A member of Avoca’s integrated consulting and Avoca Quality Consortium workstreams, Kristen Bennett provides consulting services to top pharmaceutical, biotech, and contract research organizations, and oversees client deliverables, systems, and processes across Avoca.

Kristen has 15 years of clinical trial experience with expertise in clinical trial execution, process development, and strategic management. Her previous professional roles include project, data, and site management.

Kristen’s clinical research career began as a clinical research coordinator at a large academic oncology institution where she was responsible for the recruitment, intervention, data collection, laboratory, and data analysis for studies across multiple therapeutic areas. Kristen transitioned into a research supervisory role with the primary responsibility of developing and providing education, orientation, and continuing education programs relative to conducting research protocols. Kristen has also co-authored several scientific abstracts/poster presentations.

As project manager at various CROs, Kristen ensured operational excellence within the project management group across a portfolio of studies. She participated on the Steering Committee of each study to analyze trial progress and mitigate newly identified trial risks. She also developed and evaluated study performance metrics against agreed-upon budget deliverables and timelines. Additionally, Kristen managed and coordinated the efforts of cross-functional project teams to support milestone achievement while implementing continuous improvement activities for internal and external risk mitigation.

Kristen holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.

Karen Harvey has 25 years of experience in healthcare and in the clinical research industry. As the Senior Director of the Avoca Quality Consortium, Karen has a focus on building strong client relationships, content creation, and expanding client knowledge of Avoca solutions.

Prior to joining Avoca, Karen’s previous professional roles included work as a Registered Nurse and then diverse roles within the clinical research industry at the site level and at CROs in Quality Assurance and Quality Management Oversight with focus on Sponsor/CRO oversight and strategic relationships.

Caryn Laermer is Head of Member Engagement for Avoca. She oversees strategies, initiatives, and communications; manages member engagement and recruitment; and plays an integral role in organizing Avoca Summits and AQC Member meetings.

Prior to joining Avoca in 2006, Caryn served as Vice President, Derivatives Group at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette (now Credit Suisse), where she specialized in the sales and trading of stock options, foreign currency derivatives, and futures.

Ms. Laermer graduated from Tufts University with a BA in Economics. She is a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon, Economics Honor Society and holds an MBA in Finance from New York University.

Beth Listhaus is responsible for maintaining healthy client relationships and cultivating new business opportunities at Avoca. She also conducts client research. Prior to joining Avoca, Beth served as Associate Professor of Psychology at Dominican College where she chaired the Psychology Department.

Beth holds a PhD from Fordham University and a Bachelor’s degree from State University of NY at StonyBrook.

Lisa McKay is Head of Member Services for Avoca. She oversees the Survey Research project management team and works with AQC Members in a Client Engagement role.

Before joining Avoca, Lisa held executive level roles in Marketing and Business Planning both as an employee of entrepreneurial companies and as an independent consultant and mentor to early stage technology companies.

Lisa earned a BS in Biology from Bowling Green State University and holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut.