WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Association of Clinical Research Organizations (ACRO) is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has elected Dr. Cynthia Verst, President of Global R&D Design and Delivery Innovation at IQVIA, as 2019 Chair. Alistair Macdonald, Chief Executive Officer of Syneos Health, was elected as Vice Chair.
Dr. Verst has more than 20 years of biopharmaceutical industry experience and a proven track record of operational excellence and innovation. Previously, she served as president of Clinical Operations for the Research and Development Solutions organization and president of Real-World & Late Phase Research at IQVIA. She has also held executive positions at Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, UnitedHealth Group and other clinical research organizations. In 2014, she was named one of the top women in biotech by FierceBiotech. Dr. Verst holds a doctorate and bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from the University of Cincinnati.
“I am excited to serve as Chair of ACRO at a time when innovation is transforming the clinical development landscape,” said Dr. Verst. “ACRO members are playing a vital role in this transformation by making investments in technologies and other tools that are helping new medicines reach patients more effectively and efficiently. I look forward to collaborating with members, regulators and policymakers to raise the profile of innovative clinical research and technology organizations and amplify our collective success.”
In 2018, ACRO’s achievements included working with member companies and regulators to shape the implementation of the 21st Century Cures Act in the U.S. and the Clinical Trial Regulation and Global Data Protection Regulation in the EU. In anticipation of Brexit, ACRO made several policy proposals to modernize and prioritize clinical research within the UK health system. ACRO also continued its productive engagement with TransCelerate Biopharma Inc. through the CRO Forum.
“As traditional models are being redefined by new market realities, we have the unique opportunity to help the industry navigate the challenges of a more complex operating, regulatory and reimbursement environment,” said Macdonald. “I look forward to cross-collaboration with ACRO members and key stakeholders on these issues to drive innovation around how we develop and deliver therapies to patients.”
ACRO also elected Tom Zajkowski, Senior Vice President, Finance & Treasurer at Syneos Health, as Treasurer and Eric Sherbet, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at IQVIA, as Secretary.
About ACRO
The Association of Clinical Research Organizations (ACRO) represents companies that provide a variety of specialized services that support the development of new pharmaceuticals, biologics, and medical devices. Through its member companies, ACRO helps improve the quality, efficiency and safety of biomedical research. ACRO member companies employ more than 130,000 professionals worldwide and conduct research in more than 100 countries. For more information, please visit www.acrohealth.org and @acrohealth.
