The 2026 SOCRA Board of Directors election provides Members with an important opportunity to shape the future leadership of the Society of Clinical Research Associates. Each year, SOCRA invites engaged and qualified Members to participate in the nomination and election process, ensuring the Board reflects the diversity, expertise, and commitment of the clinical research community. Following a nomination period earlier this year, a slate of candidates has been selected by the Nominating Committee and presented for Member voting, which takes place throughout April, with results announced in May 2026.
In 2026, the open positions are for President-Elect, Secretary, and Director. Below, you’ll find information on the candidates running for each open Board position, including their backgrounds, experience, and perspectives on advancing SOCRA’s mission.
Meet the Candidates
President-Elect
- Amanda Galster, MPH, CCRP
- Rachel Kingsford, MS, CCRP
Secretary
- Carrie Chiaro, MPH, CCRP, CHRC
- Annette Oeser, MLAS, BS, CCRP
Director
- Mary Christie, MSBA, CCRP
- Pam Draayer, BA, CCRP
- Pukar Ratti, MSChE, MSHCM, CIM, CCRP, FACMPE
- Casey Snoddy, BS, CCRP
- Tamara Stowe, BA
See below for Vision Statements, Biographies, and a listing of SOCRA activities for each candidate.
President-Elect Candidates
Amanda Galster, MPH, CCRP
Associate Director, Clinical Trials Regulatory
MD Anderson Cancer Center
SOCRA Member Since 2004
Listing of SOCRA Activities
- Board of Directors
- Secretary, 2024-2026
- Director, 2022-2024
- SOCRA Chapters, 2025-2026
- SOCRA Annual Conference
- Speaker, 2025, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2013
- Poster Presenter, 2007
- Poster Reviewer, 2024 and 2023
- Chair, Pediatric Research track, 2018-202
- Peer Reviewer, SOCRA Source, 2023
- Pediatric Clinical Trials Conference
- Co-Chair, 2020-2022
- Annual Presenter, 2017-2022
- Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP), 2006
Biography
Amanda Galster, MPH, CCRP, is an accomplished clinical research leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing human health through innovative and ethically grounded biomedical research. She is widely recognized for her expertise in federal regulations, research ethics, and GCPs, and for building high‑performing research programs across major academic medical centers and statewide initiatives.
Amanda currently serves as Associate Director of Clinical Research Regulatory at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she oversees regulatory start‑up, consent development, and compliance for Phase I–IV clinical trials. She guides cross‑functional teams, monitors evolving regulatory requirements, and ensures operational excellence across a broad clinical research portfolio.
Previously, Amanda held key leadership roles at the University of Arizona, including Associate Director of Clinical Trials and Executive Director of the NIH‑funded PASC‑RECOVER program. In these roles, she led statewide implementation efforts, built diverse research teams, and developed strategies for regulatory management, participant recruitment, and biospecimen operations.
Her 17‑year tenure at the University of Minnesota culminated in her role as Clinical Research Program Director in Pediatrics, where she established a centralized research services program and championed training, compliance, and operational improvements across numerous pediatric subspecialties.
Amanda is an active member of the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA), maintaining CCRP certification since 2006. She currently serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors and has held multiple national leadership and conference roles.
She holds an MPH and BA from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities and a Graduate Certificate in Regulatory Science from the University of Arizona.
Vision Statement
My clinical research experience is extensive, and I have been fortunate to support and lead innovative research programs, build strong research teams, and ensure regulatory compliance through thoughtful, effective operations. Yet what I value most is training, coaching, and empowering research professionals. Helping staff grow in confidence and competence—and equipping them to deliver high‑quality work in ethical, efficient, and compliant ways—is the part of this profession that brings me the greatest fulfillment. In a highly regulated and rapidly evolving field, investing in the professional development of our workforce is essential.
The clinical research profession is navigating significant challenges as we strive to keep pace with a new era of scientific innovation. I believe deeply that SoCRA plays a critical role in supporting this workforce, and I am proud to volunteer my time to advance its mission and strengthen the community it serves.
As Secretary, I was honored to be part of the executive team that led a pivotal transition for SoCRA last year. The Board’s decision to change management companies was made with great care, and the result has been renewed momentum and optimism for the future of an organization that is foundational to the development of clinical research professionals.
If selected as President-Elect, my vision is to expand opportunities for early‑career professionals within SoCRA. Our certification program is strong, but we can further modernize membership pathways for students and emerging professionals to ensure a vibrant, diverse, and future‑ready workforce.
Rachel Kingsford, MS, CCRP
Senior Clinical Research Program Manager
Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah
SOCRA Member Since 2014
Listing of SOCRA Activities
- SOCRA Chapter Chair, Utah Chapter, June 2017-Present
- SOCRA Item Writing Committee, July 2018-Present
- SOCRA Standard Setting Committee, July 2019
- Speaker, SOCRA Annual Conference, 2020, 2024, and 2025
- SOCRA CCRP Certification Committee, May 2022-Present
- SOCRA Board of Directors, September 2023-Present
- Interim SOCRA Certification Committee Chair, August 2025-February 2026
Biography
I serve as Associate Director of the Clinical Trials Office at the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah, where I lead clinical research operations and workforce development initiatives. Since joining the organization in 2012, I have held progressive leadership roles, including Training and Mentorship Manager and Senior Clinical Research Program Manager, with a focus on building high-performing teams, strengthening infrastructure, and advancing clinical research excellence.
I have been a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) since 2014.
I am an active leader within the Society of Clinical Research Associates, serving as Utah Chapter Chair since 2017 and as a member of the Board of Directors since 2023. I contribute to multiple national initiatives, including the CCRP Certification Committee and Certification Exam Item Writing Committee, and previously served as Interim Certification Committee Chair from August 2025 to February 2026. I have also supported certification standard setting and other exam development activities. I have served as a speaker at the SOCRA Annual Conference and at many local chapter events.
Vision Statement
I am honored to be considered for President of the Society of Clinical Research Associates Board of Directors at a pivotal moment for our profession. As an Associate Director at Huntsman Cancer Institute and an active SOCRA leader at both the chapter and national levels, I have seen firsthand the impact of our work—from certification development to education and community building.
Clinical research stands at the intersection of innovation and public trust, yet we face growing challenges: funding constraints, declining confidence in science, and persistent gaps in diversity and representation. SOCRA is uniquely positioned not only to support professionals, but to help lead the field forward.
I envision a SOCRA that sets the global standard for excellence—where certification is the definitive mark of credibility, education is forward-looking and practice-driven, and members are deeply connected and empowered. Building on my experience with certification and as a frequent chapter and Annual Conference speaker, I will champion innovation in how we educate, engage, and support our community.
Equally important, SOCRA must serve as a trusted voice for the profession. By advancing transparency, strengthening inclusive pathways into clinical research, and reinforcing the ethical foundations of our work, we can help restore public trust and broaden the impact of clinical trials.
I am committed to leading with vision, collaboration, and purpose, and respectfully ask for your support.
Secretary Candidates
Carrie Chiaro, MPH, CCRP, CHRC
Research Compliance Officer
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
SOCRA Member Since 2012
Listing of SOCRA Activities
- CCRP, 2012-present
- Arkansas Chapter Co-Chair, 2015-2020 and 2025-present
- SOCRA Board member, 2022-present
- CCRP exam proctor, 2025
Biography
My first experience working in human subjects research was in 2003 in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Since then, I have been a research coordinator, grants manager, and regulatory coordinator. I have worked in family medicine, nursing, and pediatric nutrition research. I also received my Master of Public Health in 2011.
For the last 14 years, I have worked in the UAMS Office of Research Compliance, which recently became the UAMS Office of Research Integrity, as a compliance auditor and currently as the Research Compliance Officer. We ensure that research across our institution is conducted properly, following policies and regulations, and that research participants are protected.
I joined SOCRA when I joined the Office of Research Compliance in 2012. I also became a SOCRA Certified Clinical Research Professional, earning my CCRP later that same year. I have served as the co-chairperson of the Arkansas SOCRA Chapter, first from 2015 to 2020 and again since 2025. Our chapter is very active and has won the Chapter Recognition Award several times. I have also served on the SOCRA Board of Directors since 2022.
Outside of work and research, I have a wonderful family – my husband, three sons, a daughter-in-law, two crazy dogs, and a cat. I also enjoy gardening and baking but would love to be better at both!
Vision Statement
I am honored to have been nominated for the position of Secretary for the SOCRA Board of Directors. As a member of SOCRA since 2012, this organization has meant so much to me – from all that I have learned, to colleagues I have met, and friends that I have made. It has also been a great honor to serve on the SOCRA Board of Directors since 2022, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to utilize my experience, organizational skills, and attention to detail to further support the mission of SOCRA as Board Secretary. SOCRA is such a wonderful organization and a great resource for the clinical research community through its educational offerings, professional development, and networking opportunities. As SOCRA continues to grow, I look forward to being on the frontlines of bringing exciting new things to our members and to the larger, international clinical research community.
Annette Oeser, MLAS, BS, CCRP
Clinical Translational Research Coordinator III
Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
SOCRA Member Since 2004
Listing of SOCRA Activities
- Greater Nashville Chapter, SoCRA 2007-present
- Education Committee 2007-present
- Chair 2009-2013
- Co-Chair 2019-present
- SOCRA Board of Directors 2023-present
- Annual Conference Speaker 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024
- Annual Conference Poster Presenter 2010, 2020 (top 10), 2021 (top 10), 2023
- Nashville SOCRA Chapter, Nashville, TN Speaker 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
- Central Virginia SOCRA Chapter, Richmond, VA Speaker 2021, 2023
- Phoenix/Valley of the Sun Chapter, Phoenix, AZ Speaker 2023
Biography
Annette has worked in clinical research for over 30 years, primarily in PI initiated studies. Her experience spans a broad spectrum of research, including basic science, animal studies, clinical trials, regulatory review, research administration, and bioethics. She currently works as a Regulatory Compliance Analyst and Patient Advocate in the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She joined SOCRA and was CCRP certified in 2004 and has been a member of the Greater Nashville SOCRA chapter’s Education Committee since 2007. She obtained her Master of Liberal Arts and Sciences (MLAS) degree from Vanderbilt University in 2011 and completed level 1 of the Vanderbilt Program in Research Administration Development (VPRAD) in 2012. She obtained her Master of Bioethics and Health Policy and her IRB Manager Certification (CIM) in 2025. She became a member of the SOCRA Board of Directors in 2023 and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Greater Nashville Chapter. She had presented at both the local and national level, focusing on bioethical issues in research.
Vision Statement
I am honored to be nominated to serve as Secretary of SOCRA. Over the past three years on the Board of Directors, I have had the privilege of working alongside and learning from my dedicated colleagues and have gained valuable insights into SOCRA’s operations and vision, deepening my understanding of its mission to advance clinical research.
Clinical research faces evolving challenges, including shifts in funding and global priorities. The board has worked diligently to position SOCRA to navigate these obstacles and embrace future opportunities. As Secretary, I will strive to support the board’s efforts, ensuring we remain forward-thinking while upholding our mission to promote excellence in clinical research through education, training, and certification.
Our shared responsibility is to protect research participants while producing data to drive global health advancements. This requires maintaining research integrity, fostering ethical thinking among professionals, and learning from past experiences to shape future strategies.
SOCRA has profoundly impacted my professional growth by expanding my knowledge, refining my leadership skills, and connecting me with a global network of clinical research professionals. I am committed to leveraging this experience to contribute meaningfully to the board’s initiatives, helping our membership adapt, excel, and lead in the dynamic field of clinical research.
Thank you for the opportunity to continue serving SOCRA’s membership and advancing its mission. I look forward to collaborating with fellow board members and supporting the next generation of clinical research professionals as we navigate the complexities of this vital field.
Director Candidates
Mary Christie, MSBA, CCRP
Sr. Director of Education Programs
University of Missouri
SOCRA Member since 2018
Listing of SOCRA Activities
- Clinical Research Professional Certification Exam Job Task Analysis committee,
- Greater Kansas City Chapter co-lead
- Started the Mid-Missouri chapter in Columbia, MO serving as the chapter leader
- Presented on “Empowering Rural Clinics: Enhancing Clinical Research Participation Through Research Readiness Training.” SOCRA Annual Conference, Chicago, IL. September 27, 2025.
Biography
Mary Christie, MSBA, CCRP is a clinical research educator, translational scientist, and workforce development leader dedicated to expanding access to clinical research and strengthening the clinical research workforce. She currently serves as Senior Director of Education Programs for Health Affairs at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, where she leads the development of research education, training, and professional development initiatives for faculty, clinicians, research staff, and students. Mary has extensive experience building research training infrastructure across academic medical centers. Prior to joining the University of Missouri, she led research education programs at the University of Kansas Medical Center, where she developed institution-wide training initiatives in Good Clinical Practice, Responsible Conduct of Research, and clinical trial operations. At Missouri, she has expanded these efforts by launching statewide training programs including Clinical Trial Investigator Training and Clinical Research Coordinator Bootcamps, as well as initiatives designed to help rural healthcare providers become research-ready clinical trial sites. Mary is currently pursuing a PhD in Translational Biosciences at the University of Missouri. Her research focuses on improving access to clinical trials in rural communities through the development of scalable research readiness models and data-driven approaches to understanding rural–urban disparities in health outcomes. Her work integrates implementation science, clinical workforce development, and health data analytics to strengthen research participation in underserved populations. Mary is a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) and an active leader in the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA). She frequently speaks nationally on clinical research training, project management, and strategies to expand participation in clinical research.
Vision Statement
My vision for service on the SOCRA Board of Directors is to strengthen and expand the global clinical research workforce by advancing high-quality education, professional development, and collaboration across the research community. Clinical research professionals are essential to ensuring ethical, safe, and high-quality research, yet the field continues to evolve rapidly with new technologies, decentralized trials, and increasing demands for diverse patient representation. I believe SOCRA plays a critical role in equipping research professionals with the knowledge, skills, and professional networks needed to navigate these changes successfully. Throughout my career, I have focused on building research training infrastructure and supporting the development of clinical research professionals at every stage of their careers—from new coordinators entering the workforce to investigators leading complex clinical trials. As a long-time SOCRA member and chapter leader, I have seen firsthand how SOCRA’s educational programs, certification standards, and professional community elevate the practice of clinical research. If elected to the Board of Directors, I hope to contribute to SOCRA’s continued growth by supporting initiatives that expand access to high-quality training, strengthen pathways into the profession, and foster collaboration among clinical research professionals across institutions, sectors, and geographic regions. I am particularly passionate about expanding opportunities for clinical research participation in underserved and rural communities by strengthening the workforce that makes this work possible. I would be honored to support SOCRA’s mission and help shape the future of the clinical research profession.
Pam Draayer, BA, CCRP
Education Specialist – II
Mayo Clinic
SOCRA Member since 2011
Listing of SOCRA Activities
- Presentation at SEMN Chapter Fall Conference “AEs and SAEs”
- Attendance at Annual Conference
- Attendance at SEMN chapter meetings & conferences
- Participation in Cancer Clinical Trials Workshop
Biography
Pam Draayer, CCRP, is an Education Specialist II in Mayo Clinic’s Office of Research Education, focusing on Workforce Development projects like Clinical Research Onboarding, the monthly Clinical Research Forum, and Clinical Research Connect, which attracts over 500 staff. She earned her B.A. from Concordia College in St. Paul, Minnesota, became a Certified Clinical Research Professional in 2011, and has been at Mayo Clinic since 2007. Pam previously worked as a Research Coordinator in Urology, supervised Coordinators in Orthopedic research, and is an Epic Credentialed Trainer for Research.
Vision Statement
As a proud SOCRA member, I want to help build a collaborative and energetic community in clinical research. My goal is to provide research professionals with education, professional development, and credentialing so they feel confident and ready to drive patient-centered research forward. By supporting collaborative projects, sticking to strong ethical standards, and encouraging lifelong learning, I hope to make a real difference in SOCRA’s mission to promote excellence in clinical research.
