NextStage Clinical Research Signals Growth with COO Appointment of Melissa Holbrook

NextStage Clinical Research Welcomes Melissa Holbrook as COO

NextStage Clinical Research, based in Houston, has announced the appointment of Melissa Holbrook, MSN, NP, as the new Chief Operations Officer (COO). This significant decision aligns with the company's ongoing mission to innovate the delivery of clinical research to better fit the lives of patients.

Melissa Holbrook brings over two decades of extensive experience in clinical care, research operations, and executive leadership to her new role. Her diverse background will enable her to provide strategic direction and operational excellence, crucial for NextStage's ambitious goals. Before joining NextStage, Melissa was the Head of Operations at Velocity Clinical Research, where she expertly navigated the complexities of global clinical research within intricate healthcare systems. Her leadership resulted in enhanced performance, streamlined operations, and improved outcomes for both patients and clinical research ventures.

With a Master of Science in Nursing from Duke University, Melissa possesses a unique understanding of the crucial interplay between clinical care and research. She has dedicated her career to refining the process of integrating research within everyday healthcare settings. “I am thrilled to be part of a team that prioritizes delivering research that integrates seamlessly into patients' lives,” Melissa stated. Her vision reflects the commitment to making clinical trials more accessible and relevant, thus fostering a patient-centered approach.

Ned Schwing, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of NextStage Clinical Research, commented, “Melissa's combination of operational expertise and strategic industry insight uniquely qualifies her to lead our efforts in expanding our integrated site network model.” As COO, Melissa will oversee the operations of NextStage, which is rapidly expanding its national presence and is focused on integrating experienced research teams into familiar care settings to enhance patient trust and engagement.

Throughout her distinguished career, Melissa has led numerous significant operational initiatives, enhanced global site performance, and developed programs to engage staff across various research organizations and clinical sites. Her dedication to bridging the gap between innovation and patient access has made a remarkable impact in academic medical centers, cutting-edge research facilities, and emerging biotech firms alike.

As NextStage continues to grow, Melissa Holbrook's leadership is expected to pave the way for innovative strategies that will further enhance patient care and research outcomes. The company's commitment to advancing medical science through effective clinical trials underscores its holistic approach in addressing healthcare needs. By embedding research directly into trusted care environments, NextStage aims to increase access to clinical trials, improve diversity in research participation, and foster greater trust in clinical research processes.

In summary, the appointment of Melissa Holbrook signals a bold step forward for NextStage Clinical Research, reflecting a dedication to transforming the clinical research landscape. Her expertise promises to drive the company's mission forward, ensuring that patients receive the high-quality research participation they deserve. ”I am looking forward to collaborating with our team and partners to fulfill our vision,” Melissa affirmed enthusiastically. As NextStage continues on its trajectory of growth, the insights and experience Melissa brings will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the company's success.