Jamie Macdonald, chief executive officer of INC Research, has been elected 2015 chairman of The Association of Clinical Research Organizations (ACRO), and David Simmons, chairman and chief executive officer of PPD, was named vice chairman.
 
“I am pleased to lead ACRO at a time when our industry is exerting its voice on important policy matters in the U.S., Europe and globally while also strengthening our relationships with research sponsors and sites,” said Mr. Macdonald. “We see further opportunities in the year ahead to build deeper connections into the research site and patient communities.”
 
Mr. Macdonald highlighted some of ACRO’s 2014 accomplishments, including: advocating to expand the U.S. Research & Development tax credit to CROs; active participation in the 21st Century Cures initiative; representing CRO interests in the implementation of the European Clinical Trials Regulation; the formation of the CRO Forum to interact with TransCelerate Biopharma; and conducting research illustrating the growth and expertise of the CRO industry.
 
“ACRO members represent more than two-thirds of contract biopharmaceutical research activity globally and we expect to further increase our membership this year as more CROs see the value of active participation in the association,” said ACRO executive director Doug Peddicord, Ph.D. “ACRO will continue to advocate for sound regulatory and economic policies that encourage innovation in clinical research.”
 
ACRO also elected the following officers: Judd Hartman, general counsel of PPD, as secretary; and Christopher Gaenzle, chief administrative officer and general counsel of INC Research, as treasurer.