Biosketch:
Alan Holmer assumed duties at PhRMA in July 1996. PhRMA represents the country's leading research-based pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies which are investing over $30 billion in 2001 alone in the quest for new medicines.

Mr. Holmer began his career working in the Congress and as a tax lawyer. In 1981, he was appointed by President Reagan as Deputy Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs, with responsibility for liaison with governors, state legislators, mayors, and other state and local officials. In 1983, he was named Deputy Assistant Secretary for Import Administration at the Commerce Department, with responsibility for administering the U.S. antidumping and countervailing duty laws.

In 1985, Mr. Holmer was appointed General Counsel to U.S. Trade Representative Clayton Yeutter, and was promoted to Deputy U.S. Trade Representative (with rank of Ambassador) in 1987. He established and became co-chair of the international trade practice for the law firm Sidley & Austin in 1989.

Mr. Holmer serves on various councils and boards, including the PhRMA Board of Directors, PhRMA Executive Committee, National Health Council, the Council on Foreign Relations, the Friends of the National Library of Medicine, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations, and the National Conference of Pharmaceutical Organizations. His civic activities include past president of the Board of Trustees, Metropolitan D.C. Chapter, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Volunteer Coach, McLean Youth, Inc. (basketball, baseball, softball and soccer); Volunteer, So Others May Eat; and Lector, St. Luke Catholic Church. Mr. Holmer has served as an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University Law Center, and a guest lecturer at various law schools and universities. Mr. Holmer is the recipient of the 2001 Marriott Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Arthritis Foundation. He is the co-author or editor of three books.

He is an honors graduate from Princeton University (1971) and earned a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center (1978).

Mr. Holmer's wife, Joan, is a Professor of English Literature in Georgetown University's English Department. They reside in McLean, Virginia. Their son, Scott, is a junior at Georgetown University, and their daughter, Joy, is a senior at Langley High School.