Business Development Team
Executive Director & Head of Business Development
Livia Legg joined QPS in 2002 as Director of Business Development. She was promoted to Executive Director & Head of Business Development in 2007 and, as such, is presently responsible for all business development activities. Livia began her career in sales in 1996 at Merck Pharmaceutical Co. and subsequently worked as a Business Development Director for MDS Pharma Services in the areas of drug discovery and preclinical development. Ms. Legg earned her B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of New Hampshire in animal and nutritional sciences (molecular, cellular and biomedical sciences).
Senior Director of Business Development – Mid-Atlantic Region
Jerry Gromelski joined QPS in 2002 as Director of Business Development and was promoted to Senior Director of Business Development in 2007. He is presently responsible for client services in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. A classically trained pharmacologist, Jerry entered the CRO industry in 1974 and has held increasingly responsible technical, operational and business development positions with Pharmakon Laboratories (now Calvert Laboratories) and MDS Pharma Services. Mr. Gromelski earned a B.S. degree in biology from the University of Scranton.
Director of Business Development – West Coast, Southwest Region, and Europe
Lily Rosa joined QPS in 2006 as Director of Business Development. She is presently responsible for client services in the West Coast and Southwest region of the United States. Prior to joining QPS, Lily held business development and technical roles at various pharmaceutical/pharmaceutical-related industries including Ambion, Affymetrix, Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals and Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Ms. Rosa began her career in the industry in 1991 after earning her B.S. degree in biology and her M.S. degree in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology, both from Iowa State University.
Director of Business Development – Northeast Region
Wendy Nelson joined QPS in 2008 as Director of Business Development. She is presently responsible for client services in the Northeast region of the United States. Prior to joining QPS, Wendy was a Senior Project Manager for Alantos Pharmaceuticals (now Amgen) where she built and managed an electronic data management system, assisted in the preparation of two INDs and managed the post acquisition transition of clinical and nonclinical projects. Wendy began her work in the industry at Alkermes in 1997, where she was responsible for directing formulation improvements as part of ongoing collaborations with big pharma partners. Dr. Nelson earned her B.S. degree in biomedical engineering, her M.S. degree in engineering and her Ph.D. in medical science, all from Brown University.
Associate Director of Business Development – Southeastern US and OH, IN, KY Region
Marina Abanto joined QPS in September 2008 as Associate Director of Business Development. Marina is presently responsible for client services in the Southeast and tri-state (OH, IN and KY) region of the United States. Since 1985, Marina has held business development and technical roles with Bayer Corporation, Milacron Inc., PMC Specialties Group Inc., and the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Ms. Abanto earned her B.S. degree in natural science from Xavier University, and her M.S. degree in microbiology (microbial physiology and metabolism) from the University of Cincinnati.
Associate Director of Business Development – Early Phase Clinical Services - Eastern Region
Andrew Nehls joined QPS in February 2009 as Associate Director of Business Development. He is presently responsible for client services in the early phase clinical services area. Andrew entered into the industry in 1999 and held sales and project management positions with Forest Pharmaceuticals and Streck Laboratories. Prior to joining QPS, he held associate director roles in clinical operations and business development at a 160-bed Phase I CRO. Mr. Nehls earned his B.S. degree in chemistry from Nebraska Wesleyan University and M.S. degree in pharmaceutical sciences, drug delivery from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He also holds Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the globally recognized Project Management Institute.
Director of Business Development – Early Phase Clinical Services - Central Region
Jim Cunningham joined QPS in October 2009 as Director of Business Development. He is presently responsible for client services in the early phase clinical services area. Jim entered into the industry in 2001 and held operations/recruiting management positions with MDS Pharma Services. Jim then joined Qualia Clinical Services in a lead management role, then moving to head up their business development efforts. Prior to joining QPS, Jim held a business development management role at Frontage Labs for the past year. Jim has been involved in well over 500 clinical studies and uses this knowledge and experience to provide a high level of service to his clients.
Director of Business Development – Early Phase Clinical Services - West Coast
Jeff Moran joined QPS in November 2009 as Director of Business Development. He is presently responsible for client services in the early phase clinical services area, primarily on the west coast. Jeff has 15 years of experience in the industry, working as a Principal Investigator in bioanalysis and also holding business development positions with MDS Pharma Services and Eurofins AvTech. Jeff earned his B.S. degree in biological sciences and minor in mathematics from the University of Nebraska.
Vice President of Marketing & Sales, Asia
Alex has more than 25 years of experience in sales and marketing for an international chemical/pharmaceutical company and is currently responsible for business development in Asia.
