Meet the FDAQRC
Internal Team

leadership

Chris R,

Christopher Rush
President

M O R E . . .

Chris inspected over 50 facilities including pharmaceutical and Bioresearch Monitoring (BIMO) inspections while working for FDA Chris was a member of the International Inspection Cadre and participated in six (6) inspections in Turkey, Bulgaria and Germany. He was presented with the US FDA Group Recognition Award, the US Food and Drug Administration Leveraging/Collaboration Award in May 2004 and the US FDA Outstanding Service Award in May 2006.

Chris took leave from the US FDA in 2007 and took his regulatory and inspection knowledge to a global IVD manufacturer where he worked as a Project Manager for Class II/III in vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices, his responsibilities included clinical trial monitoring, FDA submission and follow-up correspondence. Chris authored two (2) 510k applications that were cleared by the US FDA and assisted in the clearance of multiple other 510ks.

His experience transitioned well to a global pharmaceutical company where he conducted clinical QA audits, including routine and for cause audits that included all audit activities to assess compliance to established practices/standards and established regulations.

Founded FDAQRC in: 2009
Certifications: MBA

Michelle C.

Michelle Copeland
Vice President 

M O R E . . .

Michelle is a Quality Assurance (QA) professional with more than 15 years of experience in the research industry.  She has extensive experience in Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO), working on a wide range of clinical and pre-clinical studies. She has conducted a wide range of audits with complex protocols including those with vulnerable populations. She has performed audits throughout North and South America including investigator site audits, vendor audits, for-cause audits, and process audits.

She currently serves as the Vice President of FDAQRC, providing leadership to the Remediation, Recruiting, Project Management, Resourcing, and Audit teams.  In her tenure at FDAQRC, she has held various roles, providing her expertise to improve delivery, profitability, quality, and client satisfaction.

She completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology at The Ohio State University. Michelle is a Registered Quality Assurance Professional in Good Laboratory Practices (RQAP-GLP), Good Clinical Practices (RQAP-GCP), and is an Active Member of the Society of Quality Assurance (SQA).  She also serves on the SQA Education Committee.

Joined FDAQRC in: 2017
Certifications: RQAP-GLP/GCP

Steve B.

Steve Bliss
VP, Business Development

M O R E . . .

Steve has a track record of proven success in creating mutually beneficial and profitable relationships with businesses, medical professionals, and consumers through multiple trade channels. His unique cross-industry experience includes life sciences, IT enterprise applications, business services, software, CPG-OTC and financial products and services.

Steve’s experience in working with small and mid-size companies is unique as he is exceptionally aware of their needs and the service, responsiveness, and consultation they require from a service provider to effectively support them.

Joined FDAQRC in: 2021
Certifications: MBA

Janet L.

Janet Lee
Associate Director, Human Resources

M O R E . . .

Janet is a creative problem solver who enjoys connecting people with processes and resources which directly align with growth and development in a small company. Possess superior customer service and marketing skills with excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills. Confident in the ability to make quick, calculated decisions and to think strategically in the moment. Flexible and resourceful with extensive experience in multi-tasking. Collaborates well within a team but thrives in self-directed positions by incorporating exceptional organizational skills and an acute attention to detail.

Janet has a Bachelors Degree in Speech Communications from Eastern Illinois University and a Master’s degree in Public Affairs Reporting from the University of Illinois at Springfield.

Joined FDAQRC in: 2016
Certifications: aPHR

Erich Z.

Erich Zirzow
Director of Project Managment 

M O R E . . .

Erich has worked in Clinical Research, Regulatory Affairs, and Quality Assurance. His Regulatory and Quality Assurance experience includes conducting many internal, compliance, and investigative site audits. Prior to joining FDAQRC, Erich worked on two of Cleveland Clinic’s largest groundbreaking clinical research studies that explored the genotypes that are responsible for premature coronary artery disease and heart attacks. Erich holds a Bachelor of Business from Franklin University as well as a Master of Business Administration from West Liberty University.

Joined FDAQRC in: 2019
Certifications: MBA

Support 

Kate P.

Kate Pfahl
Marketing Manager

M O R E . . .

Kate has a background in Creative Marketing and has been an essential member of award-winning marketing teams. She has partnered with business development, sales, and operation teams to gain and maintain relationships with health providers, high-end retailers, and lifestyle and entertainment brands. Kate manages our brand identity, online presence, social medias, and appearances at events.

Joined FDAQRC in: 2020

Bri R.

Bri Rico
Marketing Coordinator

M O R E . . .

