Strategic Partners Group

The Strategic Partners Group is comprised of Senior Management Group members in addition to the following individuals:

Bruce Slade

Mr. Bruce Slade is the Director of Enrollment Services. Mr. Slade has over 20 years of experience in the Recruiting and Marketing fields, with over 15 years experience in Call Center and Outreach Management. Mr. Slade hails from Philadelphia, PA where he worked closely with regional medical leaders and community organizations to promote better health for individuals with sickle cell. He joined dgd Research in February 2007 and recently relocated from Tucson, Arizona where he had assisted pharmaceutical companies with help lines for new products. He developed and expanded call centers for the health care industry as well as outsource companies and managed Fulfillment and Direct Mail Centers for large corporations. Mr. Slade was also the Regional Tele-recruitment Manager for the American Red Cross where he was employed for over 8 years. Mr. Slade oversees the call center program and the recruiters at dgd Research. In addition, he is involved in the dgd Outreach and direct marketing process.

Nikki Staudt, RN, BSN, CCRC

Ms. Staudt is the Assistant Director of Research/Team Leader and a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator for the Main Research Facility at dgd Research, Inc. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She has specialized nursing experience in transplant telemetry, home health, and as a Director of Nursing for a long term care facility in San Antonio. Ms. Staudt joined dgd Research in 2002 as a Clinical Research Coordinator, simultaneously managing multiple Phase II-IV clinical trials, specializing in weight loss. In 2005, Ms. Staudt was promoted to Assistant Director of Research/Team Leader, overseeing a dynamic research team consisting of clinical coordinators, coordinator assistants, regulatory clerks, research assistants, and recruiters.

Michael Cosgrove, RN, CCRC

Mr. Michael Cosgrove is a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator and a Team Leader supervising and managing in the overall development, planning and implementation of all aspects of Phase I-III clinical trials from site initiation to study closeout. Mr. Cosgrove graduated from the Baptist Health System School of Professional Nursing as a Registered Nurse and has over 8 years nursing experience including three years as a supervisory Charge Nurse on a medical/surgical ward. He has served as a Diabetic Committee member of the San Antonio Methodist Hospital System and a clinical partner for the University of Texas at San Antonio nursing program. Mr. Cosgrove joined dgd Research Inc. in 2001.

Debra Harter, BBA, RN

Ms. Harter is the Associate Director for the Phase I Clinical Pharmacology Unit at dgd Research, Inc. She received a nursing degree from the Methodist School of Nursing in 1973 and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Personnel from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1985. Ms. Harter served 18 years active duty in the United States Air Force as a staff nurse. She completed two active duty reserve mobilizations during Operations “Just Cause” and “Desert Storm” as a senior flight nurse. In 1998, she retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel from the United States Air Force Reserves. Ms. Harter joined dgd Research in 1997 as a Clinical Research Coordinator.