Contributors

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Host

Melody Keel

Melody Keel is a clinical operations fixer, transforming trial execution through team empowerment, culture-building, and process optimization. With nearly two decades in clinical research, she knows that successful trials start with strong, well-supported teams.


As Founder & CEO of The Research Associate Group, she helps pharmaceutical, biotech, and clinical research organizations streamline operations, accelerate timelines, and enhance quality. Her expertise spans leadership development, trial optimization, and fostering a culture of excellence.


Melody helps leaders cut through complexity, align teams, and drive trials forward—without sacrificing quality or efficiency.


📧 mkeel@theresearchassociates.com
🌐 theresearchassociategroup.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodykeel/

Guests

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Guest

Alyssa Beck

Alyssa Beck serves as Account Management Lead at 1nHealth, where she oversees patient enrollment strategies designed to improve access, equity, and efficiency in clinical research. She brings expertise across account management, sales operations, and digital communication, combining operational discipline with a strong commitment to patient-centered engagement. 

Alyssa advocates for inclusive research practices that address long-standing gaps in equity, access, and care, ensuring that diverse patient populations are represented in clinical trials. 

Her background in digital storytelling and strategic communications informs her ability to translate complex clinical challenges into actionable solutions for sponsors and CROs. 

Based in Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico, Alyssa offers a unique perspective rooted in real-world patient experiences, making her a respected leader in advancing innovation in enrollment and engagement. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssambeck/
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Andrea Bredin

 Andrea Bredin is an experienced Clinical Project Manager with over a decade in clinical research, spanning neurology, oncology, and both interventional and non-interventional trials. With a strong foundation in life sciences and a passion for improving patient outcomes, she has successfully led Phase III and observational studies at both sponsor and site levels. Andrea is known for her leadership in cross-functional teams, protocol development, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder collaboration. Most recently, she managed ALS research projects at King’s College London. She continues to focus on delivering high-quality, patient-centered research that drives innovation in clinical trials. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-bredin-projectmanager/
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Bryan Blair

Bryan Blair is a LinkedIn Top Voice and executive recruiter who has helped build high-performing teams for 100+ biotech and pharma leaders. As VP of Life Sciences at GQR, he combines AI-powered sourcing with deep industry insight to accelerate hiring in mission-critical roles across drug development.


With a background in data-driven strategy and cultural alignment, Bryan partners with fast-growing life sciences organizations to craft hiring roadmaps that reduce time-to-fill, elevate talent quality, and strengthen team cohesion. He’s known for turning complex hiring challenges into strategic wins—because in biotech, the right hire can mean the difference between a stalled trial and a life-saving therapy.


Bryan is MIT-certified in AI/ML for business and passionate about aligning recruitment with the pace of innovation in life sciences.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-blair/
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Denise N. Bronner

Denise N. Bronner, Ph.D. is a keynote speaker, board member, and former scientist who brings empathy into boardrooms and data into storytelling. She is the founder and CEO of Empactful Ventures, where she helps healthtech startups, pharma teams, and investors turn insight into outcomes through strategy, equity-centered design, and clear messaging. 


Trained in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Michigan, Denise blends a scientist’s rigor with a strategist’s lens. Her work spans clinical trial operations, patient engagement, and venture diligence, helping partners win funding, sharpen positioning, and build programs that reflect real-world needs. Denise serves on leadership and advisory roles across innovation and advocacy, including We Are ILL and Naviday Health. 


She writes and speaks on inclusive research, market strategy, and the human side of innovation, championing solutions that deliver both impact and results. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dnbronner/
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Elizabeth Tabor

Elizabeth Tabor is a passionate connector and changemaker in the clinical research space. As CEO of the Clinical Research Referral Club (CRRC), she’s on a mission to break down barriers, boost access, and bring visibility to opportunities across the industry.


Her journey began with one life-changing conversation—and ever since, she’s been committed to helping others find their path through meaningful connection, representation, and collaboration.


Known as the “Superconnector of Clinical Research,” Elizabeth leads initiatives that empower professionals, foster inclusion, and drive innovation by uniting voices across sites, sponsors, and disciplines. Through CRRC, she’s building a future where connection isn’t just a value—it’s a catalyst.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-tabor/
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Jeremy Mitchell

Jeremy Mitchell is a sales and business development leader with expertise in enterprise sales, market expansion, and strategic partnerships. He has a proven track record of driving revenue growth and building high-performing teams across industries.


Passionate about mentorship and diversity, Jeremy actively empowers underrepresented voices in corporate and clinical research spaces. His leadership style blends collaboration, strategic problem-solving, and a people-first approach, ensuring both individuals and organizations thrive.


Jeremy is committed to creating opportunities, fostering innovation, and driving meaningful impact in every space he leads.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-mitchell-mba/
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Jess Thompson

Founder of the Clinical Research Project Management Association (CRPM Association), a global professional organization that fosters connections, promotes continuous learning, and enhances the well-being of Clinical Research Project Managers worldwide.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessthompsonpmp/
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Karen Harris

Karen Harris is a seasoned Senior Director of Business Development with over 20 years of experience in clinical research. She excels in building strategic partnerships, streamlining sales processes, and driving growth across U.S. and global clinical trials. Her expertise spans drug development and trial execution across multiple therapeutic areas.


Karen represents Everest Clinical Research, a full-service CRO known for its high-quality deliverables, customer focus, and flexibility. Since 2004, Everest has supported leading pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies worldwide. 


With roots as a statistical and data management center of excellence, Everest continues to grow as a trusted, dynamic partner in clinical research.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-harris-1b481131/
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Suzanne Vyvoda

Suzanne Vyvoda is a clinical trial operations leader who turns complex programs into executable plans. 

Over 20 years, she has built and led global teams across 40+ countries and phases I to IV, partnering with sites, CROs, and biotechs from seed to IPO. 

As Founder and CEO of Concordia BioStrategies, she serves as a C-suite fractional advisor who designs development roadmaps, aligns vendors, and installs the operating discipline that accelerates startup, reduces risk, and protects quality. Her work has helped early biotechs secure funding and cut costs by up to 25% while steering portfolios with budgets up to $1B. 

Known for a calm, decisive presence in high pressure moments, she rescues slipping studies, strengthens oversight, and builds ecosystems that scale without burnout. Advisor, speaker, and mentor, Suzanne champions pragmatic execution and people first leadership so promising science reaches patients faster. Connect: hello@concordia.bio

https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-vyvoda/