DK PIERCE & ASSOCIATES - Key Persons
A big-picture thinker and savvy problem solver, Bridget brings over 30 years of experience in reimbursement consulting to the DKP family. She manages the daily operations including finance, HR, project management, corporate strategy, organizational efficiency, and all things legal-just to name a few hats she wears. Bridget also designs and implements Patient Assistance Programs while keeping tabs on guidelines and criteria for developing successful outcomes. Her typical day involves collaborating with the DKP team to ensure maximum operational effectiveness within our various departments.
A master compartmentalizer, Bridget has an uncanny ability to sift through clutter and prioritize what matters most. And truly, people are at the heart of what makes her tick. If there's anything she can do to help a colleague or client succeed, Bridget is there, lending guidance and cheering them on.
Growing up, Bridget was the "son" her dad never had, never afraid to get dirty, driving a tractor and working on cars. As a grownup, she still enjoys rolling up her sleeves and diving in on home projects. She also loves salt-rimmed margaritas and kicking back with her family, friends, and of course, her dogs!
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager, Market Insights Analytics
With a mind for all things analytical, Chris tackles everything to do with complex data here at DKP. Whether it's client or internal information, PowerPoint presentations, or special projects, he's especially gifted at pulling together complicated data and distilling it down into easy-to-understand dashboards and spreadsheets. He's an absolute Excel guru and is fondly known as "Grid Man" around the office.
Chris possesses a strong eye for detail and likes teaming up with colleagues to come up with the best solution to meet everyone's needs. Above all else, he's most passionate about DKP's mission of getting life-changing treatments into the hands of patients. Seeing his own family member benefit from a DKP client's clinical trial spurs him on to help get much-needed biopharmaceutical products to market.
A self-admitted homebody, Chris savors quietly noodling over ideas. He also enjoys listening to Malcolm Gladwell audiobooks, reading sci-fi fiction, taking in anything Star Wars, rooting on the Toronto Maple Leafs, and taking walks on the Monon with his wife, Dawn.
Denise developed a lifelong passion for helping patients get access to oncology and rare disease treatments after befriending a woman in college struggling to find relief from chronic leukemia. She went on to gain valuable experience with biopharmaceutical and healthcare consulting companies leading sales, product management, reimbursement, and more. As market access to drugs became more convoluted, Denise knew there was a need for driven, people-focused experts in this space.
She founded DKP in 2000 and has built an unparalleled work culture built on collaboration, service, and integrity. She cares deeply about everyone on her team, her clients, and the DKP mission.
A challenge and adventure junkie, Denise doesn't shrink back from the ever-changing healthcare sphere. She's always researching the latest trends and policies, analyzing data and drug legislation, and guiding clients through the marketplace. People that know her admire her unwavering commitment to market access and her depth of knowledge in the rare disease, oncology, and cell and gene therapy space.
Active in the community, Denise serves on the Board of the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Directors for the Humane Society- of Boone County, and on the steering committee of the Boone County Chamber group Women Inspiring Women. She also volunteers with Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN). When she's not serving in the community or rescuing animals, Denise can be found unwinding at home, often hands deep in her garden, reading a good mystery, or drinking Cabernet on the patio with her husband, Mike.
Job Titles:
- Consultant, Payer Business Intelligence
Emma entered the healthcare field as a case manager working with patients living with HIV/AIDS in Indianapolis, where she grew to love navigating the ever-changing health system. For her, the end goal is always patient access. Here at DKP, she researches Medicaid policies for changes and new criteria that could affect patient outcomes. She also monitors drug coverage decision-making processes, preferred drug lists, and formal review protocols for Medicaid.
Curious and always on the lookout for new information, Emma is talented at navigating the nuances of the different Medicaid agencies around the country. She compares her job to that of a detective, always digging and putting puzzle pieces together. She's known for her diligence and not settling until she has full confirmation with multiple sources.
With a heart for people and animals, Emma volunteers at Flanner House Farm and the Kentucky Dachshund Rescue. She also loves architectural history, especially art deco, and lives in a 1930s home. To relax, you can find her baking, drawing, listening to NPR, and drinking an iced peppermint matcha latte from Hubbard & Cravens. She's married with one child.
