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About Us > Management

• Alycia M. Huston, BS, BA, CIP - Chief Exectuive Officer
  

  Alycia earned her Bachelor of Science in General Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from the University of California at San Diego. She has been in the IRB industry since 1998, and has served on three IRB committees, including the Rady Children's Hospital IRB. Before becoming a Certified IRB Professional in November 2002, Alycia worked as a research associate for Cytel Corporation and Signal Pharmaceuticals. In addition, she previously held a position on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). Alycia is co-founder of Aspire IRB.

  In her spare time, Alycia volunteers for the "Back to School Bash," a program that provides school supplies for disadvantaged children. She also mentors young women in her community, helping them develop leadership skills, self-esteem and accountability.

• Michele R. Baptista, CIP - President
  

  Michele has been involved in the IRB industry since 1991, and possesses extensive experience in Business Management and IRB Operations. Michele is a member of PRIM&R and ACRP (at the local and national level), and has been a speaker and panel member at a variety of conferences. She is a longtime member of the Consortium of Independent Review Boards (CIRB), where she currently holds the position of Treasurer. Michele was among the first 100 individuals in the country to become a Certified IRB Professional (October 2000), and is also co-founder of Aspire IRB.

  During her free time, Michele assists the San Diego Hospice. She also serves women overcoming drug and alcohol addiction by volunteering for several community recovery homes.

• Charlotte M. Stewart, CIP - Chief Operating Officer
  

  Charlotte became a Certified IRB Professional in 2001, and has been in the IRB industry since 1997, where she served as Study Documents Coordinator, Senior Study Manager and IRB Administrator. Charlotte is an active community member who has worked for the Community Connection Resource Center (CCRC), a grant-funded, non-profit corporation dedicated to re-assimilating prisoners, parolees, probationers and adult ex-offenders into society. Charlotte is also co-founder of Aspire IRB.

  Outside of Aspire, Charlotte invests her extra time with local teens, participating in fundraisers, youth retreats and weekend camps. It's her goal to serve as a role model for adolescents as she helps them develop life skills, hone their talents, serve their community and prepare for adulthood. In addition, Charlotte assists senior citizens in her community by providing home visits.

• John Bancroft - Director, Business Development
  

  With over 25 years of experience in the clinical research and healthcare fields, John serves as Director of Business Development for Aspire IRB. Before joining the Aspire team, John was Vice President of Business Development at Almac Clinical Technologies (formerly ICTI) and Business Development Manager for the Eliassen Group. Early in his career, John served as Regional Director of Clinical Systems Franciscan Health System and was responsible for managing all aspects of clinical information technology for six New York and New Jersey regional hospitals. His many years of clinical sales experience allow him to successfully partner with all levels of pharmaceutical, biotech and CRO management.

  John is an active supporter and volunteer for Drum Corps (DCI), Winter Guard (WGI) and the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps.

• Alexandra de Jong, BS, CIP - Manager of IRB Operations
  

  Alexandra received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from San Diego State University, and became a Certified IRB Professional in March 2009. As an alternate board member for Aspire IRB, Alexandra is a current member of the National Association for Professional Women (NAPW) and the San Diego Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.

  Alexandra is a former volunteer for San Diego's Social Advocates for Youth (SAY), First 5 California, and the California Healthy Families Program. In addition to her involvement in the IRB industry, she coaches for El Cajon's Granite Hills High School Cheerleading Program.