Crystal Risotti

I always had a desire to learn more about computers, even to the point of programming and things like that. Really, it was the places that I work, because I went into clinical trials not knowing a thing about clinical trials. I started entry level with a company and moved my way up through the ranks just by studying there and learning there. That progressed to them providing me the opportunity to be part of the DIA, and then they provide courses, so I learned those. It's just the propensity for computer systems and software, balancing that with regulatory compliance. Ten years later, I'm a single mom, and I went back to college and got my associate's degree. My plan was to roll right into the bachelor's, but they didn't have enough people signed up, so I had to wait. And waiting became another game, because all the while I'm progressing in my career. So 10 years later after that, I went back for my bachelor's degree. I think that shows tenacity, even though there was a delay in between. I never gave up. I just knew the timing had to be right. I learned a lot about meaningful use in the ACA Act and Medicare and Medicaid and billing, which has helped me bring that to the table as far as maintaining that balance. At one place, I had to build a full SDLC lifecycle process with one programmer who was part-time and me doing part-time validation work. I had to meet the regulations but with very constrained resources, and I was able to successfully do that and present it in audits. I'm talking audits with, like, there were over 200 audits, and most of them were big pharma. That's another accomplishment I think, that I had to learn: what do the regulations say that we have to do? We get flexibility in how we do it. We have to do what it says, but the how is the secret. So it was very streamlined, very simple, very basic, but in every audit I was able to present, this is what the regulation says we have to do, and here's how we meet it. I learned that you don't have to over-engineer everything. It can be very basic, and most people won't follow it if it's too complex. So you have to make things very streamlined and basic for people to be able to feasibly follow the directives. And then I also was a trainer for quite a while, so I think I picked up a really good skill on how to read people and adjust the way I speak to them accordingly so that they can grasp it and understand it. I wouldn't be where I am if I didn't have the support of people around me who saw things that I didn't see in myself. I think my faith plays a part in that too. There's always a brighter side on the other side if you can just stay focused.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is: don’t sacrifice better for best. This has guided me to focus on practical, meaningful progress rather than waiting for perfection, helping me make decisions efficiently, prioritize what truly matters, and deliver results without getting stalled by the pursuit of an unattainable ideal.

I value balance, integrity, and continuous growth in both my personal and professional life. Professionally, I am deeply committed to excellence, compliance, and collaboration, drawing on my extensive experience in IT, quality assurance, and pharmaceutical trials to support and guide teams while ensuring regulatory and operational standards are met. I take pride in mentoring others, improving processes, and integrating innovative solutions, including AI, to enhance efficiency and quality outcomes. Personally, I cherish experiences that bring peace, perspective, and connection, such as camping in my new camper, traveling to explore new cultures and regions, and volunteering through my church. These pursuits allow me to step away from daily routines, immerse myself in learning, and contribute meaningfully to my community, reflecting my belief in purposeful engagement, curiosity, and perseverance.