Pukar Ratti, MSChE, MSHCM, CIM, CCRP, FACMPE
System Director, Clinical Research & Operations
Baylor Scott & White Health
SOCRA Member Since 2007
Listing of SOCRA Activities
- Professional Membership: 2007-Present
- CCRP Certification: 2009-Present
- Annual Conference Attendances: 2014: Orlando, FL 2016: Montreal, Canada 2017: Orlando, FL 2018: New Orleans, LA 2019: San Antonio, TX 2021: Virtual 2022: Virtual 2025: Chicago, IL
- Voluntary Services: 2018-Present: CCRP Examination Item Writing Committee 2019-Present: CCRP Standard Setting Committee
- Awards & Recognitions: 2016: Research Poster Special Recognition Award Winner 2017: Research Poster Special Recognition Award Finalist 2019-2022 Term: SoCRA Board of Directors Election Nominee 2022: Clinical Trials Day Recognition Nominee
- Speakerships: 2025: Enhancing Clinical Research Regulatory Excellence via Centralization of Regulatory Operations at a Health System-based Research Institute (Annual Conference, Chicago) 2018: ABCs of Establishing an Ethically-Sound BioBank (Annual Conference, New Orleans) 2018: Introducing a Program to enhance Engagement, Recognition, and Retention of Clinical Research Professionals (Plano Texas Local Chapter Meeting)
- Annual Conference Research Posters: 2014: Optimization of Adult Learner Experience during Clinical Research Associate Training Program (CRATP) for Minorities via Application of an Andragogical Approach: A Preceptor’s Perspective (Orlando) 2016: Leveraging Intramural Professionals and Resources to Develop an Effective Clinical Research Methodology Summer Course for International Medical Students at an Academic Health System (Montreal) 2016: Enhancing Engagement and Retention of Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) Workforce via Introduction of a Formal CRC Ladder Program at a Regional Health System (Montreal); Award Winner 2017: Development and Implementation of a Modern Operational Model to Enrich Experiences during Various Phases in the Employment Lifecycle of a Clinical Research Workforce at a Single Health System-Based Clinical Research Institute (Orlando); Award Finalist 2021: Enriching the Employee Experience of a Clinical Research Professional Workforce at an International Health System-based Clinical Research Institute during an abrupt Global Pandemic Crisis (Virtual) 2025: Enhancing Clinical Research Regulatory Excellence via Centralization of Regulatory Operations at a Health System-based Research Institute (Chicago)
- Peer-reviewed Publications: 2015: Hurst CS, Ratti P, Brown-Joseph L. Optimization of adult learner experiences by clinical research preceptors via application of andrological principles. SoCRA Source: J Clin Res Excellence. 86(1); 13-20; 2015 2017: Ratti P, Zeringue, M. Enhancing Engagement, Recognition, and Retention of Clinical Research Professional Workforce via Introduction of a Formal Clinical Research Ladder Program at A Regional Health System. SoCRA Source: J Clin Res Excellence. 93(1); 46-56; 2017 2017: Ratti P, Zeringue M, Ascani, J, D’Amico N, Estrade M, Messina S, Butitta B, Bozzelle K, Bradley A. Measuring Utilization Impact of Systematically Planned and Organized Social Events on Research Employee Engagement at a Single Academic Health System. SoCRA Source: J Clin Res Excellence. 94(1); 60-72; 2017 2018: Ratti P, Henry MB, Rao S. Deployment of a comprehensive CRC-centric 5-Prong Recruitment, Engagement, Enjoyment, Advancement, and Retention (REEAR) Operational Model to Augment the Overall Job Satisfaction of a Clinical Research Workforce: A single Health System-based Clinical Research Institute Experience. SoCRA Source: J Clin Res Excellence. 96(1); 12-20; 2018 2020: Ratti P. ABC’s of Establishing and Managing an Ethically-sound BioBank. SoCRA Source: J Clin Res Excellence. 103(1); 51-61; 2020 2021: Brunet M, Mock P, Wylie JC, Tarnow G, Ratti P. Emergency Implementation of an Investigational COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Expanded Access Program across Multicenter Community-based Health System during a Global Pandemic Crisis. SoCRA Source: J Clin Res Excellence. 107(1); 27-38; 2021
Biography