Job Titles:
- Consultant, Transformational Learning Design
Enthusiastic about teaching and learning, Halle joins the DKP team as our go-to gal when it comes to client-facing and internal training. With a background in journalism and years of experience in teaching spaces, Halle brings a unique breadth of knowledge and experience to the DKP team.
Halle works to create educational experiences that are meaningful for learners. She understands how to make learning engaging and goes the extra mile to accommodate different audiences and learning styles. She geeks out exploring different educational technology and is always looking for ways to up the training experience.
When Halle is not changing the world one student at a time, you can find her curled up with a book or an episode of Grey's Anatomy and her dog, Pippy. Her passion projects include volunteering at city clean-ups and filming educational YouTube videos to educate kids around sustainability initiatives and our planet. Born and raised in Atlanta, Halle loves going home to visit friends and family or to visit Tybee Island, Georgia, the place where she and her husband Taylor got married.
Job Titles:
- Director, Human Resources and Finance Operations
Jaclyn leads the way in both HR and finance, managing payroll, financials, new employee onboarding, insurance, and benefits. With experience in hospital and school environments, she's a tried and true resource for the DKP team. She's passionate about our mission and supporting employees to the best of her abilities.
Always thinking ahead and anticipating outcomes, Jaclyn is super organized and meticulously detailed. She's best known around the office for her willingness to lend a hand anywhere and always being on the ball. She enjoys jumping right in and tackling her daily to-do list with gusto.
Jaclyn is married with two kids. When in need of a treat (who isn't?!), she loves the famed gooey cookies from Rosie's Place here in Zionsville. She raises sheep on her family farm, fostering a love for all things 4-H and FFA. Jaclyn spends most of her free time at her kids' sporting events taking copious photos.
Job Titles:
- Director, Clinical Pharmacy Services
James has extensive experience in hospital leadership developing and implementing large-scale drug therapy regimens. As our on-staff pharmacist, he's responsible for digging deep into clinical research, reimbursement models, fee schedules, and optimizations to make sure our clients have the most up-to-date information. At the end of the day, James cares most deeply about improving patient access to critical treatment options.
James has a passion for lifelong learning and approaches every day as a blank canvas. He sees his work at DKP as an opportunity to solve crucial problems for clients and ultimately serve sick patients. He's known around the office for his dependability, sense of humor, and positive mindset.
When he's out and about, James enjoys serving with Wheeler Mission in downtown Indy and delivering flu vaccines to the underserved and vulnerable. He's a big sports fan and coaches baseball, too. James and his wife own a local dance studio and love to travel.
Job Titles:
- Employee of DKP
- Manager, Facilities and Corporate Culture
Poised at the front desk with a smile no matter what, Janet sets a warm, welcoming tone for anyone who walks through DKP's doors. While she has extensive experience in medical reimbursement, her main focus here is to nurture and promote DKP's award-winning culture. No small detail goes unnoticed by Janet. From connecting with vendors to ordering supplies and planning wellness challenges, Janet's touch and positivity make DKP a great place to work.
As a long-time employee of DKP, Janet stewards our company history and can answer just about any and all questions. And she enjoys collaborating with team members to gain fresh perspectives and ideas. Both in and out of the office, she's everyone's cheerleader and the ringleader of all things fun.
Janet adores learning about history and would love to dine with Presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin if given the chance. As a downtown Indy resident, she frequents the music scene, White River Gardens, Roosters, and Mimi Blue. Anything local is her favorite. Janet is married with two adult sons.
Being a digital visionary, Jeff's passion for communicating brand identity comes to life as DKP's graphic designer. With over fifteen years of experience, Jeff is an expert at ideating future trends and mastering the creative realm of marketing. He helps us expand our reach by making lasting visual impressions on everyone who comes across DKP.
Jeff brings a radiating smile and enthusiasm for life to the team. He is driven each and every day by his core values of integrity, creativity, and humility. Jeff's natural passion for collaboration and positivity make him a perfect addition here.
Outside of work, Jeff's heart for others keeps him readily involved with addiction recovery programs and non-profits helping single moms. Jeff can also be found nerding out watching Star Wars or football. Most of all, Jeff loves spending quality time with his wife and three kids.
