Leadership & Scientific Advisors
One team, passionate about faster trials
Chris O’Brien
CEO
About Chris →
Chris O’Brien
CEO
Chris O’Brien brings over 20 years of experience in building operational excellence across regulated industries. In his role as CEO, his responsibilities include setting the business strategy for Biorasi, as well as recruiting and coaching extraordinary people and developing a culture of high performance. Previously, Chris served as President and COO at Decision Resources Group and was responsible for operating a 1000+ person healthcare data and insights business. Chris holds an MBA from the Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth College and received his BA in English Studies from Middlebury College in Vermont.
Renee Corcoran
VP, Quality Assurance
About Renee →
Renee Corcoran
VP, Quality Assurance
Renée Corcoran has over 16 years of experience across multiple compliance and quality management roles, focusing on building quality teams, effectuating quality management systems and clinical trial industry training, and facilitating issue management for Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA). In her current role, Renée leads the Quality Assurance department, providing strategic direction and oversight for quality management activities, including quality-controlled documentation, issue management, and client audit/inspection readiness. Previously, Renée served as Chief Compliance Officer at Medable, Inc., implementing both the quality management system and learning management system, as well as achieving ISO 13485 Quality Management Systems for Medical Devices certification. Renée holds a BS in Marketing and an MS in Instructional Technology from UNC Wilmington, as well as CQA, PMP, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certifications.
Cathy Gooch, MBA
Senior VP, People and Culture
About Cathy →
Cathy Gooch, MBA
Senior VP, People and Culture
Cathy Gooch has over 25 years of experience in Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, Resource Management, and Career Development within clinical research and the CRO industry. In her current role, Cathy is responsible for the overall leadership and strategic direction for all matters concerning People Operations, Talent Acquisition, and Biorasi Culture – fostering a diverse workplace that enables all Biorasi employees to contribute at their full potential. Previously, Cathy served as Senior Vice President of Talent and Resource Management at Linical, a global CRO, where she was responsible for Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, and Resource Management. Prior to Linical, Cathy worked with Chiltern, a global CRO, serving as the Executive Director of Talent Acquisition, Human Resources, and Resourcing Solutions (FSP). Cathy holds an MBA in Human Resource Management from Columbia Southern University and a BA in Human Resource Management from Georgia State University.
Jimmy El Hokayem, Ph.D.
VP, Program Development and Medical Insights, Head of the Neurology and Regenerative Medicine Centers of Excellence
About Jimmy →
Jimmy El Hokayem, Ph.D.
VP, Program Development and Medical Insights, Head of the Neurology and Regenerative Medicine Centers of Excellence
As Head of Biorasi’s Neurology and Regenerative Medicine Centers of Excellence and VP of Program Development and Medical Insights, Dr. Jimmy El Hokayem oversees clinical projects related to neurological indications and therapies. His unique expertise in the basic, translational, and clinical research spectrum provides critical insights at strategic, operational, and managerial levels. He is an expert clinical trial decentralizer and an early adopter of digital technologies and digital therapeutics.
With over twenty years’ experience in both academia and clinical research, Dr. El Hokayem has focused his research on rare neurological diseases. He currently serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST). Dr. El Hokayem has published over twenty peer reviewed papers and received multiple awards from international foundations and entities.
Dr. El Hokayem received his Ph.D. from University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He continued his training with post-doctoral work at the University’s Hussman Institute for Human Genomics.
Becky Knockemus
Senior VP, Commercial Operations
About Becky →
Becky Knockemus
Senior VP, Commercial Operations
Becky Knockemus has more than 30 years of sales, operations, and executive management experience in the healthcare industry. Becky’s current responsibilities involve pipeline development and sales management, including leadership of the program development team and building short-term and long-term sales strategies for Biorasi’s continued growth. Previously, Becky served as Senior Vice President of Data and Analytics Sales for Decision Resources Group, a global company focused on data-based solutions for pharmaceutical and biotech companies. She received her BA in Political Science from the University of Alabama.
Cara Jacobs
Vice President, Legal & Contracts
About Cara →
Cara Jacobs
Vice President, Legal & Contracts
Cara Jacobs brings over 25 years of extensive legal and management expertise to the Pharma/Biotech industry. Currently, she leads the Legal function, providing strategic guidance on commercial and clinical trial transactions, policy development, legal strategy, and compliance. Prior to her current role, Cara held the positions of Vice President, US Clinical Development Site Head & Senior Counsel at Idorsia Pharmaceuticals, Director & Attorney at Quintiles, and Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Litigation Attorney at Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP. Cara is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City (JD) and Truman State University (BS).
