Jennifer Raley has directed Velocity Clinical Research’s Meridian site for two years, focusing on building high-performing teams within the biotechnology and pharmaceutical research sectors. Her most significant recent accomplishment involves her building-up her team while navigating the evolving landscape of clinical research.

“My most significant professional accomplishment has been cultivating a high-performing team culture rooted in trust, open communication and accountability,” Raley said.

She holds dual master’s degrees in public administration and gerontology, a bachelor’s degree in psychology and certification as an executive coach. Her career path wasn’t initially planned for clinical research.

“My path to clinical research wasn’t something I set out to find — it actually found me,” she said. “When the opportunity in clinical research came along, my interest was immediate.”

Her biggest challenge was stepping into the complex industry while simultaneously learning and leading toward ambitious goals. “It truly felt like flying the plane while building it,” she said.

Her goals include expanding clinical research’s community impact and establishing stronger local presence to increase participation and trust.

To Raley, working in an environment that fosters growth, integrity and collaboration is what matters the most.

Tom Wadsworth has served as dean for two years, leading Idaho State University’s pharmacy college across campuses in Pocatello, Meridian and Anchorage. His most significant recent accomplishment was creating the Center for Advancing Pharmacy Practice and Research Excellence (CAPPRE), which successfully advocated for pharmacists to be recognized and reimbursed as health care providers.

“CAPPRE’s success is transforming how health care is delivered and how pharmacy is practiced,” Wadsworth said. “It is shifting the conversation from ‘Should pharmacists be paid for healthcare services?’ to ‘How do we best integrate pharmacists to improve patient outcomes?’”

Through CAPPRE’s efforts, Idaho Medicaid now enrolls pharmacists as rendering providers, and commercial health plans reimburse them for health care services — particularly benefiting rural and underserved areas.

Wadsworth earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from ISU in 2002, completed residency at Boise VA Medical Center, and owned three community pharmacies over a decade before returning to academia.

“The biggest challenge has been confronting and changing the outdated systems that limit what pharmacists are allowed — and paid — to do, despite their advanced training and clinical expertise,” he said.