Archives: Speakers

Kellsi Booth is the Chief Legal Officer at Black Buffalo, Inc., a manufacturer of smokeless tobacco alternatives, where she is responsible for providing strategic direction and practical legal guidance. Kellsi has advised companies at all stages of growth in the nicotine and tobacco space. She is well-versed in regulatory, quality, and policy matters, and previously held a series of progressive roles at Turning Point Brands, Inc. and Juul Labs, Inc. driving key initiatives in these areas. Kellsi is also a leader of trade associations, such as the Coalition of Manufacturers of Smoking Alternatives (CMSA), and co-founded and serves on the board of the Organization of Women in Nicotine and Tobacco (OWNiT).

Mireille Ermens, is a seasoned leader in the field of clinical research and healthcare management with a rich background spanning over two decades. Armed with a degree of Socio Medical Science with distinction from the University Ghent, Belgium, Mireille brings a unique blend of expertise in biochemistry, mathematics, statistics, and preventive healthcare.

A true polyglot, Mireille is fluent in Dutch, French, and English, with proficiency in German and Spanish, reflecting a deep commitment to effective communication across diverse cultural landscapes.

With a leadership style centered around “Building Bridges with and for People,” Mireille has led clinical development operations teams, navigating challenges in rare and chronic diseases, high-volume infectious diseases and seasonal vaccine environments.

Currently serving as the Senior Director of Global Feasibility and Start Up Support at CSL Limited, Mireille spearheads strategic assessments of clinical trial feasibility, facilitating optimal business decision-making through meticulous recruitment-time-cost analyses and evaluation of execution options.

Prior to this role, Mireille served as the Head of Global Site Management and Monitoring Oversight at CSL Seqirus, while advocating for global process consistency with a patient-oriented oversight agility. Mireille’s extensive experience also includes senior positions at Eli Lilly and Hoffmann-La Roche.

Mireille began her career as an ICU Coordinator in Intensive Care at the University Hospital, Ghent, monitoring and caring for patients post-cardiac surgery, demonstrating a commitment to hands-on patient care.

With a career trajectory marked by innovation, strategic vision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Mireille is a dynamic speaker who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to any discussion on clinical research, healthcare management, and leadership in the pharmaceutical industry.

Sarah Bischof, is Head of Clinical Development at invIOs, bringing over 16 years of experience in clinical research and development within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Throughout her career, Sarah Bischof has held key leadership roles and successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and global partners to advance drug development programs from early phases through to regulatory approval.

A Clinical Research Professional with over 13 years’ experience across various settings such as Site, CRO, Small Biotech and Pharma. Expertise in various therapeutic areas from Oncology and Rare/Orphan Disease. Experience from early phase first in human to late phase and Nov Intervention RWE generation and Registries. Focused on Clinical Operations excellence and process improvements for the benefit of the patients we serve. Currently Director, CPL at Alexion, AZ Rare Disease leading a Cross Functional clinical team.