 2007. He regularly presents his caregiving story to industry and patient audiences. Paul has more than 20 years of corporate and agency communications experience within the life science sector. During this time Paul has provided integrated public relations support for product launches, FDA approvals, national and international media campaigns, patient advocacy programs, supported major industry conferences, medical meetings and trade shows, and developed media strategies for the placement of stories in global top tier business and trade media. Paul has been involved in strategic programs with a focus on media and analyst outreach, event support, internal communications and collateral development for clients in many key therapeutic areas, include: oncology, central nervous system, autoimmune disease, personalized medicine and many rare disease categories. He has created and implemented successful media relations and advocacy communications campaigns directed at business and scientific trade press, enabling his clients to achieve a higher level of visibility among potential investors and business partner audiences. Paul’s patient advocacy experience is extensive and for over a decade he has developed and supported patient engagement programs for biotech companies that includes patient ambassador programs, patient/caregiver/oncology nurse leadership councils, as well as patient storytelling. In 2013, Paul was part of the creators of the Patient Advocacy Summit in conjunction with MassBio; which is an event that focuses on the intersection of patient advocacy and the biotech industry, and features keynote presentations, panel discussions, case studies, and live patient storytelling. Paul also hosts the podcast