This package is a replay of 18 on-demand session recordings and presentation slides from the Workforce & Professional Development Track at the ACRP 2026 Conference, April 24 – 27, Orlando, Florida. Offers clinical research leaders and teams the insights and best practices needed to support career advancement and workforce development.
Member: $99 | Nonmember: $149
Participants can earn up to 17 ACRP contact hours. Upon purchase, the sessions will be accessible from your My Learning Portal.
Transform your workplace culture through proven strategies that build genuine employee engagement, trust, and accountability. This session focuses on creating a thriving organizational environment where employees feel valued, connected, and motivated to contribute their best work. Participants will learn to establish trust as the foundation of engagement through transparency and consistent leadership behaviors. The session features the innovative ALIGN method for collaborative goal setting, enabling teams to create shared objectives that drive organizational success. Discover how to shift from traditional performance reviews to growth-focused evaluation conversations that inspire development rather than judgment. Learn to implement positive accountability systems that support employees while building trust. Key topics include positive workplace habits, open communication channels, transparent progress tracking, and sustainable cultural change through continuous feedback and recognition. Attendees will leave with practical frameworks and actionable strategies to immediately transform their workplace culture. Speaker: Leslie Pimentel Byatt, MSML, MBA, CCRC, PMP, FACRP, Director, Clinical Trials Operations, University of New Mexico Hospital
Ready to take the next step in your clinical research career? Join this expert panel of ACRP Certified professionals—leaders who’ve served on the Academy Board, committees, as item writers, and more—to gain insider knowledge on achieving your certification. They’ll share their personal journeys and practical strategies for success, from navigating the application process to preparing for the exam. Discover what to expect during eligibility review, explore testing options, and learn proven study tips that can help you earn the most reputable credentials in the clinical research industry. ACRP Certification goes beyond the letters—learn how it can be a catalyst for impact, opportunity, and career growth. Please note that this session will not cover exam content. If you have questions regarding your individual certification journey, please talk to the staff at the ACRP booth in the Expo Hall. This session does not provide ACRP Contact Hours. Speakers: Lisa Ince, BS, CCRC, CCRA, FACRP, Project Manager, Syneos Health; Tiffany Taylor Mayo, MD, Associate Professor of Dermatology; Director of Dermatology Clinical Research, The University of Alabama at Birmingham; Jen Milam CAE, ICE-CCP, Certification Manager, ACRP; Robert O’Connor, CCRA, ACRP-CP, FACRP, Senior Clinical Scientist, The Procter & Gamble Company
This session explores how to celebrate Gen Z colleagues, collaborate effectively with Millennial bosses, and embrace the strengths of a multigenerational workforce. Today’s organizations face new challenges as employees bring diverse values, attitudes, and expectations. Baby Boomers represent 15% of the workforce, Gen X 31%, Millennials 36%, and Gen Z 18%. Participants will learn to identify and compare generational core values and cultural influences to enhance communication and build high-performing, inclusive teams. The session highlights recognizing personal biases and avoiding snap judgments about other generations. A key focus is the paradigm shift from a traditional “boss” mentality to a “coach” approach, fostering trust and engagement across age groups. In the clinical research community, where collaboration is critical, each generation contributes unique strengths and perspectives. This session equips attendees to support intentional cross-generational communication, encourage mutual understanding, and leverage diversity to strengthen teamwork and improve outcomes in this dynamic environment. Speakers: Yekatrina Tsabur, Organizational Consultant, Sophos; Yelena Tsabur, Organizational Consultant, Sophos
Join us for an inside look at how the Center for Clinical Research Management (CCRM) transformed its onboarding approach to meet the evolving needs of today’s clinical research environment. This session explores the creation of a scalable, flexible, and role-specific training program that balances standardization with individualization. Discover how platforms like Microsoft Teams, REDCap, and OnCore CTMS were integrated to enhance training, compliance, and collaboration. We’ll share key lessons, data insights, and practical tips to help you build or refine your own onboarding systems. Speakers: Amber Anaya, MS, CCRP, Clinical Research Manager, The Ohio State University; Kelly Dunsky, MS, CCRC, Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations, The Ohio State University
Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned professional, it’s easy to confuse “doing good work” with “communicating your value.” This session offers practical tools to help you tell your professional story with clarity and purpose—on paper, online, or in conversation. Through guided reflection, real-world examples, and structured templates, you will learn to draft an authentic elevator pitch, apply the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to describe outcomes, translate daily work into impactful résumé or LinkedIn content, and outline a focused 30-day communication plan with practical actions to build visibility and confidence. Beyond the job-seeking context, the focus is on ongoing visibility and confidence—whether you are looking to grow, pivot, or lead from where you are. Advancement isn’t just about upward mobility—it’s about alignment with your goals. This session delivers usable tools to help you own your narrative and support career development in any direction. Speakers: Alissa Mun, Health Scientist Policy Analyst, U.S. Food & Drug Administration; Leslie Sam, BA, CSSBB, CQIA, President, Leslie Sam and Associates, LLC
