Valentina Lepsky-Perla, BBA, CCRP
Valentina Lepsky-Perla, BBA, CCRP, serves as Director of Clinical Research Operations at Excellence Clinical Research, LLC, where she leads innovative, patient-centered clinical trials that advance healthcare outcomes. She earned her business administration degree from Strayer University and is a Certified Clinical Research Professional through the Society of Clinical Research Associates, combining operational excellence with rigorous regulatory expertise. Valentina is recognized for building and leading high-performing research departments from the ground up and for driving operational efficiency, quality, and compliance across multi-site and cross-functional teams. She has successfully directed study start-up, regulatory, and quality operations across diverse clinical research portfolios, consistently strengthening audit readiness, risk management, and operational rigor. Her leadership style emphasizes strategic planning, process optimization, and strong collaboration among investigators, sponsors, CROs, IRBs, and regulatory authorities. In recognition of her professional excellence and dedication to advancing women in the field, Valentina was honored by the National Association of Professional Women (2014–2015). Fluent in English and Russian, she brings a cross-cultural leadership perspective and is passionate about strengthening clinic-based research programs, developing high-performing teams, and implementing sustainable compliance frameworks that safeguard patient safety and research integrity. Her work across neurology, cardiology, and endocrinology reflects a consistent commitment to ethical, efficient, and impactful research. She credits her success to the strength of her team and collaborative partnerships. She regularly highlights the contributions of key colleagues, including CEO, CMO, Principal Investigator-Husam Eddin MD, Clinical Research Study Coordinator-Torrey McCroskey, LPN, Research Business Manager-Wendy Kelsey, and Research Marketing Strategist -Lindsey Rodriguez. Outside of her work, she enjoys international travel with her daughter and granddaughter, embracing experiences that enrich both her personal and professional life. Valentina’s leadership style reflects a commitment to excellence, teamwork, and meaningful advancements in clinical research.
• CCRP certification
• Strayer University - BBA
• National Association of Professional Women
• SoCRA
• Society of Clinical Research Sites (SCRS)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a commitment to continuous learning and the intentional application of both my education and professional experience to every endeavor I undertake as well as to the strength of my team and collaborative partnerships.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
"Build skills, not just titles". Titles change. Companies change. Industries are evolving. But skills compound. If you consistently invest in learning how to think, communicate, solve problems, lead people, and execute under pressure, you become valuable anywhere. That kind of value travels with you.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to believe in yourself without waiting for others to validate your abilities. Many women underestimate their authority, especially in technical or regulated fields. Speak with confidence, document your impact, and do not hesitate to step into leadership when opportunities arise.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is being heard and gaining credibility until you’ve proven yourself.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are truly getting to know people and helping them, creating programs that endure, and fostering positive change and growth.
