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Heather Hamling
Senior Director, Start-up Team Management - Project Delivery at PPD
Professional Background
Heather Hamling is a distinguished leader in the clinical research sector, with a remarkable career at PPD, where she has held multiple key positions. As the current Senior Director of Start-up Team Management - Project Delivery, she brings her extensive expertise and leadership skills to ensure the successful delivery of clinical research projects. Through her strategic approach and commitment to excellence, Heather has played a vital role in advancing PPD's mission of facilitating medical innovations that improve patient lives.
Prior to her role as Senior Director, Heather made significant contributions as the Director of Site Intelligence & Activation (SIA-STM) at PPD, where she demonstrated her ability to manage complex projects and drive site activation strategies. With her depth of knowledge in site intelligence, she has effectively led teams to ensure seamless communication and coordination among sites, investigators, and stakeholders, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of clinical trials.
Over the years, Heather has progressed through various roles at PPD, beginning as a Clinical Safety Associate and moving up to Principal SIA Team Manager, and later, Associate Director. Each of these positions has allowed her to refine her skills in project management and site coordination, ensuring that clinical trials are conducted with the utmost rigor and integrity.
Prior to her tenure at PPD, Heather has also worked in various capacities at Novella Clinical, Inc., where she began her journey in the clinical research field. Starting as a Project Coordinator and advancing to Senior Manager of Investigator Strategy and Site Coordination, she honed her expertise in study start-up processes and health outcomes research. Her responsibilities included managing stakeholder relationships, coordinating project deliverables, and overseeing investigator site performance, which further solidified her reputation as a proficient leader in the realm of clinical research.
In addition to her impressive career at Novella Clinical, Heather has also served as a Senior Project Leader at DST Health Solutions, where she contributed significantly to project management initiatives. Her early career included a role as a Health Outcomes Specialist at RTI Health Solutions, where she utilized her analytical skills to enhance health outcomes research.
Education and Achievements
Heather Hamling's educational background lay the foundation for her successful career in clinical research. She holds a Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSHS) with a focus on Clinical Research from The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Her advanced education has equipped her with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complex landscape of clinical studies and deliver results that meet regulatory requirements and ethical standards.
Additionally, Heather has a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and History from the esteemed College of William & Mary. This liberal arts education has not only provided her with critical thinking skills but also enabled her to appreciate the cultural and historical contexts within which healthcare operates. This unique perspective aids her in understanding patient needs and enhancing study design to improve patient engagement in clinical trials.
Throughout her career, Heather’s notable achievements include leading innovative projects that have successfully accelerated site activation timelines, enhancing patient recruitment strategies, and optimizing study operational efficiencies. Her exceptional ability to build and nurture relationships across diverse teams has been integral to her success, allowing her to collaborate with various stakeholders effectively.
Achievements
Heather Hamling has consistently exemplified leadership and dedication throughout her distinguished career in clinical research. Some of her key achievements include:
- Streamlining Study Start-Up: Heather has led initiatives at PPD that have reduced the timeline for study start-up significantly, enabling faster access to investigational therapies for patients.
- Enhancing Site Activation Techniques: By developing innovative strategies for site activation, Heather has improved communication and collaboration between stakeholders, resulting in higher enrollment rates and improved trial efficiency.
- Mentorship and Team Development: Heather is passionate about developing future leaders in the field of clinical research. She actively mentors junior team members and has implemented training programs that empower her colleagues to excel in their roles.
- Advancing Patient-Centric Models: Throughout her career, Heather has championed the importance of patient engagement in clinical trials, advocating for strategies that prioritize the patient experience in clinical research design.
Heather Hamling's career reflects her unwavering commitment to contributing positively to the field of clinical research. Her combination of education, experience, and commitment to excellence makes her a thought leader in site activation and project delivery. Whether through her leadership roles at PPD or her contributions to previous organizations, Heather continues to make a significant impact on the advancement of clinical research practices, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers alike.
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