Cartier Esham

Dr. Cartier Esham brings more than two decades of scientific, regulatory, and public policy expertise to Williams & Jensen's healthcare practice. A respected leader at the intersection of science and policy, she advises on complex healthcare, biotechnology, and regulatory issues, helping organizations navigate Washington's evolving healthcare landscape and driving innovative solutions.

Before joining Williams & Jensen, Cartier founded Esham Strategies, a Washington-based strategic consulting firm where she continues to serve as CEO. The firm works to empower thought leadership, disrupt the status quo, and advance innovative health policy solutions.  She also serves as Executive Director of the Alliance for a Stronger FDA and is a member of the Eshelman Innovation Board.

Throughout her career, Cartier has worked closely with Congress, federal agencies, industry leaders, and patient advocates on issues ranging from drug development and clinical research to regulatory policy and capital formation. Her work has contributed to several landmark healthcare and innovation initiatives, including the 21st Century Cures Act, Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) reauthorizations, patient-focused drug development initiatives, clinical trial diversity legislation, and reforms to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. She is widely recognized for her ability to translate complex scientific concepts into practical policy solutions and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.

Prior to launching Esham Strategies, Dr. Esham served as the Chief Scientific Officer at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), where she led policy development, advocacy, research, and educational initiatives across a broad portfolio of scientific, regulatory, and emerging company issues, helping shape industry engagement on drug, biologic, vaccine, and innovation policy.

Dr. Esham has a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Georgia, a master’s degree in Marine Biology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky.