Ivy R. Tillman recently started as executive director of Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research, a Boston nonprofit that works to ensure ethical standards are maintained in clinical trials of new drugs and treatments.
An experienced professional in monitoring research, Tillman arrived from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, where she was director of research operations. She previously directed reviews of research involving human subjects at Augusta University in Georgia.
“My appreciation for research ethics and its impact on public trust began 23 years ago as a research coordinator focused on pediatric sickle cell disease research. My initial experience in research established the lens through which I view my responsibility to educate, advocate and empower research ethics professionals. In doing so, I have contributed to establishing organizational cultures that strengthen public trust in research,” she said.
Tillman becomes the third executive director of the nonprofit, known by the acronym PRIM&R, since it was founded in 1974. Elisa A. Hurley stepped down in August after nine years leading the organization. Tillman officially took over October 16.
“I look forward to building on Elisa’s significant lasting impact, continuing the important work of building trust in science and advancing the highest ethical standards in the conduct of research,” she said.
Jori Leszczynski, chair of the nonprofit’s board of directors, said: “Ivy brings a wealth of experience and a deep alignment with the mission and vision of PRIM&R…. I am confident that under the leadership of Ivy, PRIM&R will thrive.”
Tillman earned bachelor’s degrees in biology and French from Clemson University in South Carolina, a master’s in health administration from Troy University in Alabama and a doctorate in education from Augusta University, according to her LinkedIn page.
PRIM&R said her appointment reflects its commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships among professionals across various sectors, including academia, industry and regulatory bodies. The nonprofit works to ensure that the highest standards of integrity and ethics are maintained in medical and research endeavors through education, membership services, professional certification, public policy initiatives and community building.
