The Association of Clinical Research Organizations (ACRO), a representative of the global clinical outsourcing industry to regulators, biopharmaceutical clients, policy makers and the public, has elected William Sharbaugh, chief operating officer of PPD, Inc., as chair for 2010 and Joe Herring, chairman and chief executive officer of Covance, as chair-elect.

Mr. Sharbaugh joined PPD in 2007 after spending more than 16 years in the pharmaceutical industry, including senior management positions with Bristol-Myers Squibb and Merck. He provides strategic direction and leadership to PPD’s Labs, Phase I-IV clinical business and information technology and global performance optimization areas. Most recently, Mr. Sharbaugh spearheaded PPD’s expansion efforts in the Asia-Pacific region.

“I am pleased to lead ACRO at a time when the association has heightened its advocacy efforts on behalf of the global CRO industry,” said Mr. Sharbaugh. “In 2010, ACRO will continue to engage stakeholders on issues of importance to the CRO industry and our biopharmaceutical clients and play a lead role in driving the discussion to improve the drug development process.”

Mr. Herring joined Covance in 1996 as corporate vice president and general manager of Early Development North America. In 2001, he assumed the role of president and chief operating officer and was elected to the board of directors in 2004. Prior to joining Covance, he spent 18 years at American Hospital Supply, Baxter International, and Caremark International in senior leadership roles.

Additionally, ICON has become a member of ACRO and John Hubbard, Ph.D., FCP, global president of ICON Clinical Research, will assume a seat on the ACRO board. Additionally, Clinical Research Management (CRM), Hinckley, OH, has joined the Association as an associate member.

“We look forward to Bill’s and Joe’s enthusiastic leadership this year as the Association continues to grow and there is increased recognition of the vital role CROs play in drug development worldwide,” said Doug Peddicord, Ph.D., executive director of ACRO. “The expansion of our membership with the commitments of ICON and CRM demonstrates the value ACRO brings as the voice of the CRO industry.”