Linda M. Distlerath, Ph.D., J.D.

Vice President, Global Health Policy
Merck & Co., Inc.

Dr. Linda Distlerath is Vice President, Global Health Policy for Merck & Co., Inc. based in Whitehouse Station, NJ. The Global Health Policy group serves to leverage Merck's role in global health, building upon strategic philanthropic initiatives such as the Mectizan Donation Program, the African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnerships in Botswana, vaccine donation programs and other health, public policy and educational programs supported by Merck's leadership, expertise and resources worldwide. As head of Global Health Policy, Linda plays a key role in facilitating relationship-building on behalf of Merck with public and private sectors partners in the development and implementation of public health and educational programs. Linda also provides strategic direction in the development and advocacy of public policy to achieve Merck's key global health goals in alignment with business and philanthropic objectives.

Linda joined the Merck Research Laboratories in 1984 as a clinical research associate, and in 1989 moved to Public Affairs, where she held positions of Executive Director for Public Affairs for the Merck Research Laboratories, Executive Director of Public Policy and most recently, Vice President of Public Affairs.

Linda holds a BS in Medical Technology from the University of Michigan and a Ph.D. in toxicology/environmental health from the University of Cincinnati, and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in biochemistry at Vanderbilt University. She also holds a JD degree from Rutgers Law School-Newark. Linda is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a trustee for the Committee for Economic Development, the Africa America Institute, the African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnerships, Inc., and Project HOPE.