Clinical Research Coordinator

Sarah Petrucci

Chief Financial Officer

Sarah Petrucci brings a wealth of financial and accounting knowledge to Elixia. With a career spanning 20 years, distinguished by leadership roles at Thermo Fisher Scientific/PPD and PwC, Sarah brings unparalleled financial expertise to our leadership team. Her exceptional track record in SEC reporting, public offerings, investment valuation, and business combinations positions her as an indispensable asset to our executive team.

Sarah graduated from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel with both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree and a Master of Accounting degree. Sarah is a CPA licensed in North Carolina, having spent 13 years in public accounting before transitioning into the life sciences industry.

At Elixia, Sarah is the financial veteran steering our ambitious organic and inorganic growth initiatives. Her strategic oversight ensures that all critical financial metrics are meticulously monitored, enabling Elixia to not only meet but exceed our expansion goals. Under her leadership, we are poised to solidify our standing as the world’s leading clinical trials company.

With Sarah at the financial helm, Elixia is equipped to navigate the complexities of rapid growth and achieve unparalleled financial success, ensuring our continued ascendancy in the global clinical trials landscape.

Dustin Owen

Chief Executive Officer

Dustin Owen is the Chief Executive Officer of Elixia, bringing with him a distinguished background in the clinical research and biopharmaceutical industries. With a career marked by leadership roles at some of the world’s top companies, Dustin is poised to drive Elixia to new heights.

Before joining Elixia, Dustin served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Accelerated Enrollment Solutions (AES) at Thermo Fisher Scientific/PPD. There he was responsible for more than 160 clinical research sites across 15 countries, managing a workforce of 2,000 employees. His extensive experience includes overseeing operations in diverse global markets, ensuring high standards of clinical trial execution and patient recruitment.

Dustin’s previous roles include Head of Asia Pacific Clinical Operations and Vice President of Strategic Laboratory Operations at Thermo Fisher/PPD, as well as key positions at LabCorp, Biogen, and Manhattan Associates. Since joining PPD in 2013, he consistently demonstrated his ability to lead large-scale operations and drive organizational growth.

At Elixia, Dustin focuses on leveraging his expertise to enhance the company’s growth and operational efficiency. His vision encompasses ensuring the delivery of top-tier clinical research services, expanding our global reach, and further fortifying Elixia’s leadership in therapeutic specialty areas. He is committed to fostering an inclusive, patient-centric approach that addresses significant unmet medical needs through innovative research.

Dustin’s strategic leadership is expected to propel Elixia into a new era of growth and excellence. His appointment aligns with Elixia’s mission to advance scientific research and improve patient outcomes on a global scale.

Harry Alcorn

Chief Scientific Officer, Clinical Research Sites

Dr. Harry Alcorn is an integral part of the Elixia team, adding a rich tapestry of both scientific acumen and operational insight borne of over two decades of industry experience. Harry’s unique capability to seamlessly integrate operational strategy with a scientific approach is key to maintaining Elixia’s reputation as a forward-thinking, innovative, and reproducible trial management organization.

Serving as the head of operations in the Early Phase Clinical Trials Division of Elixia, Harry’s leadership is essential in driving our unique position as the only niche-focused clinical trials company conducting Phase I-IV trials. His profound expertise is instrumental in maintaining the company’s commitment to excellence, reliability, and innovation.

Harry joined Elixia in 2023, bringing with him a mission to create a comprehensive ecosystem of clinical trial services offered to the industry. Guided by this vision, he has been at the helm of the Phase I Division, overseeing a range of initiatives and ensuring the delivery of top-tier services.

Under Harry’s stewardship, Elixia continues to disrupt the clinical trial landscape, setting new standards and paving the way for future advancements. His unwavering dedication to improving patient outcomes, coupled with a deep commitment to scientific rigor, perfectly mirrors Elixia’s ethos.

Harry’s robust experience, passion for innovation, and strategic leadership are pivotal in Elixia’s pursuit to revolutionize the way clinical trials are conducted. His work is not just a testament to his individual expertise, but also a reflection of the collective drive of Elixia to make a profound impact on the lives of patients across the globe.

