Carmen Vanderheiden Brodie
Austin,TX
Summary
Visionary Chief Clinical Officer and aesthetic industry pioneer with years of experience in scaling multi-site clinical operations from regional startups to a global network of 150+ locations. Expertise in seamlessly integrating medical rigor with retail healthcare scalability, establishing clinical "gold standards," and ensuring strict adherence to laser safety protocols across diverse regulatory environments. Proven leader in driving national clinical training programs and incorporating advanced aesthetic technologies while effectively collaborating with Private Equity stakeholders to facilitate aggressive national expansion and transformative patient outcomes. Demonstrated ability to innovate and propel business growth through strategic planning, cohesive team building, and adept navigation of dynamic market challenges.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Co-Founder & VP, Head of Clinical Operations
Removery
North America, Australia, Canada
01.2019 - Current
- Scaled from startup to the world’s largest laser aesthetics and tattoo removal company with 150+ locations across three countries, generating multi-million-dollar annual revenue.
- Clinical Governance & Standardization: Authored and enforced industry-leading clinical "gold standards" and treatment protocols across 150+ locations, ensuring 100% compliance with medical boards, state licensing, and international regulations.
- Operational Scaling & Workflow Integration: Developed standardized clinical workflows that enabled rapid de novo site openings and seamless integration of acquired clinics, driving sustained double-digit growth.
- Medical Leadership & Oversight: Managed and collaborated closely with Regional Medical Directors and prescribing physicians to ensure clinical excellence, optimal ROI modeling, and strict adherence to best practices.
- Quality Assurance & KPIs: Introduced data-driven treatment methodologies utilizing Salesforce and Power BI analytics to track clinical outcomes, manage adverse reactions, and optimize service delivery.
- National Training & Development: Built, certified, and led a national team of 250+ clinical technicians and 100+ sales associates. Spearheaded CME-style workshops and continuing education programs focused on advanced laser therapeutics and safety.
- Strategic Tech Adoption: Founding member of the Clinical Advisory Board. Collaborated with the executive suite, R&D, and laser manufacturers (e.g., Candela) to consult on emerging medical devices network-wide.
Founder, CEO & Clinical Director
THE FINERY / TATWAY
Northeast (MA, NY, PA)
12.2012 - 12.2019
- Founded, scaled, and successfully merged a premier laser aesthetics company to form Removery through a private equity acquisition.
- Expanded the company''s geographical reach, opening new markets and increasing profitability.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers, reducing costs while maintaining product quality.
- Business Scaling & PE Integration: Drove aggressive expansion across multiple states, establishing a clinically driven, education-based model. Managed the comprehensive sales pipeline and forecasting from startup phase through a successful private equity exit.
- Medical Technology Innovation: Pioneered the early adoption of Pico-second laser technology in the aesthetic industry. Consulted directly with laser manufacturers to optimize device performance, clinical claims, and future product development.
- Provider-Centric Training: Developed standardized operational and clinical training programs that dramatically improved treatment consistency, patient satisfaction, and safety metrics.
- Brand Positioning & Social Responsibility: Launched the INK Initiative, a socially responsible program supporting individuals with tattoos linked to past trauma, elevating brand authority and community trust.
- Established operational frameworks to streamline production processes and improve efficiency.
- Led cross-functional teams in launching new product lines, ensuring alignment with brand vision.
- Fostered partnerships with suppliers to optimize sourcing and reduce costs effectively.
- Spearheaded marketing campaigns that elevated brand awareness and customer engagement.
- Mentored emerging leaders within the organization, cultivating talent for future growth.
- Analyzed market trends to inform strategic decision-making and long-term planning efforts.
- Oversaw financial management, driving profitability through cost control measures and revenue growth initiatives.
Clinical Trainer & Laser Location Manager
SKIN HEALTH
Boston, MA
01.2005 - 01.2011
- Facilitated the launch of new de novo med-spa locations and integrated new aesthetic services (laser hair removal, IPL, chemical peels, injectables).
- Designed and delivered comprehensive clinical training programs for staff, ensuring strict adherence to safety and effectiveness standards.
- Manage patient consultations, clinical sales, and provided treatments cultivating a deep proficiency in device operations and aesthetic dermatology.
Laser Technician
BOSTON LASER
Boston, MA
01.2000 - 01.2005
- Specialized in laser and aesthetic treatments in a high-volume, fast-paced clinical studio.
- Built a foundational, ground-up expertise in laser physics, skin health, clinical applications, and patient care.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
Salve Regina University
Newport, RISkills
- Clinical Platforms: Candela (PicoWay, Nordlys, Microneedling, IPL), Revlite SI, PicoSure, Spectra, Enlighten
- Salesforce CRM analytics and training
- Strategic team guidance
- Analytical problem-solving
- Content marketing
- Entrepreneurial mindset
- Commitment to ethics
- Client relationship management
- Proficient in contract negotiation
- Workflow organization
- Organizational strategy formulation
- Forward-thinking leadership
- Startup management
- Project execution
- Efficiency optimization
Affiliations
- Clinical Advisory Board Member: Driving evidence-based treatment protocols and safety standards for the broader aesthetic industry.
- Board Member ARI: Providing support for victims of domestic abuse and human trafficking.
- INK program leadership: Helping people reintegrate into the community after gang or prison affiliation, human traffic and domestic abuse victims.
- Media Features: Featured expert on the Kathy Ireland Show discussing innovations in aesthetic laser treatments. Additional features in the New York Post, CBC Radio, Bored Panda, and the Worthy for Thirty podcast focusing on the psychology of aesthetics and socially responsible entrepreneurship.
Certification
- Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer (MLSO) | National Council on Laser Certification (NCLC)
- Certified Clinical Training Instructor | Candela Corporation & Cynosure
- GCP for Clinical Trials Certification
Additional Information
Featured Thought Leader in Aesthetic Laser Industry
- Kathy Ireland Show – Discussing innovations in aesthetic laser treatments.
- New York Post – Transformational tattoo removal case study.
- CBC Radio Interview – The psychology behind tattoo removal.
- Bored Panda Feature – Addressing tattoo regret and aesthetic solutions.
- Worthy for Thirty- The socially responsible side of business.
- Amspa- featured speaker
Timeline
Co-Founder & VP, Head of Clinical Operations
Removery
01.2019 - Current
Founder, CEO & Clinical Director
THE FINERY / TATWAY
12.2012 - 12.2019
Clinical Trainer & Laser Location Manager
SKIN HEALTH
01.2005 - 01.2011
Laser Technician
BOSTON LASER
01.2000 - 01.2005
Bachelor of Arts -
Salve Regina University
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Clinical Governance & Compliance: Medical Board Regulations, Protocol Standardization, Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer (MLSO)
- Operational Scaling: Multi-Site Expansion (De Novo & Acquisitions), Clinical Workflows, Retail Healthcare Integration
- Quality Assurance: Data-Driven KPIs, Adverse Reaction Management, Patient Safety & Efficacy Optimization
- Leadership & Development: National Training Programs, CME-Style Workshops, Cross-Functional Executive Leadership
- Strategic Influence: Private Equity Stakeholder Management, Medical Device Evaluation, Key Opinion Leader (KOL) Collaboration