Pukar Ratti is the System Director of Clinical Research & Operations at Baylor Scott & White Health in Dallas, Texas. He brings more than 25 years of progressive experience spanning frontline to executive leadership roles across Clinical Research, Academic Medicine, Biobanking, Higher Education, and Healthcare Administration. His career includes contributions at leading world-class institutions such as CHRISTUS Health (faith-based), Ochsner Health (private), and LSU Health (public). Since 2010, Pukar has also served in multiple adjunct faculty roles at prominent universities. He currently teaches at the University of California, Irvine, and the Keck Graduate Institute in Claremont, California. His past appointments include Rutgers University in New Jersey, Dillard University in Louisiana (HBCU), and the University of Phoenix in Arizona. Pukar holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pune, a Master of Science in Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering from the University of South Alabama, and a Master of Science in Health Care Management from the University of New Orleans. He is credentialed as a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) through the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA) since 2008, a Certified IRB Manager (CIM) through the National Association of IRB Leaders (NAIL) since 2009 and has been a Fellow of the American College of Medical Practice Executives (FACMPE) since 2010. A frequent national and international speaker, Pukar has delivered presentations at major clinical research conferences and has authored 25 peer reviewed scientific and technical publications.
Vision Statement
My vision is to build a global community where research is led by the highest ethical standards, every patient is protected, and every discovery moves us closer to a healthier, more equitable world. For more than two decades, I’ve witnessed firsthand the extraordinary impact of clinical research on human lives. Yet I’ve also seen the challenges that hold us back—barriers to access, uneven representation, workforce shortages and burnout, talent gaps, regulatory uncertainty, shifting global policies, financial pressures, ever-changing technology landscape and the widening gap between innovation and implementation. It is evident that our work is far from finished! As a Board member, I will work tirelessly alongside you to close these widening gaps and create a future rooted in trust, integrity, and shared purpose. I believe clinical research thrives when the people behind it thrive first. That means empowering our workforce with broader recruitment gateways, meaningful training, ongoing mentorship, and clear advancement pathways. I envision a future clinical research ecosystem where:
- Inclusion isn’t an initiative—it’s our core identity.
- At its heart, research isn’t defined by data or technology—but by the workforce behind it.
- Innovation accelerates because ethics and regulatory transparency are non-negotiable.
- Scientific discoveries mean nothing unless they reach the people who need them the most.
- Global partnerships honor cultural diversity, strengthen regulatory alignment, and ensure research benefits cross every border.
Together, let us become ONE—united in purpose, driven by integrity, and committed to shaping the future of healthcare through unstoppable innovation that delivers hope and healing worldwide.
Casey Snoddy, BS, CCRP
Senior Clinical Research Manager
IU School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics
SOCRA Member Since 2021
Listing of SOCRA Activities
- Certified Clinical Research Professional 2021 – present
- Indianapolis SOCRA Chapter Chairperson, 2022 – present
- SOCRA Certification Exam Item Writer Committee Member, 2025 – present
- Annual Conference 2023, Poster Presenter, Implementation of an Academic Biorepository to Support the Standardization and Efficacy of Clinical Research Biospecimen Collection and Processing
- Annual Conference 2024, Conference Speaker, The Changing Ethics of Informed Consent and Biospecimens in Clinical Research
- Bay Area SOCRA Chapter Meeting, 2025, Speaker, Balancing Progress and Protection: Ethical Recruitment in Genetic Disease Research
- Annual Conference 2025, Conference Speaker, Wrangling Chaos: Real-World Projects Management for Research Teams Annual Conference 2025, Poster Presenter, Lost in Translation: Why Research Coordinators Need a Genetics Terminology Toolkit – and How We’re Building It
Biography
Casey is a Senior Clinical Research Manager in the Clinical Genetics division at the Indiana University School of Medicine, where she leads complex research operations across multiple genetic disease studies. Since joining IU School of Medicine in 2018, she has built a diverse portfolio spanning liver disease research, Alzheimer’s and dementia biorepository oversight, and the management of multi site drug trials. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Southern New Hampshire University and is known for her ability to coordinate high stakes studies, support cross functional teams, and ensure operational excellence in rapidly evolving research environments. Beyond her departmental leadership, Casey serves as the Chapter Chairperson for the Indianapolis SOCRA chapter, where she fosters professional development and community engagement for clinical research professionals across the region.
