Her Story
About Haley
Haley Benjamin, M.S., is a quality assurance and program management professional specializing in laboratory accreditation, biological testing programs, and quality management systems. Based in Frederick, Maryland, she currently serves as a Biological Program Manager at A2LA, where she oversees accreditation-related initiatives focused on biological testing and biobanking. Her work includes cross-functional collaboration, assessor evaluations, project management, conference engagement, and supporting laboratories in maintaining compliance with industry and international standards. Recognized for her adaptability and commitment to operational excellence, Haley has built a career focused on ensuring quality, safety, and integrity across laboratory and testing environments.
Haley began her professional journey in exercise science and clinical exercise physiology, earning her bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York Cortland and her master’s degree from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following graduate school, she worked at the Baltimore VA Medical Center on research initiatives involving veterans, rehabilitation, biomechanics, and exercise physiology. In 2021, she transitioned into the accreditation and quality assurance industry after accepting an opportunity with A2LA as an Accreditation Officer. Since then, she has rapidly advanced into leadership roles through her dedication to continuous learning, collaboration, and professional growth. Her work in accreditation allows her to contribute to public safety by supporting laboratories that ensure the quality and compliance of food, medical devices, water, and other essential products.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Haley remains actively involved in industry organizations and community initiatives. She serves as a volunteer committee member for ASTM International’s D37 Cannabis Committee and is a member of the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER) Standards Community of Practice. She was also selected for ASTM’s Emerging Professionals Program, a recognition that reflects her growing leadership within the accreditation and standards community. Passionate about lifelong learning, mentorship, and collaboration, Haley encourages the next generation of professionals to remain adaptable, seek meaningful connections, and embrace opportunities that challenge them to grow both personally and professionally.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Haley
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being open to opportunities, continuously learning, and being willing to step outside of my comfort zone. Early in my career, I took a leap of faith transitioning from clinical exercise physiology into accreditation and quality assurance, even though it was a very different direction from what I originally planned. I was fortunate to have supportive managers and mentors who encouraged my growth, provided opportunities to travel, attend conferences, and gain hands-on experience, which helped me expand both professionally and personally. I have always maintained a strong desire to help people, improve processes, and make a meaningful impact through the work I do.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to say yes to opportunities, even when they may feel unfamiliar or outside of your original career path. Some of the most meaningful growth in my career came from taking chances, remaining adaptable, and being willing to learn new industries, systems, and responsibilities. I have learned that staying open-minded and embracing change can open doors you never expected.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to network broadly, seek mentorship, and remain open to learning opportunities wherever they arise. It is important to build relationships across industries, ask questions, and not be afraid to step into spaces that may initially feel intimidating. Being adaptable, committed, and willing to continuously grow can create opportunities you may not have imagined for yourself. I also believe it is important to trust your abilities, stay focused on your goals, and recognize that dedication and consistency truly make a difference over time.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating constantly evolving regulations and external industry influences. Regulatory updates and compliance changes can happen very quickly, and there are often delays in communication between regulators, laboratories, and accreditation bodies. This can create uncertainty for both organizations and clients trying to remain compliant. At the same time, these challenges highlight the importance of strong communication, transparency, collaboration, and adaptability within organizations. As industries continue evolving, there are also significant opportunities for innovation, standardization, and improving quality systems across laboratories and biological testing programs.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are helping people, transparency, collaboration, continuous learning, and making a positive impact. I believe strong communication and teamwork are essential in both professional and personal environments. I value creating systems and processes that improve outcomes while also supporting the people behind the work. Lifelong learning is also extremely important to me because I believe growth comes from remaining curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences and perspectives.
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