Our Leadership

Our leaders drive success

Dynamic leadership helps guide our mission at Rho—to improve health, extend life, and enhance quality of life through corporate and research excellence. Our Board of Directors sets a clear vision for the future, and our senior leaders make that vision a reality by setting goals and motivating the workforce to reach them. Together, our leaders guide a global organization of more than 500 people striving to make Rho’s vision a reality.

Company Leadership

Laura Helms Reece, Dr. PH.

Executive Board Chair

Recognized as a “Top Businesswoman” by the Triangle Business Journal and a graduate of Harvard Business School’s prestigious Owner/President Management Program, Dr. Laura Helms Reece has led Rho through its most significant period of growth and expansion. After cutting her teeth in clinical research as a Data Processor at Rho…

Tara Gladwell, M.B.A.

President & Chief Operating Officer

As Rho’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Tara Gladwell combines her passion for clinical research and uncompromising drive for excellence to foster a corporate culture that attracts and retains the best talent in the industry. During her almost 20 years at Rho, she has quite literally done it all. From…

Peter Schmidt, Ph.D.

Chief Scientific Officer

As Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Schmidt provides strategic and scientific leadership across Rho, building upon Rho’s long history of pioneering research in the federal arena as well as Rho’s scientific and medical leadership in the global clinical research industry. As a neuroscientist, Dr. Schmidt brings a wealth of experience in…

Erin King

Chief Commercial Officer

Erin King is a results-driven professional with a track record of success in clinical research development for high-growth companies. She is a leader dedicated to exceeding growth objectives, motivating diverse teams by setting key performance indicators and fostering cross-functional collaboration. As Chief Commercial Officer, she leads Business Development, Contracts and…

Frank Wall, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Frank Wall is a seasoned financial expert with more than 25 years of experience in highly regulated industries, including life sciences. As Rho’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Wall oversees the company’s worldwide accounting and finance functions. Prior to joining Rho, he served in operational and financial leadership roles, including 7…

Matt Healy

Senior Vice President, Global Clinical Operations

Matt Healy has over 25 years of clinical research experience, spanning both academia and the CRO industry.  For the last 17 years, Mr. Healy has been focused on supporting the development and management of clinical operations across a variety of global clinical programs within the CRO Industry. He has extensive…

Rob Woolson

Senior Vice President, Regulatory Strategy, Biometrics & Technology

Rob Woolson serves as Rho’s Senior Vice President of Regulatory Strategy, Biometrics, & Technology. Mr. Woolson joined Rho in 2007 and has 20 years’ experience as an applied statistician.  He has an extensive background working with small biotech and pharmaceutical companies to successfully bridge and navigate the biometrics, CDISC data…

Kevin Barber, Ph.D.

Senior Vice President, Regulatory Strategy & Submissions

Kevin Barber, PhD, RAC, PMP, serves as Rho’s Senior Vice President of Regulatory Strategy & Submissions, providing extensive strategic leadership, scientific knowledge, and regulatory expertise to support Rho’s clientele in the development and execution of integrated regulatory strategies and clinical development plans for drugs, biologics, and medical devices. Dr. Barber…

Jamie Hahn

Vice President, Global Quality Assurance

Jamie Hahn serves as Rho’s Vice President, Global Quality Assurance with responsibility for strategic leadership of the Quality Assurance team and oversight of Rho’s global Quality Management System. Ms. Hahn has been with Rho for 17 years and has a breadth of experience across the clinical drug development process, including…

Shann Williams

Vice President, Global Business and Finance Operations

Shann Williams oversees global cross-functional business and financial operations. In this role, she partners with operations to optimize Rho’s talent, technology, and workflows and leads corporate transformational change initiatives and globalization efforts to ensure Rho stays agile to meet our evolving public health and client needs. Since joining Rho in…

Dave Shortino, M.B.A.

Vice President, Corporate Services

As the VP of Corporate Services, Dave Shortino provides a breadth of business expertise and guidance to Rho. His keen business sense, innovative thinking, and dedication to Rho make him an important asset to Rho’s leadership. Mr. Shortino received his MBA from Elon College, and with over 20 years of…

Phil Holmes, Ed.D.

Associate Vice President, Organizational Development & Corporate Culture

Philip Holmes, EdD, serves as Rho’s Associate Vice President,  Organizational Development & Corporate Culture. In this role, Dr. Holmes provides corporate leadership and oversight for employee development, learning and performance, corporate communications, and change management.  Prior to joining Rho, he spent 18 years in the public schools systems of New…

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