WASHINGTON, DC (January 12, 2026) – Doug Peddicord, Executive Director of the Association of Clinical Research organizations (ACRO), has announced he will step down from his role in January 2026, having completed his 24th year leading the non-profit trade association representing clinical research and technology organizations.
“It is nearly impossible to describe the impact that Doug Peddicord has had on the clinical research industry,” said former ACRO Chair Jim Reilly of Veeva Systems. “For the last two and a half decades, Doug has led a coalition of clinical research and technology organizations to advance clinical research and drug development. He has been a leading voice in driving safe and ethical clinical trials and is the first at the table to promote a better and more efficient clinical trial process. Doug has not only been a fierce protector of the industry, but he also created immeasurable opportunities for collaboration and partnership that have enabled innovation and growth.”
Following a career as a clinical psychologist, Doug Peddicord came to Capitol Hill as an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Congressional Fellow in 1994. His passion for health and health research advocacy would lead Peddicord to join ACRO as its chief executive in early 2002.
Founded by leading clinical research organizations that provide a wide range of research and development support services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies, ACRO works to provide a heightened awareness of the critical role that clinical research organizations and clinical technology companies play in the development of new drugs, new devices, and new treatments.
With expertise in the conduct and regulatory oversight of clinical trials, Dr. Peddicord has positioned the organization as a thought leader in policy discussions that impact regulations, legislation or other policy initiatives of importance to the clinical development industry, in the U.S., Europe, and around the world.[DP1]
Peddicord said, “It has been a great privilege to be a small part of the evolution of the clinical outsourcing industry, from a new approach to product development to an integral part of the testing and approval of new drugs and new treatments for the patients who need them. And it has been a joy to see companies that are competitors and rivals in business come together to advance the clinical development enterprise as a whole.”
Under Peddicord’s leadership, ACRO has cemented its reputation as a trusted, objective body on matters related to the conduct and regulation of clinical trials around the globe. In the U.S., ACRO has been instrumental in the development of critical policy initiatives like the 21st Century Cures Act. An innovator in clinical research advocacy, he launched ACRO’s first ever grant program, awarding a quarter of a million dollars to research sites in the U.S. to increase awareness and accessibility of clinical trials. Under Peddicord, ACRO has also developed strong relationships with regulators around the world, especially FDA, EMA, and MHRA, through countless regulatory workshops and meetings.
Peddicord has not only been at the forefront of industry growth, but growth of ACRO itself. To ensure broad representation of the clinical research industry, Peddicord led the expansion of ACRO’s member base to include clinical technology companies, increasing membership from five companies to 19 companies.
The Board has named Clay Alspach as the new Executive Director of ACRO. Clay Alspach is a Principal at Leavitt Partners specializing in health care policy and advocacy related to the Food and Drug Administration, health information technology, Medicare Parts B, C, and D, Medicaid, private health insurance, and the Affordable Care Act. Prior to joining Leavitt Partners, Clay served as Chief Health Counsel for Chairman Fred Upton of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce.
“As one of Washington’s most respected health policy experts, it has been my pleasure to work with Clay Alspach on a range of health and health research issues over the last 15 years”, said Peddicord. “As we enter a new and challenging era for clinical development, I am confident that Clay will further extend ACRO’s leadership of the industry.”
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About ACRO:
ACRO advocates as the collective voice of innovative clinical research and technology organizations to regulators and policymakers, educating stakeholders and shaping policies that foster the efficient, effective, and safe conduct of clinical research. Learn more about ACRO and sign up to receive email updates by visiting: acrohealth.org.
Media Contacts:
Erin Brown
Director, Industry Intelligence and Messaging
ebrown@acrohealth.org
Maddy Sever
Communications & Membership Associate
msever@acrohealth.org