George Atanasov Email & Phone Number

Leading and overseeing geopolitical risks and opportunities for Johnson & Johnson, government affairs risk management and mitigation, and compliance to ensure the company is resilient and adaptable to global challenges.

Massachusetts, United States

• Led the implementation and evolution of J&J’s global government affairs and policy strategy; drove industry-specific and enterprise-wide business outcomes while anticipating and mitigating risks; oversaw the preparation for and execution of senior leader (CEO, Executive Committee Members) engagements with senior-ranking government officials; advanced reputation and branding through the development and targeted implementation of internal/external thought leadership; and leading numerous internal teams and external consultants, including public affairs, international forums, trade associations, geopolitics and employee engagement.• Chief of Staff to Worldwide Leader of Government Affairs & Policy, a direct report to J&J’s CEO. Key responsibilities included developing bi-annual presentations to J&J’s Board of Directors; influencing, without direct management authority, the function’s global leadership team’s performance; facilitating engagements with key internal/external stakeholders, including creating background briefings and thought leadership communications; facilitating global town halls; and driving organizational excellence and effectiveness through continual operational improvements.

Massachusetts

• Exclusive relationship manager of contract lobbying consultants across multiple states, numerous industry trade associations, business groups, and patient advocacy organizations. • Directly engaged government officials on health care legislation and regulations to advocate for patient-centric and pro-innovation public policies while successfully defeating problematic policy proposals in arguably the most politically challenging environment in the pharmaceuticals industry’s history.• Creatively leveraged J&J’s footprint (e.g., employees, facilities, economic impact) at the state level to advance J&J’s reputation, create platforms to demonstrate industry through leadership, and help shape a favorable policy environment.• Appointed by J&J’s General Counsel for a year-long internal leadership development program called Talent Accelerator Process designed for high-potential talent to accelerate career advancement. Completed in 2021.

Massachusetts

Regional Director of State Government Affairs for AbbVie, Inc. (NYSE: ABBV), a global, researched-based biopharmaceutical company with over $20 billion in revenue and more than 28,000 employees in approximately 75 countries.• Developed and implemented a comprehensive government affairs strategy for the Northeast Region, a 7-state territory that includes all of New England and New York;• Proactively identified and addressed legislative and regulatory issues, challenges and opportunities that impact AbbVie’s business;• Built strategic partnerships, alliances and coalitions with various stakeholders, including private industry, trade and business associations, as well as non-profits, to advocate for government policies that increase patient access to AbbVie’s medicines.

• Lobbyist, consultant and advocate for a diverse range of clients including Fortune 100 companies, trade associations, and nonprofits from various industries including pharmaceuticals, medical device technologies, hospitals, real estate development, casino gaming, education, and fine arts.• Navigated legislative, regulatory, and political issues by developing and executing strategies that included direct lobbying, engaging stakeholders and trade associations, building coalitions and public/media relations.• Joined Mintz Levin in 2003 for a two-year, rotational position in the firm’s Project Analyst Program and was the first person in the Program’s then 25-year history to be hired for full-time employment, specifically as Manager of Public Policy & Research and registered Massachusetts lobbyist.

Doctor Of Law (J.D.)

Activities and Societies: Trustee Merit Scholar

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Political Science And Communications

Activities and Societies: Executive Editor, The Heights (independent campus newspaper)