Vision Statement
I believe that SOCRA’s strength comes from championing the people who do this work. Clinical research professionals deserve an organization that understands their challenges, elevates their voices, and equips them to uphold the highest standards of participant protection. Ethical recruitment, informed consent, and compassionate engagement are not check-boxes, they are the commitments that define who we are as a profession. Throughout my career in clinical research, I have had the privilege of seeing this work from many angles, as a technician and specialist supporting liver disease studies, as a coordinator and project manager for an Alzheimer’s and dementia biorepository, and now as a Senior Clinical Research Manager leading genetic disease research. Each role has deepened my understanding of what is at stake for the people who trust us with their participation, their data, and often their most vulnerable moments. My vision is to ensure that SOCRA continues to be a place where members feel supported, empowered, and connected to a shared purpose. If elected to the Board of Directors, I will advocate for the member experience: strengthening the ethical framework that guides our work, promoting excellence in participant protection across all research settings, and creating opportunities for clinical research professionals to grow into the strongest versions of themselves.
Tamara Stowe, BA
Local Trial Manager
IQVIA
SOCRA Member Since 2022
Listing of SOCRA Activities
- Speaker at conference or chapter leadership
Biography
With 19 years of dedicated experience in clinical trials, I have built a distinguished career at the intersection of science, leadership, and patient advocacy. My professional journey spans Phases I–IV research, where I have contributed to the successful execution of complex global studies, strengthened site partnerships, and championed operational excellence. Known for my integrity, strategic mindset, and commitment to quality, I have consistently advanced initiatives that improve trial delivery while maintaining the highest standards of compliance and patient safety. Beyond my professional accomplishments, I am a proud mother of four, balancing the demands of family life with a thriving career in clinical research. I have had the ability to lead with empathy, resilience, and purpose is rooted in my lived experience both in the workplace and at home. I believe representation matters and actively serve as a brand ambassador for Black women in clinical research, mentoring emerging professionals and advocating for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion across the industry. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, I am expanding my impact by deepening my expertise in health systems leadership, strategy, and policy. My academic journey reflects my long-term vision: to influence healthcare delivery at a systems level while continuing to uplift others along the way. Whether managing trials, mentoring peers, or studying healthcare transformation, I lead with passion, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Vision Statement
Serving on the Board of the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) represents an opportunity to advance excellence, integrity, and innovation in clinical research at a pivotal time in our industry. My vision is to help position SOCRA as the leading global authority in clinical research education, certification, and professional development—empowering research professionals to deliver high-quality, ethical, and patient-centered trials. I envision a Board that strengthens member engagement by expanding accessible, relevant, and forward-thinking educational offerings that reflect the evolving landscape of decentralized trials, digital technologies, regulatory complexity, and global study execution. By fostering collaboration among clinical research associates, study managers, regulatory professionals, and site leaders, SOCRA can further unify the profession under shared standards of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), operational excellence, and continuous improvement. A key pillar of my vision is workforce development. As the demand for skilled clinical research professionals grows, SOCRA must lead in mentoring emerging talent, supporting career progression, and promoting diversity and inclusion across all roles and regions. Strengthening partnerships with academic institutions, sponsors, CROs, and regulatory bodies will enhance SOCRA’s influence and ensure our certification programs remain the gold standard. Financial stewardship and strategic governance will remain central to sustaining growth, expanding global reach, and delivering measurable value to members. Through innovation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to quality, my goal is to help guide SOCRA into its next chapter where every member feels supported, empowered, and proud to advance the science that improves patient lives worldwide.
