PMG Research - Team Bios

Tonya Ward-Kiser

Senior Director of Operations

Tonya Ward-Kiser has over 21 years of experience in the clinical trials industry, starting her career at PMG Research as a clinical research coordinator in 1996. Her experience propelled her into management roles as Manager of Clinical Operations for PMG Research of Bristol, and then as Senior Site Manager/Site Development of PMG's locations in Bristol, Hickory and Knoxville. As Senior Director of Operations, Tonya is responsible for the strategic oversight and performance of all sites in the PMG Research network. She has been a member of ACRP and a certified clinical research coordinator since 1998. Tonya earned her B.S. degree in Biology from the University of Virginia-Wise. “Being involved in clinical research is a privilege. To have the ability to be involved in cutting edge medicine is a dream come true. Every day I see people volunteer for clinical trials because they are willing to help find a cure or treatment for our future generations."

Patrick Davis

Director of Technology

E: pdavis@pmg-research.com

Patrick has over 20 years of experience in the Information Technology field. Through engineering and management roles, he partners with senior management to align the investment of technical resources with strategic business initiatives to improve profitability. He has expertise in business and technology integration, business application development and operations management. Patrick joined PMG in 2006 and has been instrumental in the growth of the technology infrastructure, site integration and standardization of computing platforms. Patrick also directed the development and implementation of PMG's Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS), a state of the art multi-tier web-based application designed for site growth, company expansion and overall management of the entire clinical trial process.

Sam Cable

Director of Operations

E: scable@pmg-research.com

Sam joined PMG Research in 2006 and is responsible for business and financial operations as well as site and corporate strategy. While at PMG he has served on the Information Technology, Finance, Legal, and Operations teams. “PMG has strategically positioned itself with clinical trial partners, physicians, and healthcare systems to bring clinical research as a care option to so many. It continues to be an honor and privilege to be a part of PMG and to see the impact the clinical trial experience has on our patients, the true medical heroes, and the humbling and rewarding impact it has on our staff who go on this journey with them.”

Kathy Cole

Director of Feasibility

E: kcole@pmg-research.com

Kathy joined PMG Research in 1997 and is currently responsible for the network feasibility team at PMG Research. She has served in various roles within PMG inclusive of Clinical Trial Coordination, Site Management, Quality Assurance, Information Technology, and Business Development. Kathy has spent the last 13 years dedicated to PMG trial feasibility and precision trial placement. “Securing the right trials and enrolling patients are critical components to uphold PMG’s mission of bringing clinical research to as many lives as possible. I am very dedicated to using technology and data analytics in selecting appropriately matched trials for the patient communities we serve. I am equally as passionate about using data analysis to predict performance, reduce cost, and ultimately drive successful outcomes for our industry partners.”

Kristin Kinlaw

Director of Communications

E: kkinlaw@pmg-research.com

Kristin is responsible for the patient engagement and corporate communications teams at PMG Research. She has 10 years of experience in patient recruitment and clinical research communications, and over 18 years in the marketing field. “Building awareness of clinical research in our communities is crucial to helping our sites connect patients with the right trials, and in supporting our industry partners in bringing life-saving treatments to patients more quickly. It is an incredible honor to be a part of something that can change lives and make the world a healthier place.”

Emily Lemons

Associate Director of Quality Assurance

E: elemons@pmg-research.com

Emily is responsible for leading the Quality Assurance Team at PMG Research. She has 20 years of experience in clinical research, including study coordination and internal monitoring. “Assisting in the assurance of high quality at PMG brings me great pride. High quality translates to safe patients, high integrity data, and effective medications brought to market.”

Leigh Smith

Associate Director of Project Management

E: lmsmith@pmg-research.com

As Associate Director of Project Management, Leigh is responsible for the oversight and execution of large multi-site trials at PMG. She has 11 years of experience in the clinical research industry ranging from study coordinator to senior site manager. “It is extremely rewarding to facilitate working partnerships between clinical research sites and sponsors/CROs. A successful relationship allows for the opportunity to fill an unmet medical need and witness the impact this can have on an individual’s quality of life.”