Our Mission

Paul joined Velocity Clinical Research as President and CEO in 2018 after 26 years of “perfect symmetry” in the site business: 13 years running sites and 13 years managing them on the sponsor / CRO side. He has served as Corporate VP, Global Site Solutions at PAREXEL; Vice President, Global Site Management at IQVIA; and was a founder and Managing Director of Synexus. He holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of London. Paul joined Velocity Clinical Research to take on what he sees as one of the fundamental industry challenges: “Patient recruitment is still the biggest problem in clinical trials. I want Velocity to set a new industry standard for delivering high-quality study data as quickly and efficiently as possible.” He has served on the Board of Trustees for the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) since 2017 and will be Chairman in 2020.

Although Paul has traveled all over the globe in his various roles, this is the UK native’s first stint living full time in the U.S. When he is not poring over budgets and feasibility data Paul is exploring the culinary offerings in his adopted home (Durham, NC) and checking flight times to various Caribbean and Central American beaches. He does miss Wales rugby (terribly!) but has warmed up to American football. Paul is hoping his propensity to get stopped by the police for speeding has not followed him to America. We’ll see. Update: it has. The otherwise intrepid member of the management team who was in the passenger seat [Jeff Jensen] said “I don’t even feel safe riding in the same Uber with him.”

Jeff brings a broad range of clinical site experience to Velocity, having spent 8 years on the site services side of the business with Radiant Research and another 8 years as a consultant in the industry. Jeff holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from the University of Notre Dame and a BA in Finance from the University of Washington.

Although Jeff spends a lot of time crunching numbers and working with the clinics, he never loses focus on why we are here: our patients. “I love this business because I think the Medical Directors and staff at our sites make a positive impact on patient lives. I am proud to have a small role in the drug development process.”

Jeff’s personal time is spent with his wife, two active young boys and two yellow labs. Fatherhood has taught him that even though Gryffindor rules, Slytherin has its charms. He also now knows that “I hope you step on a Lego” is the cruelest of insults.

Melissa joined Velocity Clinical after 13 years at IQVIA, where she held increasing responsibility over a range of roles in clinical operations and site management. Added to her previous experience at Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI) and Duke University Medical Center, Melissa is an expert at driving best business practices while still keeping first-class patient care as priority one. Melissa holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Duke University and a BS in Nursing from Winston-Salem State University.

Moving from the sponsor/CRO side back to patient care brings Melissa’s career full circle. “Having held a clinical practice as a Nurse Practitioner for a number of years, I’ve seen the impact that new treatments and medications can have on a patient’s life. I joined the clinical research industry to learn more about the drug development process but never strayed far from the site side of the process. I’m excited about the vision of Velocity and excited to be a part of its success going forward.“

Although Melissa is a brilliant operations guru, she is happy to take a more relaxed view of management on the domestic front. Her miniature dachshund Lili rules the roost, keeping Melissa, her husband, and Myna, their 80 lb. red Doberman, all toeing the line. When she is not at home being bossed around by dogs you might find her in the Caribbean, having a cocktail with friends or reading something that is completely worthless for work – which we absolutely applaud.

Velocity tapped Jamie to take the reins of financial operations in 2019 due to her deep experience in both finance and the research / clinical trials arena. After four years as an auditor at Deloitte and 10 years in finance at The Hamner Institute, Jamie moved into the clinical trials space as Chief Financial Officer at Clintrax Global and Director of Financial Planning at PRA Health Services. Jamie holds a MAC in Accounting and a BSBA in Business Administration, both from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

In a fast-growing company, Jamie’s challenge is doing more than keeping the books. “As a finance professional, it’s not only making sure the numbers are accurate, but also making sure as a finance team we’re providing decision makers with the information they need to make the best strategic decisions.”

When Jamie is not crunching numbers she spends her time watching college sports with her family and going to the beach, activities shared by most card-carrying North Carolinians. However, since Jamie went to UNC and her husband graduated from N.C. State, game days can test the mettle of their marital civility – especially with their young son in the mix.

Craig joined Velocity Clinical Research early in 2019 as the Vice President of Business Development.  Craig believes that the value patients bring to developing new medicines needs to be celebrated. New medicines are not possible without clinical trial volunteers, yet too few are aware of opportunities or how they can be involved. In his role, Craig will identify new opportunities for Velocity to partner with pharmaceutical sponsors and clinical research organizations to bring new clinical trial opportunities to the patients who otherwise may go without treatment options. 

Craig earned his degree in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Delaware.  Prior to joining Velocity, Craig served a variety of leadership roles in scientific, business management, and process improvement across contract research organizations, clinical sites, and site networks. 

Craig is a communicator by nature and builds relationships across industries. He is well suited to his new role, having a strong background in science, business, and a creative streak as a musician.  Craig is a country music enthusiast and loves the stage. (What business development professional doesn’t?)  Watch your calendars! His next performance is likely coming to an industry conference near you.