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Roche Women Honored as 2007 TWIN Awardees


WEBWIRE

Three Roche employees were recognized last night for their significant contributions to industry in New Jersey at the 2007 TWIN Awards Dinner held at the Glenpointe Marriott in Teaneck, N.J. Honored were Dr. Maureen Hargaden, research director, Safety and Technical Sciences; Dr. Ann-Judith Peterka, medical director, Employee Health Services; and Patricia Rocha-Tramaloni, senior counsel and managing attorney, Patent Law.

“At Roche, we are very proud of our people and take great satisfaction in what they have accomplished,” said George Abercrombie, president and CEO, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. “We are also committed to furthering the careers of women and these three individuals are exceedingly deserving of this recognition as they have made outstanding contributions to Roche and the health care industry as a whole.”

TWIN, which stands for Tribute to Women and INdustry, is sponsored by the YWCA of Bergen County to recognize women who have achieved responsible managerial, executive or professional positions and have made significant contributions to their industries. This year’s honors went to women selected from Bergen, Essex, Passaic and Hudson counties in New Jersey and Rockland County in New York.

The Awardees

Maureen Hargaden, V.M.D., M.S., research director, is an accomplished senior leader in the Preclinical Research and Development organization at Roche. Responsible for strategic leadership in a key Safety and Technical Sciences department, Hargaden brings extensive knowledge and inspires her team of 45 to continuously develop and apply the best scientific methods for testing the effectiveness of new drug entities. She is also the Global Roche coordinator for her area.

“It is an honor to be recognized for my dedication and hard work not only as a veterinarian, but as a woman,” said Hargaden, who joined Roche in 1998. She earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Maryland, a master of science degree in Laboratory Animal Medicine from the Pennsylvania State University and her doctorate in veterinary medicine (V.M.D.) from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She is a diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine. Hargaden has co-authored a number of publications, abstracts and scientific posters, she is a reviewer for several veterinary journals, and has been a presenter at many important scientific meetings.

“Maureen is a popular, highly-respected leader who fulfills her duties with the highest level of dedication and scientific acumen,” said Robert Tudor, Ph.D., vice president, Safety & Technical Sciences.

Ann-Judith Peterka, D.O., M.P.H., is medical director of Employee Health Services (EHS). She oversees a fully staffed onsite medical facility and also manages the company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Integrated Disabilities program, Choosing Health (the comprehensive corporate health promotion and disease prevention program), the Roche Fitness Center and the Roche Rescue Squad. The innovative and diverse health-related programming implemented under her direction has gained several awards, including a prestigious C. Everett Koop National Health Award Honorable Mention, a Nova Award for Fitness Management, a Wellness Councils of America Award for Worksite Wellness, a Healthy Mother, Healthy Baby Coalition Award and a Psychologically health Workplace Award.

“It is difficult to put into words how much it means to be part of an expanding group of empowered women who are seen as making significant contributions in their professional roles,” said Peterka, who joined Roche in 1991. She earned a B.S. from Seton Hall University, N.J., a medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine and a master’s degree in Public Health from the Medical College of Wisconsin. She received advanced training in medical acupuncture through UCLA Medical School, Harvard University Medical School and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and holds other occupationally related certifications. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and board certified by the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners.

“Ann’s tireless and passionate commitment has made Roche a leader in employee health and disease prevention, not only helping thousands of employees and their families, but also significantly benefiting the company,” said Stephen Grossman, vice president, Human Resources.

Patricia Rocha-Tramaloni, J.D., is senior counsel and managing attorney in Patent Law, responsible for creating and implementing strategies that strengthen Roche’s intellectual property. This includes preparation, prosecution and litigation of patents, as well as counseling management on intellectual property matters. She is a key member of internal drug development teams, guiding them through legal requirements and issues.

“I am honored and surprised to be selected for this award,” said Pat, who joined Roche in 1989. She earned a B. S. in chemistry from Fordham University, N.Y., a J.D. cum laude from Fordham Law School, and is admitted to the New York Bar, the New Jersey Bar, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, U.S. District Courts in New York and New Jersey and the United States Supreme Court. In addition to her professional commitment, Rocha-Tramaloni is also dedicated to raising a special needs daughter. She spends much time involved in autism-related activities and is a strong advocate for the physically and mentally challenged.

“Pat is an extraordinarily dedicated and enthusiastic professional. Her clear and thoughtful approach helps everyone understand their roles and the importance of working as a team to achieve the goal of developing novel, life-saving pharmaceuticals,” said George Johnston, Vice President and Chief Patent Counsel.

About Roche

Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. (Roche), based in Nutley, N.J., is the U.S. pharmaceuticals headquarters of the Roche Group, one of the world’s leading research-oriented healthcare groups with core businesses in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. For more than 100 years in the U.S., Roche has been committed to developing innovative products and services that address prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, thus enhancing people’s health and quality of life. An employer of choice, in 2006, Roche was named one of the Top 20 Employers (Science magazine), ranked the No. 1 Company to Sell For (Selling Power), and one of AARP’s Top Companies for Older Workers, and in 2005, Roche was named one of Fortune magazine’s Best Companies to Work For in America. For additional information about the U.S. pharmaceuticals business, visit our websites: http://www.rocheusa.com or www.roche.us.



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