Evolving with Purpose
Expanding Our Leadership, Building on 35 Years of Quality
Clinical research is changing. Study designs are becoming more complex, data ecosystems are expanding, and sponsors and research organizations are being asked to deliver more with greater efficiency, collaboration, and oversight than ever before.
As the industry evolves, so does DFnet.
For more than 35 years, we’ve partnered with organizations around the world to support high-quality clinical research. Today, we’re pleased to announce several leadership appointments that strengthen our expertise across operations, product and technology, strategy, sales and marketing, and human resources.
These appointments reflect our commitment to ensuring DFnet continues to meet the evolving complexities of clinical research while building on the quality, collaboration, and trusted partnerships that have defined our organization for more than 35 years.
Reflecting on these appointments, CEO Amy Apostoleris shared:
“Clinical research is entering a new era, where data is central to shaping its future, and DFnet’s vision is to lead that transformation through purposeful innovation, scalable technology, and exceptional people. Our success depends on our talented people, our data scientists, engineers, and leaders, who bring the expertise, creativity, and discipline needed to advance our platforms, strengthen our partnerships, and scale to deliver high-quality clinical research with confidence.
These leadership appointments reflect our investment in the people shaping DFnet’s future and our commitment to delivering even greater value to biopharmaceutical sponsors, CROs, research institutions, and the patients they ultimately serve. As we look ahead, we remain focused on strengthening the customer experience, advancing our technology, and building the trusted partnerships that have defined DFnet for more than 35 years.”
Amy Apostoleris, DFnet CEO
Meet Our New Leaders
Michelle Rule
Vice President, Strategy & Development
Michelle brings a strong track record of driving strategic growth, building high-impact partnerships, and aligning business development with operational excellence across the clinical research industry.
Michelle is a strategic leader with over 25 years of experience in clinical research operations. She has partnered with pharmaceutical, medical device, biotech, CRO, government, and technology organizations to advance complex clinical research programs through technology-enabled solutions and trusted collaboration.
As Vice President, Strategy & Development, Michelle leads initiatives to expand DFnet’s market presence, strengthen strategic partnerships, and align business development, marketing, and corporate strategy with product and service delivery. Her leadership will help drive sustainable growth while advancing DFnet’s mission to support high-quality, compliant, and globally scalable clinical research.
Craig Horsman
Vice President, Administration & Operations
Craig brings extensive experience in quality management, regulatory compliance, and operational leadership, with a proven ability to build scalable systems that support organizational excellence.
Craig is an experienced operations and quality leader with a background spanning clinical research, healthcare, and medical technology. He has led quality systems, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives within highly regulated environments, helping organizations strengthen performance while maintaining the highest standards.
As Vice President, Administration & Operations, Craig oversees operational excellence, quality, and the business systems that support DFnet’s global organization. His leadership will help strengthen internal operations and support the company’s continued growth.
Emily MacKenzie
Vice President, Products & Services
Emily brings a proven track record of leading technology transformation, building high-performing engineering teams, and delivering innovative software solutions within complex, regulated industries.
Emily is a technology executive with more than 20 years of experience leading engineering, product, and technology organizations. She has guided organizations through digital transformation and rapid growth while building collaborative teams focused on delivering meaningful customer outcomes.
As Vice President, Engineering, Product & Clinical Study Management, Emily leads the strategy, development, and delivery of DFnet’s technology platform and clinical data solutions. Her leadership will help accelerate innovation and support the continued evolution of DFnet’s unified eClinical platform, DFdiscover.
Leah Wills Pocrnich
Vice President, Human Resources
Leah brings extensive experience leading people strategy, organizational transformation, and talent development across healthcare and high-growth technology organizations.
Leah is a human resources executive with expertise in organizational development, leadership, and change management. She has partnered with executive teams to build high-performing cultures, develop talent strategies, and support organizations through periods of growth and transformation.
As Vice President, Human Resources, Leah leads DFnet’s global people strategy, including talent development, employee experience, and organizational effectiveness. