Benchmark Research: An Unparalleled Leadership Infrastructure


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“Benchmark is thrilled to add such an industry powerhouse to our ranks that further establishes us as the most prominent platform-based research company in the United States.” CEO Mark Lacy

Benchmark Research, a leader in the medical research field, clinical vaccine trials and trusted ally in epidemiology, has been taking their firm to another level of success in the industry. In a bold move, Benchmark Research is very proud to announce the addition of Cynthia Dukes, PA, MT, as Chief Business Officer to Benchmark’s stellar leadership team. She is one of the premier world-recognized professionals in the vaccine industry, with over 40 years of diversified clinical experience. Cindy has extensive Site, Pharma, Biotech, and CRO experience across multiple therapeutic areas including vaccines, infectious diseases, oncology, and more. She is a distinguished Alumni of the Baylor College of Medicine for international contributions to vaccine and infectious disease. As well as receiving the Pharma Times Top 100 for contributions to vaccine and infectious disease, Top 50 Influential People in Vaccines, and Top Leader of ICON Clinical Research. As noted by CEO Mark Lacy, “Benchmark is thrilled to add such an industry powerhouse to our ranks that further establishes us as the most prominent platform-based research company in the United States.”

Cindy joins a truly outstanding leadership team composed of members with immense industry experience. This team includes Melissa Reynolds, RN, BSN, CCRC, Executive Vice President of Clinical Operations, who has more than 25 years’ experience in clinical research, including having directed two other research organizations and currently implementing all trial budget and contract management for Benchmark’s multiple locations. She is also a member of the Business Development Group and a slew of other vital functions within Benchmark Research.

Furthermore, Deborah Copeland, B.S., CCRC, CCRA, Chief Strategy Officer is a true blend of exceptionalism with over 35 years of industry experience, including similarly lofty positions such as Global Head of Quality Assurance for a major CRO, Executive Director of a Site Network, FDA Investigator, VP Head of Operations for a cardiovascular research company and Executive Director of Global Strategic Sourcing. Deborah has also served on impressive industry boards, such as the Clinical Global Advisory with the FDA, ACRP, the National Association of IRB Managers and many more. As well as receiving the Claudia Market Leadership Award, and Profile in Achievement in Clinical Research.

In addition, Jennifer Bacchi, SHRM-CP, CCRC, Vice President of Human Capital Management is an extraordinary talent, overseeing human resources as well as training and implementation of our employees. In addition to her over 25 years of experience in Clinical Research, Jennifer is also a published author, having written for ACRP’s industry news and many other publications.

Kim Brittain, Vice President of Strategic Development and Analytics has over 20 years of clinical research experience, overseeing marketing and study feasibility analysis. Her institutional knowledge and assessment of Benchmark’s capabilities is valuable to determining our success. Recently, under her oversight, marketing outreach efforts have resulted in the successful inclusion of 3,000+ volunteers in Benchmark’s coronavirus trials.

Finally, Van Johnson, Vice President of Business Development and Global Alliances is remarkably well known as one of the top five business development professionals within the industry. He is by far one of the most knowledgeable and sincere representatives of Benchmark’s ability to conduct clinical research trials. Significantly, Van is often a speaker at industry conferences and is a proud member of several URM (underrepresented minority) diversity committees including a committee member within STARR and a board member within MACRO, Benchmark’s very own diversity committee.

Lastly, in recent months Benchmark has received the greatest accolades in World Vaccine Congress history. Benchmark is the only participant in the Vaccine Industry Excellence Awards that has ever been awarded a win or runner-up status each and every year since the inception of the award. Additionally, Benchmark has also recently announced the exciting opening of our sixth site location in Los Angeles, California. The continuation of Benchmark’s global recognition for its outstanding quality and innovation in the field is due to our extraordinary infrastructure of leading professionals. Benchmark has raised the standard even higher and is proving to exceed the limits more than ever before.

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