Conference Advisory Working Group (CAWG)
This advisory group works closely with ACRP staff to develop the program for the Annual Conference. Drawing on their diverse experience and real-world knowledge of the clinical research industry, CAWG members provide expert guidance on educational programming and offer detailed feedback as part of the submissions review process. They review speaker presentation decks, consult with presenters in advance of the conference, and provide onsite support. ACRP is grateful for the advisory group’s immense contributions to ACRP 2026.
Suheila Abdul-Karrim, CCRA, ACRP-MDP, FACRP
Clinical Research Consultant, Auditor & Trainer
Beth Bieze, MA, CCRA, ACRP-PM, FACRP
Clinical Quality Management Director, ProTrials Research Inc.
Bridget C. Browder, BS, MS, CCRC, CQA, RAC
Senior Manager Clinical Quality and Compliance, Danaher Diagnostics
Elisa Cascade, MBA, FACRP
Chief Growth Officer, Head of Americas, TrialScreen
Joy L. Frestedt, PhD, RAC, CPI, FRAPS, FACRP
President & CEO, Frestedt Incorporated
Jessica Fritter, DHSc, MACPR, ACRP-CP, FACRP
Associate Clinical Professor & Director, Master of Clinical Research & Certificate Programs, College of Nursing, Co-Director, Workforce Development, Faculty Director, Multisite Trial Coordinating Center, The Ohio State University College of Nursing & Clinical and Translational Science Institute
Jan Hewett, JD
Senior Vice President, FDA Regulatory Advisor
Advarra
Staci P. Horvath, BS, CCRA, FACRP
Vice President of Site Research, Gradalis, Inc.
Lisa Ince, BS, CCRC, CCRA, ACRP-PM, FACRP
Project Manager II, Oncology, Clinical Solutions, Syneos Health
Anita Kablinger, MD, CPI, FAAP, FAPA, FACRP, FASCP
Professor and Director Clinical Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Carilion Clinic-VTCSOM
Mary Lord, CCRA
CRA Manager, Merck
Mary Pautler, MPH, ACRP-CP
Director of Program Services, Utah Trial Innovation Center (TIC), University of Utah Health
Leslie Pimentel-Byatt, MSML, MBA, CCRC, PMP, FACRP
Director, Clinical Trials Operations, University of New Mexico Hospital
Suzanne J. Rose, MS, PhD, FACRP
Executive Director of Research, Stamford Health
Paula Smailes, DNP, RN, CCRP, ACRP-CP
IT Training and Optimization Consultant-Principal Trainer, Clinical Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Jerry M. Stein, PhD, ACRP-CP, ACRP-MDP, FACRP
President & Owner, Summer Creek Consulting, LLC