Bri has an educational background in English, Psychology, and writing. Prior to joining FDAQRC, she worked with various small businesses to build their online presence through social media. Creating a consistent and unique voice across media platforms is one of Bri’s favorite elements of marketing and copywriting.

Bri maintains our blog on industry insights and assist in managing our social media pages and presence at events.

Joined FDAQRC in: 2022

Justin C.

Justin Clowers
Accounting 

M O R E . . .

More details coming soon!

Joined FDAQRC in: 2009

Jesse A.

Jessie Aric 
Accounting

M O R E . . .

More details coming soon!

Joined FDAQRC in: 2018

Krystal D.

Krystal Dominquez
Human Resource Administator

M O R E . . .

With 10 years of experience, Krystal comes with FDAQRC with hands on Phlebotomy and Laboratory experience, in addition to time spent in Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). Krystal has also served as a Laboratory Clinical Field Trainer during COVID-19 as well as a Logistics Manager for pop-up COVID-19 testing sites around the greater Austin, Texas area.

Joined FDAQRC in: 2021

Wendy K.

Wendy Kizewski
Resource Administrator

M O R E . . .

Wendy comes to us with a background as a Laboratory Technology in a Good Clinical Lab Practice (GCLP) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). She’s experienced in product certifications including Organic, Demeter, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) and Leaping Bunny as well as facility certifications. Wendy is  multi-talented and successful at taking on diverse project tasks to meet tight deadlines. Wendy has developed and managed processes and procedures to improve internal workflows between departments.

 

Joined FDAQRC in 2022
Certification: AAS

Sam R.

Sam Ragan
Business Development Representative

M O R E . . .

Sam joins FDAQRC with over seven years of experience in legal and administrative work. She worked for a law firm dealing with personal injury and medical malpractice. Her extensive administrative and customer service experience lends to her excellent organizational and communication skills. Sam has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Youngstown State University.

Joined FDAQRC in 2022

Liza Price 
Executive Assistant 

M O R E . . .

Liza Price joins FDAQRC as an Executive Assistant with over 12 years of healthcare experience. Her previous experience includes recruiting and administrative work. Liza has worked with top level executives to manage their schedules and proactively anticipate business needs. Her skills include building relationships with clients, resolving challenges and driving operational excellence. Liza takes pride in creating long-lasting professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders through her customer service.  

Liza has a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Business Management, Entrepreneurship from Miami University in Oxford, OH. 

Joined FDAQRC in: 2024

project managERS

Randall M.

Randall Morris 
Senior pROJECT mANAGER 

M O R E . . .

Randall has worked  in clinical care, clinical research, conducting inspections/audits, and regulatory affairs. He has worked as a Clinical Nurse, Clinical Research Nurse, Clinical Research Coordinator, FDA Investigator, and FDA Compliance Officer and his experience includes conducting many FDA investigator site audits and review of numerous cases as a compliance officer. Randall began working with FDAQRC after working as a Compliance Officer with the US FDA.

Randall earned his Master of Science in Nursing-Clinical Research Management from Duke University  an undergraduate degree in Nursing from Old Dominion University.

Joined FDAQRC in: 2019
Certifications: MSN/BSN/RN

Kim O.

Kim Oldham 
Senior Project Manager /
CSV Auditor 

M O R E . . .

Kim is a senior clinical research professional with a broad base of experience in quality assurance, data management, project management, and technology implementation for Phase I-IV pharmaceutical research. She specializes in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) computer system validation, including vendor audits, oversight of computer system validation activities and training for process and system owners. Kim is a skilled quality assurance auditor, planning and conducting multiple types of risk-based project, internal, system, and vendor audits and is experienced in design of global quality systems, including gap analysis, regulatory compliance assessment, and harmonization of multiple systems into a single quality system.

Joined FDAQRC in: 2021
Certifications: MS

Amanda W.

Amanda White
Senior Project Manager

M O R E . . .

As a Project Manager at FDAQRC Amanda facilitates client communication and manages relationships while providing project oversight. Prior, Amanda gained experience by managing Quality & Regulatory Affairs for a Stem-Cell Transplant Program, Amanda also holds experience with Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy and designing Quality Management Plans and Systems. Additionally, she has managed a commercial reference laboratory offering Leukemia & Lymphoma Assays. She’s also adept at designing Risk Evaluation & Mitigation Plans and assessing risk via Failure Mode Evaluation tools.

Joined FDAQRC in: 2021
Certifications: MS, BS, LSSBG

Karen T.