Nancy Newark
VP, Project Management
About Nancy →
Nancy Newark
VP, Project Management
Nancy Newark has worked in clinical research for over 25 years and is an accomplished project management and clinical operations executive. She has extensive experience leading complex multi-faceted research programs and global teams. Her research expertise, combined with her experience as a registered nurse, has provided a broad range of therapeutic experience including but not limited to cardiovascular (acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, PAH, hypertension), metabolic (diabetes, obesity), acute and chronic renal failure, rare diseases, liver disease, and gene and cell therapy. Prior to joining Biorasi, Nancy served as an Executive Director of Project Management at Worldwide Clinical Trials. Additionally, she previously worked at the Duke University Medical Center as a registered nurse for 11 years with 14 years at the Duke Clinical Research Institute.
Sagar Patil
Vice President, Asia Regional Operations
About Sagar →
Sagar Patil
Vice President, Asia Regional Operations
Dr. Sagar Patil has 20 years of experience in healthcare and pharmaceutical/biotechnology R&D, focusing on drug development and project management. In his current role as Vice President, Asia Regional Operations, Dr. Patil is responsible for strategic development, business operations, project oversight, resource management, and business growth. Prior to his current role, Dr. Patil was Interim Country Head of India Operations for Amgen, a pioneer in the biotechnology industry. Dr. Patil received his MBA from the United Business Institutes in Brussels, Belgium, and holds a Medical degree from Mumbai University.
EVGENY POLTANOV, MD, PHD
DIRECTOR, EASTERN EUROPEAN OPERATIONS
About Evgeny →
EVGENY POLTANOV, MD, PHD
DIRECTOR, EASTERN EUROPEAN OPERATIONS
Evgeny Poltanov, MD, PhD brings over eighteen years of intensive experience in the fields of pre-clinical and clinical research, with a deep understanding of clinical development processes in the Eastern European regulatory environment. In his current role, Dr. Poltanov’s responsibilities are focused on developing growth strategies for operations and clinical research in Eastern Europe. Prior to joining Biorasi, Dr. Poltanov worked as a clinical operations director for Synergy CRO, providing strategic direction, leadership, and management across multiple company divisions to ensure the achievement of project goals within cost, time, and quality requirements. Dr. Poltanov received his MD from the Russian State Medical University with a PhD in Biology, focusing on antioxidants and photochemistry.
Paige Queen
VP, Clinical Operations
About Paige →
Paige Queen
VP, Clinical Operations
Paige Queen has over 18 years of experience in clinical monitoring, clinical operations, and project management across the pharmaceutical and CRO industry. As Head of Clinical Operations, Paige is responsible for quality delivery of clinical activities on all Biorasi projects, global leadership of the clinical team, resource management, performance oversight, and training strategies. Previously, Paige served as VP of Clinical Operations at Total Clinical Trial Management and was instrumental in the long-term growth and development of the company. She received her BS in Biology from Texas Tech University.
Kristen Reis
Chief of Staff
About Kristen →
Kristen Reis
Chief of Staff
Kristen Reis brings over five years of administrative experience in supporting executive teams and their initiatives. In her current role, Kristen’s responsibilities include managing the day-to-day operations of the executive leadership team, supporting projects in various branches from Human Resources to Marketing, planning company-wide events, and managing relationships. She received a BA in Sustainability from Florida International University.
Mike Rudolph
Senior VP, Data Sciences and Technology
About Mike →
Mike Rudolph
Senior VP, Data Sciences and Technology
Mike Rudolph brings over 18 years of experience in infrastructure, support, and IT operations for GxP companies. In his role as Senior VP, Data Sciences and Technology at Biorasi, Mike is responsible for IT strategy and operations, software development, and business intelligence. Previously, Mike served as Head of IT at Goodwin Biotechnology, and led a multi-year effort to launch a validated client server environment, including enterprise, quality, laboratory, and manufacturing management systems. Mike holds an MS in Information Systems and Operations Management from University of Florida.
Sara Vaidya
Vice President, Data Sciences and Biometrics
About Sara →
Sara Vaidya
Vice President, Data Sciences and Biometrics
Sara Vaidya has over 16 years of experience in clinical data management, including EDC systems, CDISC standards, Alliance management, statistical programming, and biostatistics oversight. As VP of Data Sciences and Biometrics, Sara is responsible for providing advanced data solutions to improve healthcare outcomes with a focus on developing partnerships routed in quality, efficiency, and transparency, end-to-end data sciences management, global leadership of the Data Sciences team, and metrics-driven performance oversight. Prior to joining Biorasi, Sara served at SIRO ClinPharm CRO in an Alliance management role responsible for end-to-end data services, customer engagement, project management, statistical programming, and key areas of medical writing. She received her MS in Biotechnology from the University of Mumbai.
Mike Vitek, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
About Mike →
Mike Vitek, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Mike Vitek is a senior financial executive who brings over 30 years of experience in all aspects of accounting, auditing, and financial management. As CFO, Mike’s role involves overseeing finance and accounting functions at Biorasi. Prior to his current position, Mike has held CFO, Board Advisor, and General Manager posts with both public and private companies. These include private equity portfolio companies in oilfield services, consumer goods, manufacturing, gaming, and hospitality industries. Mike received his BS in Business Administration in the field of Accounting from the Ohio State University.
