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Overview

» Experienced Team

Oncology Thought Leaders

Oncology Research
Expertise

ACORN Network &
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World BioBank™

Patient Reported
Outcomes (PROs)

ACORN CRO Benefits

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About

Experienced Team

	Lee Schwartzberg, MD, FACP President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Schwartzberg practices medical oncology and hematology in private practice in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Schwartzberg, senior partner along with Dr. Kurt Tauer, built The West Clinic into a large, very productive oncology practice serving a tri-state area. He attended medical school at New York Medical College, did a residency at Cornell University, and was Chief Hematology-Oncology Resident at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center where he also completed a fellowship. Dr. Schwartzberg has extensive experience in clinical research operations and the development of oncology research networks. He is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine and serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the peer-reviewed journal, Community Oncology. Dr. Schwartzberg directs all clinical research initiatives and provides clinical oversight and management for the company.
	Edward J. Stepanski, PhD Chief Operating Officer Dr. Stepanski brings scientific acumen, the highest academic standards, strong organizational expertise as well as sensitivity to the needs of oncology from both business and clinical perspectives to every ACORN CRO project. Dr. Stepanski joined ACORN as Vice President of Scientific Affairs after spending 20 years in multiple roles in academic medical centers. Immediately prior to joining ACORN, he was Associate Chair, Department of Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago. He is known for his work in sleep disorders, particularly insomnia. Study design, plans, and statistical analysis and interpretations fall within the area of Dr. Stepanski's expertise. After overseeing the growth of ACORN's scientific capabilities for two years, he launched ACORN CRO which has consistently exceeded client expectations by providing value-driven, quality solutions and accelerated patient accruals.
	Kristie H. Lively, RN, BSN Vice President In her role as Vice President and a member of the senior management team, Kristie oversees all aspects of ACORN CRO’s operations and services. She previously served as CRO vice president for a large clinical research organization, conducting community-based clinical trials in oncology and other therapeutic areas. Her unique skill set encompasses over 15 years of healthcare industry experience with a strong background in quality assurance and operations, including all phases of CRO service operations and management. ACORN CRO customers appreciate her leadership capabilities, commitment to quality, and deep understanding of their needs. Kristie received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Memphis and holds memberships in Association of Clinical Research Professionals, Society of Quality Assurance, and Drug Information Association.
	Paul A. Phillips, BS, CPHIT Vice President, Operations Paul brings ACORN CRO and its clients over 20 years of leadership experience across multiple industries, especially those involved with advanced technology. He is well-versed in information systems and the synchronization of business development, operational efficiency and technology goals. Paul holds Bachelors of Science degrees in Mathematics and Biology from Faulkner University; has completed postgraduate work at the University of Southern Mississippi; and has served as a guest lecturer at Humboldt State University.
	Arthur C. Houts, PhD Vice President, Scientific Analysis \| Development Dr. Houts has made important scientific contributions to both SOS and ACORN since their inception by helping develop tools to provide better clinical assessment in cancer care. He also developed a clinical psychology model for community oncology practices. Today, Dr. Houts supervises data analysis and medical writing. In addition to his work in oncology, Dr. Houts has published broadly in adult and child clinical psychology as well as the interdisciplinary field of science studies. Dr. Houts received his Ph.D. from Stony Brook University in 1981 and taught at the University of Memphis from 1981-2003 where he was Professor and Director of Clinical Training.
	Mark S. Walker, PhD Vice President, Scientific Affairs Dr. Walker offers sponsors a wealth of expertise from both the clinical and scientific arenas. His responsibilities cover a wide range of scientific activities, including protocol development, preparation of statistical analysis plans for key projects, analyzing datasets with novel analysis approaches, manuscript preparation, and supervision of other biostatistical and scientific staff. Dr. Walker has overseen development of ACORN CRO's data warehouse for use in HOPE projects. He is highly regarded for his calm steady leadership by both key business partners as well as internal managers. Dr. Walker joined ACORN CRO after eight years on the faculty of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where he developed a popular introductory course in biostatistics directed at medical fellows and junior faculty researchers. As a licensed psychologist, he worked clinically with breast, lung, and head and neck cancer patients at Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis regarding adjustment to cancer, and also regarding smoking cessation. His research has focused on adjustment to cancer, and smoking cessation, particularly among cancer patients. He is a frequent consultant on issues related to research design and statistical methods.
	Susan Fowler, RN, BS, CCRC Vice President, Finance Susan brings an unusual combination of skill sets and experience. She has an RN degree and has worked in both clinical and research settings as a nurse. Additionally, she holds an accounting degree. Dedicated to research excellence, Susan previously served as Director of Finance and Regulatory for a multi-specialty research network. Her understanding of investigator contract negotiation and grant management from the sponsor's perspective stems from her tenure as Clinical Trials Manager for an emerging bio-tech firm. Susan's exceptional project management skills are widely respected. Under her leadership and guidance, ACORN CRO sponsors and practices benefit from state-of-the-art processes for clinical trial finance management.
	Will A. Sullivan, MBA, BS Senior Director, Quality Assurance Will brings a wealth of experience to ACORN following more than 25 years in the pharmaceutical industry. Will has worked in the global market, developing groups from concept to implementation. His Quality Assurance role is enhanced by his expertise in several disciplines including Clinical Operations, Statistics, Statistical Programming, Clinical IT, Product Safety and Risk Management, and Data Management which will ensure quality deliverables, on time and within budget. Will holds an MBA from West Virginia University and a Bachelors of Science degree in Computer Science from Northern Kentucky University.
	Amy Jimmerson, RN, BSN, MSHCA, CCRA Director, Monitoring Services Amy oversees provision of monitoring services for ACORN CRO projects. Amy has many years of research experience in both clinical and corporate settings, and superior professional judgment in coordinating research processes. Immediately prior to joining ACORN CRO, Amy served as a senior clinical research monitor for a major pharmaceutical company. Now as Senior Manager for ACORN CRO Monitoring Services, she provides ongoing mentoring, training, and support of the monitoring team to ensure high performance and efficiency. In addition to being an RN, Amy holds a Master of Science Degree in Health Care Administration (MSHCA).
	Marnie Brotherton, RN, OCN, CCRP Senior Project Manager Effective project management is crucial to a successful trial. Marnie's background includes Oncology Nursing as well as a decade of solid research experience. Marnie's accomplished leadership in providing project management for industry-sponsored trials was vital in establishing the foundations of ACORN. Marnie now provides project management leadership for ACORN CRO.