Cheryl Russ
Morris,IL
Summary
Clinical Sales Specialist with 20+ years of success driving territory growth across specialty pharmaceutical and respiratory markets. Proven ability to execute product launches, educate specialty HCPs, navigate access barriers, and build high-impact relationships across Pulmonary, Allergy, Internal Medicine, IDNs, and KOL networks. Combines deep clinical expertise as a Respiratory Therapist with consultative selling and data-driven territory strategy to consistently exceed sales goals while maintaining strict compliance.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Sales Specialist
Methapharm Pharmaceuticals
Chicago, IL
11.2021 - 11.2025
- Drove 20–30% YoY growth through strategic territory execution, pipeline management, and targeted engagement with pulmonologists, allergists, and hospital stakeholders
- Consistently achieved 95%–130% of sales targets through disciplined account prioritization and execution
- Delivered 300–350 annual clinical presentations, educating HCPs on disease states, treatment pathways, and diagnostic utilization
- Navigated access and reimbursement barriers by partnering with pharmacy teams and P&T committees to support formulary adoption
- Educated medical staff on pharmaceutical products, enhancing understanding and proper usage.
- Led FeNO device launch, onboarding new sites, training clinical teams, and ensuring sustained utilization
- Built strategic relationships with regional KOLs to inform account strategy and drive growth
- Utilized CRM tools for pre-call planning, territory analysis, and performance tracking
- Maintained strict compliance with FDA and ATS/ERS standards
- Developed strong relationships with healthcare professionals to drive product adoption and loyalty.
Clinical Sales Specialist & Field Sales Trainer
Hillrom / Baxter
Chicago, IL
12.2019 - 10.2021
- Achieved 25%+ YoY growth and up to 125% of quota through clinically driven consultative selling
- Delivered 400+ annual clinical trainings, including patient titrations and guideline-based education
- Developed and implemented strategic quarterly sales plans to enhance product visibility in clinical settings.
- Implemented data-driven territory plans using market insights to maximize monthly sales
- Trained new team members on product knowledge and effective sales techniques to ensure consistency in delivery.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align sales decisions within hospital systems
- Educated healthcare professionals and conducted product training sessions ensuring comprehensive understanding of therapeutic benefits.
Regional Sales Manager
Breathe Technologies (Acquired by Hillrom)
Chicago, IL
11.2018 - 12.2019
- Led regional expansion of the Life2000 Portable Ventilator, achieving 35% growth in new accounts
- Built new physician relationships through targeted outreach and clinical education
- Developed and implemented regional sales strategies to drive market penetration.
- Delivered presentations across clinics, hospitals, and pulmonary rehab programs
- Leveraged market data to guide regional strategy and sales forecasting
Respiratory Sales Manager
Fitzsimmons Hospital Services
Oak Forest, IL
11.2016 - 08.2018
- Developed and launched a post-acute respiratory care program, increasing utilization and revenue
- Achieved 15% YoY growth through account expansion and upselling strategies
- Managed full sales cycle from opportunity identification through implementation
- Delivered clinical education to support program adoption and retention
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Applied Behavioral Science
National Louis University
2009
Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner - undefined
State of Illinois & Florida
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy
Triton College
2002
Skills
- Account Management
- Clinical Education
- Consultative Selling
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- KOL Engagement
- Market Access & Reimbursement
- New Product Launches
- Physician Relations
- Pulmonary & Respiratory Sales
- Rare Disease Sales
- Strategic Account Prioritization
- Territory Planning
Accomplishments
- President’s Club Recipient (2023) – Methapharm Pharmaceuticals
- Delivered 20–30% YoY territory growth across multiple roles
- Consistently achieved 95%–130% of quota in specialty markets
- Led successful product and device launches, driving rapid adoption across hospital systems
- Delivered 300–400+ annual clinical education sessions to HCPs
Timeline
Clinical Sales Specialist
Methapharm Pharmaceuticals
11.2021 - 11.2025
Clinical Sales Specialist & Field Sales Trainer
Hillrom / Baxter
12.2019 - 10.2021
Regional Sales Manager
Breathe Technologies (Acquired by Hillrom)
11.2018 - 12.2019
Respiratory Sales Manager
Fitzsimmons Hospital Services
11.2016 - 08.2018
Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner - undefined
State of Illinois & Florida
Bachelor of Arts - Applied Behavioral Science
National Louis University
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy
Triton College
Presidents Club 2023
Earned President's Club recognition in 2023 by surpassing quota through targeted account growth strategies, deepening key account relationships, and driving consistent YoY revenue expansion.