July 21, 2023
Employee Spotlight

Meet the Trailblazers: Holly Valdiviez

Holly Valdiviez joined Acadia in April 2022 and leads the sales organization supporting NUPLAZID® (pimavanserin).

Describe your career path and what led you to Acadia

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work at both big companies and startups, allowing me to gain diverse experience in various areas such as sales, marketing, and operations, mostly in the neurology and psychiatry space. When I learned about the opportunity at Acadia, I was immediately drawn to the company’s unique position in the market.

Acadia is a perfect balance for me. On one hand, it is a stable company with two products already on the market, providing a solid foundation. On the other hand, it has a nimble and entrepreneurial environment where employees have the chance to make a significant impact and contribute to the company’s growth.

My background aligns perfectly with Acadia’s focus on neuroscience and the development of medications to fight neurological disorders. With over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, I have successfully launched multiple central nervous system (CNS) medications and built high-performing sales teams. I believe my expertise and passion can add value to Acadia’s mission of elevating lives.

What inspires and excites you about Acadia?

What inspires and excites me about Acadia is the opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of patients. Acadia’s purpose-driven culture, where we approach each day with the mindset of a scientist, the dedication of a healthcare provider, and the heart of a caregiver, resonates deeply with me. The collaborative and entrepreneurial environment at Acadia, combined with the stability of two successful marketed medications, allows for innovation and personal growth. This unique blend of purpose, culture, and opportunity fuels my passion and drives me to contribute my best every day.

Tell us about your role at Acadia. How long have you been with the company and what has been the most rewarding part of your role?

As the Head of Sales at Acadia since April 2022, my role has been incredibly rewarding. Leading a determined and resilient team, we have been able to challenge the status quo and change health care providers’ perceptions regarding the best course of treatment for patients with hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis.

What truly inspires me is that we are enabling health care professionals to provide meaningful change in the lives of patients. Being able to provide a potential solution that may lead to improved outcomes is immensely satisfying. With a dedicated team, the opportunity to challenge existing perceptions, and the ability to contribute to the well-being of patients, my role at Acadia is both rewarding and inspiring.

What are your short-term goals for your work at Acadia?

When envisioning the culture I aspire to build for my sales team at Acadia, my ultimate goal is for people to reflect on their careers years from now and think that of all the places they’ve worked, Acadia was their favorite – for three main reasons:

Firstly, at Acadia, I had a deep connection to our mission and the patients and residents we serve. And there were ample opportunities for me to get involved in the impactful work we do and to witness firsthand the changes we bring to the lives of people and families impacted by Parkinson’s disease psychosis.

Secondly, I was able to cultivate strong and meaningful relationships among coworkers at Acadia, that inspire growth and mutual support. And I truly found a BFF (Best Friend Forever) at work.

Finally, never before did I feel as wildly successful as I did at Acadia. Might it have been hard fought? Yes, of course, and that’s what made it that much more worthwhile.

Outside of your work at Acadia, what is an outlet that helps you recharge?

Outside of my work at Acadia, I recharge by spending time with my family and our Havanese dog, Bandit. We enjoy going for walks and enjoying the beautiful southern California weather. It’s not the big events, rather the everyday times of connection that bring me immense joy and serve as a source of relaxation and unwinding. Additionally, my Peloton is my trusted morning companion, offering not just a stress-relieving workout but also a sense of community through its platform. It provides me with the perfect balance and rejuvenation beyond the fulfilling efforts I pour into my work at Acadia.