Jim F. Crissy

Chief Operating Officer, Clinical Research Sites

In his role of Chief Operating Officer for Elixia, Jim Crissy brings extensive industry and clinical trial management experience to the executive team. He provides strategic direction and operational oversight to a diverse and unique system of logistics that reflect the disruptive nature of Elixia’s forward approach to clinical trials.

Prior to joining Elixia in January 2019, Crissy served as COO of a company specialized in conducting Phase I-IV End Stage Renal Disease Trials. During this time, Crissy organized and managed a team that became well recognized as one of the top performing units on the East Coast in the Nephrology space. With over 18 years of experience operating in clinical trial management, Crissy has garnered a unique understanding of the evolution of clinical trial operating models – which accelerates Elixia’s ability to not only stay innovative and agile in the execution of novel workflows and trial management, but continue to challenge traditional trial management best practices.

Neal A. Patel

Chief Strategic Growth Officer and President, Clinical Research Sites

Neal Patel is a healthcare and biotechnology entrepreneur in both the Pharmaceutical and Biomedical marketplace. Neal founded his first clinical diagnostics company at the age of 23. Armed with a passion for enhancing the accessibility to healthcare for disparate communities, he launched a private R&D Laboratory, responsible for engineering disruptive, cost-effective diagnostic tests focused on several cardiovascular indications. Over the next 3 years, Neal had developed one of the largest dedicated Cardiology networks for molecular diagnostics and clinical research on the east coast.

Maximizing the power of strategic foresight, Neal began developing a crossover network between Cardiology and Nephrology and in 2018 Elixia was born. Elixia’s Cardio-Renal Network became the largest dedicated footprint for clinical trials in the Southeast and is currently the fastest growing clinical trials footprint within the Cardio-Renal specialty in North America.

Under his leadership, Elixia’s total enterprise value has more than quadrupled, the number of employees tripled and the company has received numerous accolades for its work across several therapeutic focuses. Elixia’s mission is to redevelop the landscape in which clinical trials have been conducted over the last 50 years and deliver a new environment where Clinical Trial Rollout, Conduct, and Management can occur at breakneck pace with an unparalleled level of quality.

Elisabeth Rivera

Trial Excellence and Site Success 

Elisabeth Rivera is an embodiment of operational mastery within the realm of clinical research site management. Her illustrious 17-year tenure is characterized by an unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation in site management and development. As an integral member of the Elixia Management Team, Elisabeth’s expertise is pivotal in sculpting the operational infrastructure of new clinical trial sites from the ground up.

Her forte lies in her profound ability to translate the complexities of clinical research into streamlined workflows and processes that foster growth and sustainability. Elisabeth’s nuanced understanding of the intricacies involved in launching research sites in uncharted territories has been instrumental to Elixia’s expansion strategy. Her hands-on approach ensures that even those new to the world of clinical research are seamlessly integrated into the fold, equipped with best practices that set them on a trajectory for success.

Responsible for architecting the operational backbone of each site, Elisabeth crafts a symphony of procedures that propel sites to mature rapidly and effectively. She is a strategic thinker, tailoring each workflow to enhance efficiency and ensure the delivery of high-quality data. Her comprehensive plans are not just blueprints but are living, breathing systems that adapt and thrive in the dynamic landscape of clinical trials.

Dalia Vrooman

Director of Patient Engagement and Inclusion

As Elixia’s esteemed Director of Patient Engagement and Inclusion, Dalia steers a cadre of engagement specialists with unparalleled expertise and passion. Her leadership is pivotal in scaling the heights of high-volume enrollment and championing patient diversity—a cornerstone in the realm of advanced clinical research.

At the heart of Elixia’s success is the imperative to cultivate enduring patient relationships and to stand as fervent advocates for patient welfare within our network. Under Dalia’s guidance, the Patient Engagement and Inclusion Team has become the embodiment of this mission. The team’s dedication to forging genuine connections with patients ensures Elixia not only reaches but serves individuals from the broadest spectrum of communities.

