FROM THE PRESIDENT
Laura Last
Ithink it’s safe to say that most of us have reached where we are professionally thanks in part to others. Obviously, our own skills, dedication and hard work are factors we control, but many of us have also been fortunate enough to have great role models, mentors and champions in our corner.
In my career, I’ve had many people I’ve learned from and looked up to. The same is true of my time with LTEN: I learned from the best.
Which leads me to the LTEN Hall of Fame, where we honor our network’s past leaders, shining inspirations and dedicated supporters who’ve made an impact on our industry. Each year, LTEN inducts a group of life sciences veterans who’ve guided LTEN, who’ve shaped the programs and resources we offer members, and who’ve enabled our network to thrive, grow and reach a new generation of industry professionals.
This year’s inductees have all been mentors to me over the years, and each one has made a difference in my LTEN experience. I’m sure they’ve all positively impacted many others as well. This year’s inductees have each been invaluable in shaping what LTEN has become (and is becoming).
At this year’s Annual Conference in July, we’ll be welcoming five life sciences veterans into our Hall of Fame, showing our gratitude for jobs very, very well done. It’s my honor to introduce you to (or reconnect you with) Dawn Brehm, David Fortanbary, Ian Kelly, Michelle O’Connor and John Sjovall.
Retired Learning Executive
Dawn Brehm came to LTEN (then called SPBT, the Society of Pharmaceutical & Biotech Trainers) in the early 2000s, when she was a newly appointed vice president of training for GlaxoSmithKline. Taking over the training role with a business background in sales and marketing, one of Brehm’s trainers recommended the group to help her build knowledge in the new area and to find resources to develop her new team.
Mission accomplished. Brehm went from attending her first conference to joining to being asked to represent GSK on the LTEN Board of Directors in a fairly short time.
“When I saw everything the network has to offer, how it helped my trainers with great ideas that they came home and implemented right away, that inspired me to get involved,” Brehm said.
Brehm left the board when her job shifted at GSK and later took a staff role for SPBT, starting in 2013 as chief operations officer. In 2015, Brehm became executive director of LTEN, a position she held until her 2023 retirement. In her time in that role, she saw the membership more than triple and SPBT evolved into LTEN.
Brehm is honored to be inducted into the LTEN Hall of Fame, and proud of the work she’s done as a member, as staff and as a leader.
“The training field is all people who want to help other people be successful. That’s a good heartwarming group to work with,” Brehm said.
Getting involved is Brehm’s advice for everyone in LTEN. From that involvement will come the opportunity for professional growth.
“Take advantage of all the resources live and online. Pick up the phone and call people you meet, make personal contacts. Utilize LTEN from top to bottom,” Brehm said. “When you meet someone at the conference, let them be your friend forever. I’ve found friends forever from all this. Just embrace it; there’s a lot of good here.”
Former Commercial and Learning Executive
In the late 1980s, David Fortanbary joined LTEN (then NSPST, the National Society of Pharmaceutical Sales Trainers) for the best of reasons: to support his mentor, life sciences learning icon Margaret Pyles. Soon, though, he found a better reason to stay: He realized that having friends, peers and a professional network to lean on was invaluable. Since then, he spent 28 years leading various commercial functions, including learning for Bristol Myers Squibb and another 10 at UCB, with LTEN by his side.
“I believe so deeply in our mission and the contributions made by the professional members of LTEN to the life sciences industry,” Fortanbary said. “It was a privilege and honor to contribute my time and energy. LTEN makes us all better in supporting the commercial success of life-saving solutions.”
Over the years, including his time on the Board of Directors and as LTEN president, Fortanbary has written for LTEN publications, served on committees, participated in charity drives, helped create the LTEN eLearning Lounge and attended the LTEN Annual Conference for more than 30 years. All that has created his strongest memories of LTEN — it’s people.
“Nothing has been more special than the people I have met and remain friends with today,” Fortanbary said. “Take advantage of the numerous opportunities to interact with fellow members, as well as the LTEN board and staff. There are year-round opportunities to get involved — write articles for LTEN Focus on Training magazine, volunteer for a working group or committee, attend mixers, network with others and leverage the amazing quantity and quality of LTEN’s learning resources. Learning from others created value and made a difference for me, both personally and professionally. LTEN can do that for other members too — just take the next step and get involved.”