Job Titles:
- Director, Marketing & Strategic Communications
A lover of words and human-to-human marketing, Jen brings over twenty years of strategic communications and copywriting experience to DKP. She gets giddy about crafting messages that resonate at both the head and heart level and aims to create content that unleashes good in the world.
As a former DKP partner, she couldn't resist joining the team and immersing herself in the award-winning culture. She heads up the Marketing Communications team at DKP and loves supporting the team's work through words and nerdy marketing ideas. And she is 100% behind DKP's big-hearted mission to connect patients with treatments that could change the trajectory of their lives.
For fun she enjoys dabbling in oil painting and playing the ukulele (both rather terribly), mentoring others, and playing mom to her three kiddos. On the rare occasion that she stays up past 9pm, you can find her with friends (and likely a Last Word in hand) at 1933 Lounge.
As the leader of the commercial team, nothing makes Jennifer happier at work than matchmaking client pain points with DKP's tailored services and solutions. Her DKP days consist of meeting with clients, strategizing business development, and formulating new ways to better meet client needs. Jennifer's not afraid to ask challenging questions and is always on the lookout for ways that clients and DKP can grow and thrive.
What gets Jennifer out of bed in the morning? Next to racing to get kids on the bus, it's got to be problem-solving. Analyzing the current modus operandi for ways to streamline, pivot, or improve is truly her sweet spot. Keeping up with biopharma industry news, emerging companies, and new products energizes her work (and exercises the geeky part of her brain).
With an unabashed affinity for clothes, jewelry, and shoes, Jennifer is known as the office fashionista. She's also a baker (once even torching crème brûlée in the office). International travel with her husband, Brad, is another top priority. They are currently working their way through the New Seven Wonders of the World (just a few more to go!).
Job Titles:
- Manager, Client Engagement
Coming to DKP from operations at Southwest Airlines, Kaity knows a thing or two about the importance of details, time management, and organization. At DKP, she oversees all kinds of happenings-from coordinating events to attending client meetings-while providing administrative support to everyone here, but especially DKP Founder and CEO, Denise. Kaity's attention to detail is second to none and greatly appreciated. She's like our very own air traffic controller, keeping us all on track and on mission.
Kaity loves DKP's heart for providing patients access to the treatments they need. And she loves feeling connected to her colleagues in a culture that cultivates intrinsic value. Although the work is serious, she likes to have fun and keep things upbeat around the office.
Kaity's love for animals inspires her facilitation of DKP's partnerships with the Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) and the Humane Society for Boone County. And she's no stranger to board games, especially Settlers of Catan and Dominion. Kaity also enjoys reading, shopping local, sampling craft beer, and trying new restaurants with her boyfriend, Sam.
Marisa brings more than 20 years of experience in hospital billing and physician coding to DKP, including working in an emergency department and various surgical specialties executing procedural and E/M coding practices. Her precision in navigating the complex labyrinth of billing and coding guidelines makes her a superhero in healthcare reimbursement.
At home, Marisa is a baking ninja who whips up mouthwatering desserts that could convert even the staunchest non-believers into sugar worshippers. When she's not whisking up a storm, you can find her swapping her apron for hiking boots or traveling garb, refreshing her soul on adventures to new places.
After working as a care coordinator for patients living with HIV in Indianapolis, Marysia was inspired to help get patients access to life-changing therapies on a larger scale. At DKP, she conducts and analyzes market research to identify important trends that may impact how those living with cancer and rare disease access and experience care. As a self-proclaimed nerd, she's adept at sifting through complex information to find the "so what."
Hardworking and quick to understand new concepts, Marysia values the learning environment and shared knowledge at DKP. She especially loves diving into the evolving science of cell and gene therapies and having a hand in improving patient access. She completed her Master's in Public Health with a focus in health policy and management.
Marysia volunteers with the Humane Society for Boone County and has done equine therapy for children with autism and disabilities. With a soft spot for animals, she has a penchant for collecting and adopting cats, despite being a dog person. Marysia relaxes with gaming, reading The Witcher series, jamming out to music, and eating sushi at Sakura as often as possible.
