Senior Management Group

Dr. Robert Earl

Dr. Robert Earl is President and Chief Operating Officer for dgd Research, a member of Cetero Research. He brings more than 24 years of extensive and versatile experience as a senior clinical research professional in all aspects of Phase I clinical trials including: clinical operations, bioanalytical and clinical laboratories. Dr. Earl received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Nebraska in Omaha and his PhD in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Arizona in Tucson. He is a board certified clinical chemist.

With his full repertoire of clinical research experience, Dr. Earl has successfully managed the start-up of new operations as well as grown and maintained proven operations across the US, Europe and Asia. Dr. Earl’s expertise and guidance will allow dgd Research to continue to be the world leader in diabetes research and cultivate its additional therapeutic focuses to meet the ever-changing needs of our clients.

Richard A. Pyburn, C.P.A.

Mr. Pyburn is the Executive Director of Strategic Business Development for dgd Research, Inc. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee and was awarded a Certified Public Accountant certificate in 1977 by the AICPA. He has extensive entrepreneurial experience as a consultant developing small businesses into corporate entities. In 1985, Mr. Pyburn became the administrator for both dgd Research and the Diabetes & Glandular Disease Clinic. He was instrumental in expanding the organization's clinical trial relationships to include top global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. In 2006, Mr. Pyburn was promoted to Executive Director of Strategic Business Development where he successfully oversees new national and international business development efforts.

Chris Elam

Mr. Elam is the Director of Quality Assurance for dgd Research, Inc. He received a Bachelor or Science degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1997. He joined dgd Research in 1998 as a Quality Assurance assistant. He quickly expanded his role to become the Safety Officer, responsible for all employee safety training as well as the SOP Coordinator, overseeing the development and implementation of the corporation's Standard Operating Procedures. In 2006, Mr. Elam was promoted to the Director of Quality Assurance where he currently manages all internal and FDA clinical trial audits while ensuring corporate compliance with FDA regulations, HIPAA, and SOP's.

Tom Jones

Mr. Jones is the Director of Human Resources for dgd Research, Inc. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Business from Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi in 1977. He has over 15 years of human resources and personnel management experience as the former Human Resources Director for the Doctors Hospital of Laredo. In 2002, Mr. Jones joined dgd Research as Director of Human Resources where he currently manages all human resources functions for over 300 employees. While at dgd Research, he has developed and implemented several orientation, training, and performance management programs. Mr. Jones is also Chairman of the dgd Research Employee Activities Committee as well as a member of the Society for Human Resource Management.

Alex Walker

Mr. Walker is the Director of Information Technology for dgd Research. He has over 30 years of experience in electronics, biometrics, and information systems technology. He served in the U. S. Coast Guard, working on their first solid-state LORAN navigation system field research project. Since then, he has successfully designed and implemented many state-of-the-art information systems, applications, data security, infrastructure, network, and data center design for numerous Fortune 500 companies. Prior to joining dgd Research, Mr. Walker held a variety of senior leadership and management positions, including Director, Systems Architect for 24 Hour Fitness, where he provided strategic planning and operational process improvements.

Fran Kirschbaum, RN, BA, CCRC

Ms. Kirschbaum is the Research Director for the Main Facility at dgd Research, Inc. She received a nursing degree from Ohio Valley Hospital School of Nursing as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree from Framingham State College. She has over 15 years of nursing experience, specializing in cardiac intensive care, obstetrics, and childbirth education. Ms. Kirschbaum joined dgd Research in 1995 as a Clinical Research Coordinator. In 1997, she was promoted to Research Director for the Main facility where she currently manages all Phase II-IV research activities.

Debbie Ponce, BSN RN

Ms. Ponce is the Research Director for the West Side facility at dgd Research, Inc. She received a Bachelor of Science Nursing degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 1984. She has over 10 years of nursing experience in orthopedics, gynecology, and oncology. Ms. Ponce joined dgd Research in 1995 as a Clinical Research Coordinator. In 1999, she was promoted to Research Director of the West Side facility where she currently manages all Phase II-IV research activities.

Virginia R. Enriquez, MS, RD, LD

Ms. Enriquez is the Director of Food and Nutrition Services at dgd Research, Inc. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1999 and a Master of Science degree in 2002 from the University of the Incarnate Word. She has extensive inpatient and outpatient experience as a clinical dietician specializing in endocrine and metabolic disorders. Ms. Enriquez joined dgd Research in 2001 as a research dietician. In 2002, she developed "Fit Families"-a family-oriented pediatric weight management program-which she now manages and markets throughout South Texas. Ms. Enriquez has held several key board positions with the San Antonio Dietetic Association and is an active member of the American Diabetes Association, American Dietetic Association, as well as other professional organizations.