Dalia’s strategic vision extends beyond mere numbers; it is about enriching the patient journey, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, have access to advanced care options. The entire Patient Inclusion Panel focuses on balancing empathetic engagement with strategic outreach to tap into diverse patient populations that clinical research has historically overlooked.

The prowess of Elixia’s patient enrollment and retention owes much to Dalia’s revolutionary strategies and her team’s execution. Their work is marked by a deep respect for cultural nuances, a proactive stance on patient education, and a tireless pursuit of equality in healthcare advancement.

Elixia is redefining the standards of patient diversity in clinical trials—amplifying patient voices, expanding horizons for treatment access, and ensuring Elixia remains synonymous with excellence and inclusivity in patient care.

Isabel Castano

Head of Quality Assurance Division

With over two decades of experience in Regulatory Affairs, Isabel has become an invaluable member of the Elixia management team, where she spearheads the Quality Assurance Division with unparalleled dedication and skill.

Isabel’s journey in clinical trial conduct is marked by a deep understanding of the multifaceted regulatory landscape and a relentless commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality. Her meticulous approach and profound knowledge ensure that Elixia’s site network operates at the pinnacle of industry standards, reflecting her unwavering pursuit of excellence.

At the heart of Isabel’s work is a keen awareness of the constantly evolving processes in clinical research. This insight allows her to adeptly navigate the complexities of quality assurance, ensuring that Elixia not only meets but often surpasses regulatory requirements. Her leadership in this area is not just about maintaining standards; it’s about setting new benchmarks in quality and operational integrity.

Under Isabel’s guidance, the Quality Assurance Division at Elixia has become synonymous with meticulous oversight and strategic foresight. Her approach to quality assurance goes beyond routine checks; it’s an ongoing initiative to elevate every aspect of Elixia’s clinical trial operations. Her team, under her mentorship, is a group of highly trained professionals who share her passion for precision and excellence.

Dolly Rivera

VP of Site Network Advancement

With a stellar career spanning over a quarter-century in the domain of high-complexity clinical trials, Dolly Rivera stands as a distinguished authority in the realm of clinical research. Her illustrious journey is marked by over 400 successfully led clinical trials, a testament to her profound expertise and unwavering dedication.

Dolly’s approach to clinical research goes beyond the meticulous execution of trials; she has an intrinsic passion for cultivating the next generation of clinical leaders. Her commitment to mentorship has been instrumental in assembling and grooming a dynamic team of young professionals. These emerging leaders are Dolly’s protégés, each embodying her tenacity and strategic acumen, poised to continue her legacy of excellence.

Under Dolly’s astute mentorship, this cadre of young talent is being shaped into a formidable force capable of driving innovation and success across Elixia’s growing network. Her ability to impart wisdom and nurture leadership ensures that Elixia’s vision for expansion is not just realized but done so with an emphasis on quality and longevity.

As Elixia sets its sights on constructing De Novo research sites, it is Dolly’s rich experience that becomes the cornerstone of this ambitious endeavor. Her strategic foresight is pivotal in establishing facilities that reflect the resilience and adaptability required in the fast-paced world of clinical trials.

Sahil Mehta

VP of Strategic Operations

As the VP of Strategic Operations at Elixia, Sahil has cultivated a reputation for orchestrating complex processes that propel Elixia into a realm of success that is years ahead of the competition.

Exercising Elixia’s forward thinking approach, Sahil was at the vanguard during the global pandemic, managing a specially developed team to enroll over twenty times the number of patients than any other network worldwide.
Post Pandemic, Under his stewardship, Elixia not only maintained its global authority but expanded its reach, simultaneously driving multiple sites for various sponsors across a gamut of trials. His approach—synchronous, methodical, and unfailingly innovative—has ensured Elixia’s consistent delivery of results that resonate throughout the industry.

Sahil embodies the disruptive spirit that is the hallmark of Elixia. His deep understanding of business from the ground up, paired with an innate ability to manage complex operational matrices, makes him a force that not only drives the company forward but also reshapes the entire clinical trial landscape.

His contribution to Elixia is not merely in terms of strategy and operations; it is the delivery of a bold vision that ensures Elixia is always a leap ahead of the curve.