To engage the future clinical research workforce earlier, our team created a collaborative summer camp for high school students. This session explores the facilitators and barriers to designing and implementing a curriculum across multiple academic institutions. Attendees will learn strategies to address challenges such as inter-institutional coordination, resource allocation, and maintaining consistent quality and engagement. We will share insights on effectively reaching high school students and fostering their interest in clinical research. Key findings include identifying success factors and obstacles in multi-institutional collaboration, applying a team science framework, and integrating Bandura’s Four Elements of Social Learning Theory into lesson planning. We will also present our evaluation methods, including pre- and post-tests, self-efficacy measures, and participant feedback. Finally, we will introduce a comprehensive toolkit for replicating the camp model, featuring lesson plans, evaluation tools, and best practices. Speaker: Jessica Fritter, DHSc, MACPR, ACRP-CP, Associate Clinical Professor & Director, Master of Clinical Research and Certificate Programs, The Ohio State University
A site’s greatest asset isn’t its technology—it’s its people. As clinical trials grow in complexity, building confident, capable teams is essential for quality execution and staff retention. This session introduces a practical, mentorship-based approach to empower site staff at all levels, drawn from real-world experience leading clinical teams through change and growth. Attendees will learn how structured onboarding, peer mentorship, and ongoing development improve protocol compliance, morale, and team stability. Whether you’re training new coordinators, addressing burnout, or fostering internal leadership, this session offers actionable tools to strengthen site performance by investing in your people. Speaker: Dean Jang, Site Director, IMA Clinical Research
Training challenges persist throughout the clinical research enterprise. This session presents benchmark data and discusses practical solutions for partnerships between sponsors, contract research organizations, and sites to address site-based training shortcomings for the betterment of clinical trial conduct. Speaker: Jimmy Bechtel, Vice President, Site Engagement, SCRS
The Careers in Clinical Research (C-CLEAR) Program is an eight-week immersive summer experience designed to introduce undergraduate students to careers in oncology clinical trials. Hosted by the University of Kansas Cancer Center’s Clinical Trials Office, the program provides hands-on exposure to core research functions including informed consent, protocol navigation, adverse event reporting, regulatory documentation, and data entry. Students complete Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training and gain real-world experience through shadowing across multiple departments, including time with oncologists in the Phase One Clinic. The program also emphasizes professional development through mentorship, résumé building, and final presentations to research staff. This session will present a practical and replicable model for building early-career pathways into clinical research. Attendees will receive tools, strategies, and lessons learned to support workforce training and sustainable pipeline development in academic research settings. Speaker: Joseph Hines II, MPH, Executive Director, Research Operations-Clinical Trial Office, University of Kansas Cancer Center
Clinical expertise has a clearly defined role and purpose in clinical research from randomizing treatments to managing adverse events to monitoring the overall health of participants. However, scientific expertise seems to be expected only from those who design studies, analyze final datasets, and manage the investigational products in question. This increases a sense of separation between sponsors and sites that results in clinical trial operations being considered mostly in terms of financial transactions. At the site level, a similar divide in research staff often occurs as the study coordinators understand the study mechanics and the medical clinicians understand the disease, often causing friction in operations and staff turnover. By developing a novel clinical research model, our team has addressed these gaps and witnessed improvements in staff recruitment and retention as well as decreases in detrimental protocol deviations. This model includes a clear career development pathway for clinical research professionals. Speaker: Lacey Andrews, MS, CCRC, CCRA, Lead Coordinator, Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Health; Todd Davies, PhD, Associate Director of Research, Marshall Health
Turnover among clinical research professionals increases trial costs, delays timelines, and compromises data quality. Across sponsors, contract research organizations, health systems, and academic sites, workforce instability puts studies—and outcomes—at risk. This session shares a case study from the healthcare sector, where investing in psychological safety through expert-led group coaching led to a 20-point drop in annual turnover and $32 million in annual savings—while improving team performance and engagement. Psychological safety—the belief that team members can speak up and take risks without fear—is a proven driver of retention, operational efficiency, and proactive problem-solving. Group coaching embeds this mindset into team culture, enabling trust, reducing errors, and supporting sustainable performance. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to apply this low-lift, high-impact approach to onboarding, leadership development, and daily operations. Speakers: Francie Jain, Founder & CEO, Terawatt, Inc; Tommy Thomas, CEO, Opposite Strengths Licensing, LLC
As clinical research embraces digital transformation, traditional roles in data management and adjacent functions are rapidly evolving. The integration of artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced analytics is reshaping how we collect, clean, and interpret data, impacting not only data managers but also medical monitors, safety reviewers, and clinical monitors. This session will explore practical strategies for upskilling and reskilling existing talent to meet the demands of tomorrow’s trials. Attendees will gain insights into identifying skill gaps, fostering a learning culture, and aligning workforce development with emerging technologies. We’ll also discuss cross-functional implications and opportunities for collaboration as clinical operations and data oversight become increasingly interconnected. Whether you’re leading teams or navigating change yourself, this session will provide a roadmap for talent transformation that keeps people at the center of innovation. Speaker: Tracy Parker, VP, Managing Director, IQVIA
