Meet the San Diego Forum Lead

Grace R Nakayama

Grace R Nakayama, PhD, PMP, RAC Drugs is a Program, Portfolio, and Alliance Management Consultant. She has 25+ years of experience in the life sciences industry, including 15+ years as a PM. Grace has supported and led program teams at all stages of drug discovery and development of small molecules and biologics. She has held positions of increasing responsibilities at multiple companies, ranging from start ups, midsize biotechs, and large pharma. Grace’s core expertise includes: cross-functional team leadership, strategic thinking, effective written and verbal communication, supporting government contracts, and launching PM functionalities/systems. She is an active BioPharma PM volunteer – serving on the 2025 Annual Conference planning committee and leading the San Diego Forum to hold bimonthly networking events.

According to Grace, an effective PM is a combination of an Orchestra conductor and Santa’s elf. PMs are orchestra conductors who work with a team of Subject Matter Experts to create beautiful music together, while elves take care of the details to ensure that Santa’s annual journey to deliver toys runs smoothly.