These are exciting times to be a member of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). Just as the challenge of Covid-19 inspired clinical trial practitioners to attain new heights in performance, your association soared with some important achievements in 2021.
In October, you have two opportunities to let your voice be heard loud and clear by the Association Board of Trustees (ABoT), Academy, and ACRP staff leaders.
I am calling on each of you to continue your commitment and further raise the performance bar for clinical research, by voting in our upcoming election and attending our interesting and valuable member meeting on October 20.
Please take a look at the strong new slate of candidates as selected by the ABoT. Thought leaders, R’Kes Starling, Tiffany Mayo, and Mo Ali are positive forces for change in our industry. The addition of these three innovators will be welcome additions to our strong team. You should have received voting instructions via email earlier this month. You have until October 31 to submit your important ballot.
Your vote, and your input at our upcoming meeting, will help solidify the ongoing successes of ACRP into 2022 and beyond. With your dedication and commitment in 2021 we accomplished industry-advancing successes; here is brief recap of a few highlights from this year:
- We established the Diversity Advisory Council, charged with promoting workforce diversity in clinical trials.
- We recruited a terrific new Executive Director, Susan Landis, formerly with the Duke Clinical Research Institute to replace the retiring Jim Kremidas.
- We helped ACRP Treasurer Sergio Armani and Rick Fisher raise some $25,000 to promote workforce diversity with their bike ride from Pennsylvania to ACRP headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia.
- We produced a fantastically successful ACRP 2021 Virtual event, featuring nine tracks in January, May, and September. We had nearly 50 sessions and an average attendance of 250 per event, which is the equivalent of filling a large convention hall!
I hope looking at what we achieved in 2021 will inspire you to vote and attend the ACRP/ Academy annual meeting October 20. The meeting will include presentations from board members, Executive Director Landis, and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions while helping to set our future direction.
I look forward to seeing you on the 20th!
Author: Erika Stevens, MA, Chair, Association of Clinical Research Professionals