Discover how prioritizing soft or aligned skills in hiring and training entry-level clinical research professionals can open sustainable pathways to success—and learn how to put skills-based hiring into action at your institution. We’ll briefly examine industry trends and the importance of a sustainable talent pipeline with the right skills. We will share our real-life experiences building a workforce development program, and provide tools for screening, hiring, and developing the desired soft skills. Participants will reflect on their own institutional needs and practices, and come away with actionable strategies to create inclusive, skills-based paths into the profession. By revisiting the Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency model through the lens of your institution’s prioritized soft skills, you’ll assess alignment, identify gaps, and explore ways to refine expectations—ensuring your training goals and performance benchmarks are appropriate and personalized. Speaker: Kathleen OMalley, BSN, CCRP, Director of Education and Training, Jefferson Clinical Research Institute, Jefferson
Clinical research coordinators (CRCs) are the backbone of trial execution, yet many sites lack a structured, competency-based approach to support their development beyond onboarding. This session introduces a tiered CRC Competency Checklist designed to guide coordinators from beginner through advanced levels of practice. Originally developed for an independent research site, the checklist integrates the Joint Task Force Core Competency Framework and ACRP’s CRC Competency Development and Assessment Roadmap with practical, observable skill demonstrations—promoting role clarity, professional growth, and high-quality performance. Attendees will explore how this adaptable tool fosters ongoing workforce training, simplifies evaluations, and builds a culture of excellence. This session is designed for mid-level professionals seeking to improve training programs and enhance team performance. This session aligns with ACRP’s Workforce Development and Training focus by offering a sustainable method to invest in the growth and retention of CRCs across the industry. Speakers: Jesse Fuhriman, Clinical Research Coordinator, Rocky Mountain Clinical Research; Brittani Holden, Certified Senior Clinical Research Coordinator, Rocky Mountain Clinical Research; Kelsie Wetzel, Certified Senior Clinical Research Coordinator, Rocky Mountain Clinical Research
In a rapidly evolving clinical research landscape, effective leadership is more crucial than ever for driving collaboration, innovation, and trust among academic centers, site management organizations, and technology partners. This dynamic session will introduce the “Four Cs” leadership framework—character, competence, caring, and communication—adapted for today’s complex research environment. Three seasoned leaders with varied backgrounds will share insights on how leadership philosophies must adapt to varying organizational cultures, regulatory demands, and operational realities. Attendees will explore practical strategies to cultivate leadership capacity, manage resource constraints, and prevent burnout while promoting ethical and patient-centered research. Real-world stories will illuminate challenges and solutions in building and sustaining successful collaborations among sites, sponsors, contract research organizations, and academia. The session encourages interactive discussion, equipping attendees with actionable tools to strengthen their own leadership impact and foster high-performing, resilient research partnerships. Speakers: Christina Brennan, MD, MBA, CCRC, FACRP, Senior Vice President, Clinical Research, Northwell Health; Elisa Cascade, MBA, FACRP, Chief Growth Officer, Head of Americas, TrialScreen; Christine Senn, PhD, CCRC, CPI, FACRP, SVP, Site-Sponsor Innovation, Advarra
The clinical research workforce is facing growing challenges, especially in the recruitment and retention of research nurse coordinators. This session will highlight an innovative collaboration between a clinical research team and a bachelor of science in nursing program aimed at introducing nursing students to clinical research as a meaningful and dynamic career option. By engaging future nurses early in their education, this partnership helps bridge the gap between clinical care and research, building awareness, interest, and preparedness among new graduates. Attendees will hear how this model not only expands the pipeline of qualified professionals but also enhances the visibility and value of the research nurse coordinator role within healthcare. The presenters will share insights, lessons learned, and steps for developing similar collaborations with nursing schools. This forward-thinking approach has the potential to significantly strengthen the clinical research workforce and ensure a more sustainable, informed, and engaged generation of research-ready nurses. Speakers: Lauren Hasty, Clinical Research Nurse, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Jamie Russell, Manager- Clinical Research Management, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Training is an integral piece of the onboarding process for new staff in clinical research, but is often not approached systematically with evidence-based methodology. This session offers a framework for building efficacious and engaging orientation and training programs that emphasize problem-solving and critical thinking. Attendees will gain skills in identifying common areas of improvement in their own institution’s programs and learn how to apply teaching theories and skills to improve their curriculum and align with Joint Task Force competencies. The presentation will culminate in reviewing methods of data collection to assess the impact of changes made to a training program. Speaker: Aja Macias, Clinical Research Educator, Stanford Cancer Institute
The clinical research industry offers a variety of career pathways, yet many site-based professionals struggle to transition to roles within contract research organizations or sponsor settings. This session will outline the skills, experiences, and strategic positioning needed to make that leap successfully. Drawing from real-world examples, panel insights, and current hiring trends, we’ll explore how site-based coordinators, managers, and research staff can translate their operational expertise into qualifications for project management, clinical research associate, medical affairs, regulatory affairs, and other sponsor-side roles. Attendees will leave with a roadmap, tools for self-assessment, and strategies to proactively align their current responsibilities with future goals. Speakers: Tamika Harris, Clinical Operations Manager – Regulatory, Merck; Jessica Propps, ACRP-CP, Clinical Operations Manager – Regulatory, Merck