Jerry Gilliam Hopkins
Hilliard,OH
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented clinical research leader with over 10 years of experience managing oncology clinical trials. Proven track record in leading large, diverse CRA teams, optimizing operational strategies, and enhancing site activation processes to ensure timely trial deliverables. Expertise in project oversight, risk mitigation, and fostering strong relationships with sponsors, CROs, and investigative sites. Adept at navigating complex business challenges while maintaining a proactive approach to process improvement and operational efficiency.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Manager, Clinical Operations
Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine (GCO US Oncology)
Columbus, OH
10.2025 - Current
- - Oversaw a team of 22 CRAs (FTEs and contractors), driving performance excellence, optimizing workload distribution, and supporting retention through proactive leadership and development.
- - Directed CRA resource planning across the Northeast region, strategically resolving capacity gaps and aligning staffing with study priorities and timelines.
- - Directed the SM team on the largest J&J oncology trial conducted solely in the US, encompassing 165 sites, with 120 of them opening within 5 months. This achievement was made possible through collaboration with local teams, the creation of a SIV SWAT team, streamlined support for CRA resourcing, and leadership of the trial lead CRAs.
- - Lead Organizational changes and effectively communicate on priority shifts.
- - Develop country capabilities for an effective study placement within assigned therapeutic areas as well as drive innovative solutions and process improvements.
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance oncology product development processes.
- Developed strategic initiatives to optimize patient access and outcomes in oncology therapies.
- Streamlined clinical trial management, improving efficiency and compliance across multiple studies.
Manager, Clinical Operations
Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine (GCO US Oncology)
05.2022 - 09.2025
- - Oversaw a team of 22 CRAs (FTEs and contractors), driving performance excellence, optimizing workload distribution, and supporting retention through proactive leadership and development.
- - Directed CRA resource planning across the Northeast region, strategically resolving capacity gaps and aligning staffing with study priorities and timelines.
- - Directed the SM team on the largest J&J oncology trial conducted solely in the US, encompassing 165 sites, with 120 of them opening within 5 months. This achievement was made possible through collaboration with local teams, the creation of a SIV SWAT team, streamlined support for CRA resourcing, and leadership of the trial lead CRAs.
- - Developed and deployed a scalable site visit scheduling strategy across multiple critical trials, streamlining monitoring activities and securing timely database locks.
- - Authored and institutionalized key operational policies including a recruitment and retention playbook and a functional manager guidance framework resulting in process standardization and shortened enrollment timelines across J&J GCO US.
- - Collaborated with Strategic Account Leads to identify and activate new investigative sites, expanding access to underrepresented patient populations and diversifying trial reach.
- - Represented Johnson & Johnson at national physician conferences, leading site engagement initiatives and strengthening the clinical trial network through targeted relationship building.
- - Championed internal capability-building programs, including CRA onboarding, training facilitation, sample management oversight, and cross-functional communities of practice.
Clinical Operations Manager
Syneos Health
Columbus, OH
07.2021 - 05.2022
- - Supervised a regional team of CRAs and contractors, delivering performance feedback, evaluations, and mentorship.
- - Forecasted and allocated resources for assigned studies; resolved staffing challenges.
- - Oversaw operational performance and compliance, guiding prioritization and risk mitigation.
- - Partnered with leadership to drive process improvements and address quality issues flagged by sponsors and audits.
Clinical Trial Manager
Syneos Health / Bristol Myers Squibb
Columbus, OH
08.2020 - 07.2021
- - Oversaw clinical site activation and enrollment across assigned oncology trials.
- - Managed site progress, resolved issues, and reviewed clinical data and trends.
- - Supported audit readiness and CAPA plan development.
- - Led vendor communications and coordinated safety monitoring.
Education
Master of Science - Anatomy
Wright State University
Dayton, OHBachelor of Science - Life Science, Sociology
The Pennsylvania State University
State College, PASkills
- Clinical Project Management
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Site Monitoring Oversight
- Strategic Trial Planning
- CRA Team Management
- Risk & Issue Resolution
- SOP & Policy Development
- Resource Forecasting
- Site Activation
- Enrollment Strategy
- Inspection Readiness
- Oncology
- Rare Disease
- Cardiovascular
- Diabetes
- Nephrology
- SharePoint
- Microsoft Teams
- Slack
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Medidata CTMS
- RAVE
- Inform EDC
- Veeva Vault
Certification
- Sarah Cannon - Senior Clinical Research Associate / Lead CRA Aug 2019 – Aug 2020
- Syneos Health - Senior Clinical Research Associate I Jun 2017 – Aug 2019
- Medpace - Clinical Research Associate May 2015 – Jun 2017
Timeline
Senior Manager, Clinical Operations
Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine (GCO US Oncology)
10.2025 - Current
Manager, Clinical Operations
Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine (GCO US Oncology)
05.2022 - 09.2025
Clinical Operations Manager
Syneos Health
07.2021 - 05.2022
Clinical Trial Manager
Syneos Health / Bristol Myers Squibb
08.2020 - 07.2021
Master of Science - Anatomy
Wright State University
Bachelor of Science - Life Science, Sociology
The Pennsylvania State University