Belinda Paez Russell
Summary
Strategic executive with over 25 years of leadership experience in site operations and corporate strategy, focusing on patient engagement and trial delivery excellence. Successfully led enterprise-level patient strategy initiatives in CNS and mental health, achieving significant improvements in enrollment timelines and participant satisfaction. Developed high-performing cross-functional teams to meet patient-centric goals and ensure consistent study outcomes. Established strategic partnerships with sponsors and vendors to enhance patient access and optimize study visibility.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of CNS Excellence
Headlands Research
Lake Worth, FL
11.2025 - Current
- Acted as strategic and scientific subject matter expert for multi-site clinical research network, enhancing research quality and collaboration.
- Optimized CNS portfolio through analysis of study selection criteria aligned with strategic goals, improving study selection process.
- Monitor recruitment metrics and lead corrective action planning.
- Monitored recruitment metrics and implemented corrective action plans to enhance recruitment outcomes.
- Ensure GCP compliance and inspection readiness with Medical Directors.
Director of Recruitment Strategy
Headlands Research
01.2024 - 11.2025
- Directed network-wide recruitment and advertising strategy.
- Co-created enterprise Diversity Playbook aligned with FDA and FDORA guidance.
- Managed national vendor relationships and media initiatives.
- Strengthened sponsor partnerships through enrollment optimization.
Assistant Site Director
JEM Research Institute
07.2021 - 12.2023
- Led recruitment strategy, enhancing outreach through television, radio, and digital campaigns to attract diverse talent.
- Managed operations, HR, payroll, and financial forecasting for 40+ personnel, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
- Expanded community partnerships, fostering collaboration to support diversity initiatives and strengthen community ties.
Project Specialist / QA-QC Coordinator
JEM Research Institute
07.2019 - 06.2021
- Launched vaccine clinical trial division to address urgent public health needs during COVID-19.
- Oversaw enrollment of first U.S. participant in major vaccine trial, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Led public relations and community engagement strategy to enhance community trust and support for vaccine initiatives.
Clinical Research & Regulatory Leadership
01.2000 - 12.2019
- Directed clinical research programs in CNS and cardiovascular trials, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and timelines.
- Managed regulatory compliance for healthcare systems and private practices, facilitating seamless operations and patient safety.
- Negotiated budgets and contracts with sponsors to secure funding and resources for clinical trials.
Education
RHEMA Bible Institute - Religious Studies
RHEMA Bible Institute
Broken Arrow, OKCOTM School of Ministry - Religious Studies
COTM School of Ministry
Tulsa, OK Skills
- Neurodegenerative research strategy
- Regulatory Compliance & GCP
- Inspection Readiness
- Portfolio & Pipeline Evaluation
- Sponsor & CRO Engagement
- Multi-Site Network Leadership
- Cross-functional leadership
- Team management
- Employee development
- Business strategy
- Project coordination
- Partnerships and alliances
- Executive communication
Accomplishments
- Developed and scaled physician partnership strategy across the United States to expand referral networks, enhance protocol awareness, and accelerate patient recruitment across therapeutic areas
- Established national provider engagement framework to drive community-based recruitment, improve diversity representation, and strengthen sponsor confidence in enrollment execution
- Cultivated strategic relationships with healthcare systems, specialty practices, and community physicians to increase trial visibility and referral conversion rates
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Executive Profile
Strategic Clinical Research Executive with 25+ years of progressive leadership across CNS, metabolic, vaccine, and cardiometabolic therapeutic areas. Proven record of driving operational excellence, therapeutic growth, and diversity-focused recruitment strategies within multi-site research networks and healthcare systems., Recognized for building high-performing teams, optimizing portfolio strategy, strengthening sponsor and strategic partnerships, and leading large-scale operational initiatives that improve enrollment quality, financial performance, and regulatory integrity.
Timeline
Director of CNS Excellence
Headlands Research
11.2025 - Current
Director of Recruitment Strategy
Headlands Research
01.2024 - 11.2025
Assistant Site Director
JEM Research Institute
07.2021 - 12.2023
Project Specialist / QA-QC Coordinator
JEM Research Institute
07.2019 - 06.2021
Clinical Research & Regulatory Leadership
01.2000 - 12.2019
RHEMA Bible Institute - Religious Studies
RHEMA Bible Institute
COTM School of Ministry - Religious Studies
COTM School of Ministry