Job Titles:
- Director, Operational Excellence
With a mom working in the oncology space, healthcare and patient needs were frequent dinner topics for Michael as a kid. Now at DKP, he is immersed in this space wearing many hats as he oversees IT, facilities, and client project management. Troubleshooting problems, creating workflows, and increasing company efficiencies are all right up his alley. But at the end of the day, Michael is out to provide value to the company in any way that he can, whether that means fixing someone's computer or delivering on a client promise.
Michael strives to create a seamless experience for colleagues and clients alike. He aims to empower his fellow team members and clients to achieve their goals. Around the office, he's known as the guy who walks, talks, and thinks one way in particular-FAST!
He's big into nerdy podcasts, especially This Week in Tech and The Empire Film Podcast. He also plays trombone in a local big band and can often be found behind the lens of his newest camera taking pictures of his family or on DKP-related shoots.
Growing up around his dad's rural neurology practice, Miles saw firsthand treatment access hurdles many patients faced. He knew from a young age that he wanted to influence change in the industry and help patients get what they need. He started out in billing and coding and later worked in revenue cycle and practice management before coming to DKP.
Miles is known inside and outside the office for being generous with his time and knowledge. And when he's not tinkering around with DIY projects at home, he can be found hiking at Koteewi Park or enjoying a bourbon tasting with friends.
For Reid, it's all about the hunt. He dives deep and monitors commercial payers, industry updates, and insurance trends, zeroing in on changes that could impact clients. He previously managed revenue cycle operations for hospitals and surgery centers, and spearheaded the launch of a hospital system's statewide Medicaid enrollment department. He's accustomed to tackling new tasks and readily jumps into any challenges tossed his way.
He enjoys getting into the weeds with research, uncovering shifts in payer tendencies. There's nothing like finding that first payer update on a newly launched drug or sharing critical intel with a client. Reid's always pulling for others and does the right thing even if nobody is watching.
As a big sports fan, Reid cheers for the Cubs, Blackhawks, and Colts. He finds escape playing in Fantasy Football leagues with family and friends. Reid also referees youth, high school, and adult hockey leagues. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids, DIY home improvements, and trying new recipes on the grill.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Payer Business Intelligence
Smiling and bubbly, Sam brings an air of positivity to DKP. Connecting the insurance dots, solving problems for providers, and breaking down barriers so patients can get access to medications are what drive her.
As part of DKP's business intelligence team for Medicaid, Sam researches policies and prior authorization criteria. She also reaches out directly to Medicaid agencies confirming coverage of products and troubleshooting unpaid claims for providers. And as a member of the DKP Life Wellness team, she also helps develop events and initiatives that encourage her colleagues to be healthier.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys watching home renovation shows to get inspired. She's a big fan of Brené Brown and Rachel Hollis books. She also likes spending time outside, doing yard work, and walking her dogs. Sam is married with two kids.
Job Titles:
- Director, Market Insights
- Market Insights Director
As our Market Insights director, Tim serves as a leader for driving knowledge and actionable insights for our clients and team. A day in his world involves not only capturing the pulse of healthcare trends but also wielding his analytical skills to interpret and deliver tailored intel to the right people at the right time.
Possessing a hunger for the uncharted and a penchant for pace, Tim's inquisitive spirit is a catalyst, propelling the DKP team to new frontiers. He is driven by the dynamic nature of biopharma research and the challenge that comes with it.
When not navigating the intricate realms of biopharma research, Tim's dedication to holistic well-being shines through in his active participation in triathlons and half-iron man competitions. Along with being an Indiana University grad, he's also a massive fan of the crimson and cream's basketball team.
Job Titles:
- Director, Payer Relations
With over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, and reimbursement for pharmaceutical companies, Tom understands a focused game plan is crucial to getting patients access to life-saving treatments. That's why he meticulously leads, designs, and develops strategic plans for clients launching new products. He also draws insights from the DKP team's nitty gritty research to keep a finger on the pulse of the current drug landscape at all times.
People are always Number One to Tom. With a "We can do this!" attitude, he brings a calming presence to any stressful situation. His leadership style drives him to empower and accentuate his team members' individual talents. He especially loves the energy, expertise and diversity of the DKP team.
Tom enjoys biking and volunteering at a local horse farm serving autistic children. An avid sports fan, he bleeds scarlet and gray (go Buckeyes!). Tom also dabbles in woodworking when he can. He's married to his wife, Jennifer, and has three kids.