Vice ChairmanRed Nucleus
For the past 25 years, Ian Kelly has been an unwavering advocate for LTEN. Joining the organization with the goal of connecting with like-minded professionals, Kelly quickly became a cornerstone of the community. His journey saw him rise to the Board of Directors, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the network’s success. Through his company, Kelly has also been a steadfast sponsor, ensuring LTEN’s continued growth and impact.
“I’ve attended every single annual conference over the last 25 years,” Kelly shared. “Serving on the board for over a decade has allowed me to contribute in countless ways. Whether it’s representing LTEN on the big stage or recruiting talent in small towns, I’ve always carried the LTEN flag with pride.”
Kelly has been equally committed to fostering professional development and community engagement. He has delivered numerous workshops and virtual webinars, empowering members with new skills and insights. Over the years, he’s championed volunteerism and spearheaded community service initiatives during LTEN’s annual conferences, inspiring others to give back.
He attributes his sense of belonging and purpose within LTEN as the driving force behind his efforts to give back. Beyond personal fulfillment, he recognizes the invaluable benefits of membership, including opportunities for professional growth, skill development and networking.
His advice for fellow LTEN members is simple yet powerful: “Set clear professional goals for your membership. Identify what you want to achieve — be it enhancing specific skills, building connections or advancing your career. With focus, you can unlock the most relevant benefits.”
Retired President & CEOCMR Institute
Michelle O’Connor also joined LTEN back in the NSPST days, in 1993. She was new to the training industry and wanted to quickly learn and meet new colleagues. She came to the right place.
“LTEN was a great source of information on training and learning and development and provided excellent educational and networking opportunities to meet members of the life sciences community,” O’Connor said. “I was a member until I retired in 2024.”
O’Connor was an active member in fact, serving first on the LTEN Advisory Council for several years before being elected to the Board of Directors in 2015. She also served on the PIP Advisory Committee, wrote frequently for LTEN Focus on Training magazine, and presented on webinars and at in-person events.
“I frequently presented or moderated workshops and Learning Labs at the annual conference and also participated in our charity events,” O’Connor said. “Attending the annual conference and networking events allowed me to meet people who became friends, colleagues and customers throughout my career.”
The people are one of O’Connor’s best memories of her time with LTEN. It’s why she urges LTEN members to get involved, however they can, including writing, speaking or joining a committee.
“My passion for LTEN made it easy to advocate for and actively recruit new members to LTEN,” she said. “I’ve always been a strong supporter of LTEN and contributing to the mission of LTEN was a huge motivator for me to volunteer. I always received much more back than I gave in the form of friendships, fun and fulfilling opportunities. However you decide to contribute your passion and skills, I promise it will be rewarding.”
For 20 years, John Sjovall’s story has been intertwined with LTEN. Retiring as a respected learning executive, Sjovall’s journey began in 2004 with a challenging mandate: to lead a learning department without prior training experience. LTEN became his lifeline, providing the tools, knowledge and network necessary to excel.
More than just professional development, Sjovall found a community.
“The people, the friendships, the sharing — that’s what I remember most,” he said.
What started as a quest for knowledge blossomed into a deep connection with peers, partners and lifelong friends. He found solace and support in shared experiences, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. Over the years, Sjovall moved from member to leader, joining the board. He also served two years as LTEN board president.
A fixture at the LTEN Annual Conference (with his Hawaiian shirts), Sjovall attended 20 times, even delivering two heartfelt welcoming keynotes. He vividly recalls the power of connection.
“You’ll find someone who understands, someone who’s been there,” he explained. “Together, you’ll find strength, solutions and support. It’s a transformative experience.”
For Sjovall, LTEN is more than an organization; it’s a cherished chapter in his life, a testament to the enduring power of our community.
I think you can see why we’re so grateful to Dawn, David, Ian, Michelle and John: Individually and collectively, they’ve had a lasting impact on LTEN. I hope you, like me, are looking forward to connecting with them and many other contacts and colleagues at this year’s LTEN Annual Conference. Please plan to join us in Aurora, Colo., from July 28 to 31!
I know you’ll enjoy the chance to learn, to network, to congratulate winners of (and maybe even accept) an LTEN Excellence Award and to thank our 2025 LTEN Hall of Fame inductees.
Laura Last is executive director, head of global talent development and enterprise learning for BeOne Medicines USA (formerly BeiGene USA), and president of the LTEN Board of Directors. Email Laura at laura.last@beigene.com or connect through linkedin.com/in/lalast.