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Scientific advisors
Biorasi’s Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) represents the best and brightest in clinical leadership – across key industry focus areas and around the world. Our SAB team brings new perspectives and fresh ideas to your clinical trial solutions.
Alex A. ADJEI, MD, PHD, FACP
Oncology
Chairman of the Taussig Cancer Institute at Cleveland Clinic
About Dr. Adjei →
Alex A. Adjei, MD, PhD, FACP
Oncology
Chairman of the Taussig Cancer Institute at Cleveland Clinic
Dr. Adjei is Chairman of the Taussig Cancer Institute at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Adjei has served as the PI on over 70 Phase I trials, as well as over 20 Phase II developmental trials for lung cancer therapy. Previously, Dr. Adjei held the position of professor of oncology and professor of pharmacology at Mayo Clinic and Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, MN. Dr. Adjei received his MD from the University of Ghana and his PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Alberta, with an internal medicine residency at Howard University and a medical oncology fellowship at Johns Hopkins University. He is a recent recipient of the Adi F. Gazdar Merit Award from the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer for Distinguished Achievement in Lung Cancer Research and Mentorship, and a recipient of the European Society for Medical Oncology’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He is a member of the National Cancer Institute’s Board of Scientific Counsellors.
Kristen K. Buck, MD
Senior Medical Advisor
Chief Medical Officer and Head of Research and Development at Lisata Therapeutics
About Dr. Kristen K. Buck →
Kristen K. Buck, MD
Senior Medical Advisor
Chief Medical Officer and Head of Research and Development at Lisata Therapeutics
Kristen K. Buck, MD is an internal medicine physician with over 20 years of experience in strategic global drug development, drug/device safety and epidemiology, regulatory review, and clinical practice. In her current role, Dr. Buck provides strategic leadership and clinical oversight, ensuring regulatory compliance and patient safety protocols for Biorasi clinical trials. Dr. Buck currently holds the position of CMO and Head of Research and Development at Lisata Therapeutics. Previously, she served as CMO at ICON, a large, full-service CRO, and held leadership roles at AstraZeneca, Quintiles, Optum, and the FDA. Dr. Buck received her MD from the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine.
JAMIE P. DWYER, MD
NEPHROLOGY
Associate Dean for Clinical Research, Professor of Medicine at the Data Coordinating Center and Clinical and Translational Research Institute at the University of Utah, Principal Investigator of the Collaborative Study Group
About Dr. Dwyer →
JAMIE P. DWYER, MD
NEPHROLOGY
Associate Dean for Clinical Research, Professor of Medicine at the Data Coordinating Center and Clinical and Translational Research Institute at the University of Utah, Principal Investigator of the Collaborative Study Group
Dr. Dwyer is Associate Dean for Clinical Research and Professor of Medicine in the Division of Nephrology/Hypertension, and is the Director of the Data Coordinating Center at the University of Utah. He is the current Principal Investigator of the Collaborative Study Group, an international academic research organization. Dr. Dwyer is a practicing clinical nephrologist and has served on multiple Executive and Steering committees. Dr. Dwyer holds an MD with Distinction from Brown University Medical School and trained in Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic Florida, and Nephrology and Clinical Research at Vanderbilt.
Ole Isacson, MD, PhD
NEUROLOGY
Founding Director of the Neuroregeneration Research Institute at McLean Hospital, Professor of Neurology (Neuroscience) at Harvard Medical School, Professor of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital
About Dr. Isacson →
Ole Isacson, MD, PhD
NEUROLOGY
Founding Director of the Neuroregeneration Research Institute at McLean Hospital, Professor of Neurology (Neuroscience) at Harvard Medical School, Professor of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital
Dr. Isacson is a Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience at Harvard Medical School and Founding Director of the Neuroregeneration Institute at McLean Hospital. In this role, he is at the forefront of research into neurodegenerative disease and regenerative medicine for brain disorders. He has served as Executive Scientific Advisory Board Member for the Michael J. Fox Foundation and held memberships in the International Parkinson and Movement Society and the FDA’s Cellular, Tissues, and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee. He received his MD and PhD in Medical Neurobiology from the University of Lund in Sweden, completed his research fellowship in Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge, and holds honorary degrees from both Harvard University and University of Lund.
Robert S. Negrin, MD,
HEMATOLOGY
Professor of Medicine and former Chief of the Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University
About Dr. Negrin →
Robert S. Negrin, MD,
HEMATOLOGY
Professor of Medicine and former Chief of the Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University
Dr. Negrin is a Professor of Medicine and former Chief of the Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation at Stanford University. Dr. Negrin’s current research focuses on the fundamental understanding of graft vs. host and graft vs. tumor reactions, with an emphasis on immune regulatory mechanisms. He has previously served as the President of the International Society of Cellular Therapy and the American Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation. He is the current Vice President of the American Society of Medicine with successive terms of President-Elect in 2025 and President in 2026. Dr. Negrin received his MD from Harvard Medical School and trained in Internal Medicine and Hematology at Stanford University.