Derica W. Rice Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Eli Lilly and Company
Started at Eli Lilly and Company in 1990
A stronger sense of purpose.
My mom was the smartest person I have ever known. She
raised the seven of us on her own after my dad died when
I was only 11. We never had much money, but I realize
now that because of things she taught us, we were rich.
I carry her wisdom with me throughout my daily work.
I also watched my mom struggle with diabetes. Thanks
in part to Lilly, I shared 25 years with her that otherwise
would not have been possible. And now I have the
opportunity to do the same for other people.
Once, in a VA hospital, I was approached by a Vietnam
veteran. He told me how his life was transformed by our
medicines. And that’s when it clicked for me — the REAL
impact of what we do here and the dramatic effect we have
on peoples’ lives. After that meeting, I had an even stronger
sense of purpose. Lilly’s done so much for my family and
for many others. And I hope the work I am doing today will
help my three children overcome some of the challenges
they might face tomorrow.
lilly.com
