Growth
Understanding success
Victoria Tifft uses her experience to increase sales at Clinical Research Management Inc.
By Patrick Mayock
Smart Business Akron/Canton | October 2007
When traversing the chasm between client and firm, experience
is crucial. The best executives are not only seasoned leaders of
their own staffs, but they also share an intimate understanding of
their clients’ situations and needs. However, in the field of clinical
research, that intimate understanding can prove slightly harder to
come by.
Take Victoria Tifft. Before founding and serving as president of
Clinical Research Management Inc., she endured several bouts of
malaria while working as an infectious disease control biologist for
the U.S. Peace Corps in Togo, West Africa.
Upon returning to the U.S., she worked as a biologist for the
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and later joined the
staff at the Ronald McDonald House in Washington, D.C. Her time
spent working with chronically ill children solidified her interest in
disease treatment and prevention.
Such personal insight has proven an invaluable resource for CRM’s
210 employees. Over the past five years, Tifft’s shared knowledge and
experiences have spurred a 50 percent, or $7 million, increase in revenue.
The company — which supports the development of FDA-regulated
vaccines, pharmaceuticals and medical devices — has since emerged
as a reputable player in the realm of clinical research.
Under Tifft’s guidance, CRM has also become a valued asset in
Northeast Ohio. The company serves on or volunteers in numerous
state, county and community groups, as well as educational boards
and steering committees, such as The Medina County Economic
Development Corporation.
The research firm has pledged $25,000 since 2005 for projects and
training in local school science programs. Hinckley Elementary School
most recently received a gift of $5,000 to provide a Science Resource
Center to increase exposure to science at an early age. CRM also
began hosting an intern from Brunswick High School in June 2007.
As CRM was expanding into other realms, Tifft realized overhead
costs to government interests were increasing. To combat this trend,
she launched M3 Clinical in October 2006. This sister company focuses on monitoring, auditing and data management for drug and device
trials in commercial and academic areas. CRM now focuses solely on
government business opportunities.
Given Tifft’s extensive experience, she will undoubtedly bridge the
client-firm gap across whichever sector she chooses to explore next.
HOW TO REACH: Clinical Research Management Inc., (330) 278-2343 or www.clinicalrm.com
