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Destini Highsmith
Associate Director of Operations (Gs-12) @U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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WORK HISTORY
Associate Director of Operations (Gs-12) @U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
US
As Associate Director of Operations, I lead all aspects of clinical trial operations for the VA Cooperative Studies Program NODES site, managing a cross-functional team of 9. I also serve as a project manager of the Lung Precision Oncology Program (LPOP). I oversee study execution across therapeutic areas including PTSD, substance use, cardiology, and oncology, working closely with the VA, Yale University, CRO partners, and community-based affiliates. My role involves driving patient enrollment, ensuring data integrity, and maintaining regulatory compliance—all while navigating staffing shortages and operational constraints.• Doubled Enrollment Through Strategic Hospital Partnership: Bridged gaps in veteran access by co-developing a novel cross-system referral model with a competitor institution—now piloted nationally.• Recovered Two High-Risk Studies from Probation: Revamped data capture processes and retrained staff to improve research quality, restoring compliance and protecting $MM in program funding.• Preserved and Expanded Substance Use Study Serving 35 Veterans: Recruited critical staff and restructured operations to stabilize performance and improve participant outcomes.• Elevated Clinical Quality Through Regulatory & Audit Alignment: Strengthened SOPs, submission protocols, and post-IRB oversight to ensure sustained compliance with national research standards.• Increased Program Resilience Amid Hiring Freezes: Leveraged external networks, cross-trained staff, and streamlined workflows to maintain enrollment and operational continuity without new headcount.
EDUCATION
University of Connecticut
Bachelor's degree
University of Saint Joseph
Master's degree
Guilford College
Medical Science Program
ABOUT DESTINI HIGHSMITH
I am a mission-driven clinical operations leader with over 10 years of experience managing Phase I–IV trials, guiding cross-functional teams, and elevating research programs that serve vulnerable and underserved populations. I’m known for transforming underperforming initiatives into high-impact studies through strategic partnerships, regulatory rigor, and data-informed decisions. My leadership blends clinical expertise, emotional intelligence, and innovation—I’ve doubled enrollment through nontraditional outreach and revitalized lagging trials by rethinking engagement strategies. Above all, I’m passionate about improving health outcomes and expanding access through inclusive, community-rooted research.
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