Karen L Tracy
Senior Project Manager

M O R E . . .

Karen is an experienced Project Manager specializing in Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). With over 25 years’ experience conducting quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) reviews of complex chemical and biological analytical data for GLP and non-GLP studies in regulated industries. Some of Karen’s experience includes conducting GLP studies and technical data reviews, writing protocols and final reports submitted to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Chemistry minor from Valparaiso University and a Master’s of Business Administration from Indiana University (Northwest Campus).

Joined FDAQRC in: 2021

Tristin B.

Tristin Baca 
Associate Project Manager

M O R E . . .

With 10 years of experience, Tristin comes with FDAQRC with hands on Phlebotomy and Laboratory experience, in addition to time spent in Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). Tristin has also served as a Laboratory Clinical Trainer during COVID-19 which also entailed spending time on the frontline as an Area Site Manager.

Joined FDAQRC in: 2021

Alicia W.

Alicia Watson
Associate Project Manager

M O R E . . .

Alicia has 20+ years of experience in the medical field where she stated as a Medical Secretary and a Research Support Assistant at the National Institutes of Health, Medical Assistant in a pediatric office to working as a Phlebotomist in plasma donation centers. Shortly after being in the plasma donation centers Alicia’s concentration changed to Quality Assurance where she has over 6 years of experience with oversight of center processes to ensure compliance with operating procedures, equipment validations, training processes, and other applicable state, federal and international regulatory requirements.

Joined FDAQRC in: 2021

project COORDINATORS

Sara C.

Sara VanGorder
Project Coordinator

M O R E . . .

Sara has several years of experience in Quality Control and Quality Assurance roles. Prior to joining FDAQRC, she worked with pharmaceutical laboratories, handling regulatory compliance, auditing, product release, and environmental monitoring. Her areas of expertise include GLP, GMP, and GDP, as well as FDA and ISO standards. Sara has a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science from Youngstown State University.

Joined FDAQRC in 2022

William Renfroe
Project Coordinator

M O R E . . .

William has 7+ years of experience in project management for medical device distributors, GMP, GLP, and GDP roles. His leadership and management skills were developed as an Army Cavalry Officer. William also has experience hosting various site audits and working on medical record archival.

William has a BA in History with minors in German and Psychology.

Joined FDAQRC in 2022

auditors

Gilbert A.

Gilbert Audet
Senior Quality Auditor

M O R E . . .

Gilbert is a former Chemist/Compliance officer with over 20 years of professional experience encompassing complex applications of chemical knowledge and behaviors. He has a strong ability to create and lead across functional teams in company policies, government regulations, and assuring manufacturing sites and clinics are in compliance with all registered pharmacopeias and current regulations.

Joined FDAQRC in: 2021

Amy F.

Amy R. Fox
Senior Quality Auditor

M O R E . . .

Amy comes to FDAQRC with 20+ years of experience in clinical trial operations and regulatory compliance. Prior to joining FDAQRC, she worked in academic healthcare settings, public health, and private healthcare practices. Amy’s areas of expertise include early phase human pharmaceutical clinical research in the specialties of pediatrics, oncology, neurology, cardiology, infectious disease, dermatology, and diabetes.

Amy holds a Doctor of Health Administration (DHA), an MBA in Healthcare Administration (MBA-HCA). She is a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) as well as a Registered Quality Assurance Professional in Good Clinical Practice (RQAP-GCP).

Joined FDAQRC in: 2022
Certifications: DHA, MBA-HCA, MA, CCRC, RQAP-GCP

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Dawn Wydner
Auditor

M O R E . . .

Dawn has extensive U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regulatory Compliance and Industry Quality and Compliance expertise. Dawn has been a sought out Subject Matter Expert with a proven track record of consistently establishing proactive compliance and application of quality oversight. She offers a firm grasp of all aspects of operational strategy, coordination and conduct of all Pharma R&D, Medical Device and Consumer markets; audit and compliance, safety and quality monitoring; and operational risk management across all GxPs. Dawn has more than 10 years’ experience as an US FDA Inspector, where she led and conducted Bioresearch Monitoring (BIMO) GCP and GLP inspections, Post Marketing Adverse Event Reporting (PV) inspections, drug and device GMP inspections assessing compliance with FDA regulations, Biologics inspections enforcing GCP, GLP, GMP, et al. Consultant is highly skilled in identifying non-compliance issues which resulted in several significant Regulatory outcomes.

Joined FDAQRC in: 2017
Certifications: BSN/RN