Natasha Blackshear is Executive Director at Merck Research Laboratories, where she serves as Head of the Global Clinical Development Project Management Office and Chief of Staff to Merck’s Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Clinical Development. In these roles, she leads strategic operations and drives large scale, cross functional transformation initiatives that advance Merck’s global clinical development efforts.

Over her more than 30 year career at Merck, Natasha has held leadership positions spanning manufacturing, quality assurance, and research and development project management. She has led diverse portfolios across infectious diseases, including Hepatitis C, HIV, antifungals, and antibacterials, and has supported early stage oncology development, companion diagnostics, and external collaborations.

A passionate coach, mentor, and advocate for diversity and inclusion, Natasha has championed initiatives that foster a more inclusive workplace, including sponsorship of the inaugural Global Clinical Development Diversity & Inclusion Council. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, an MBA, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).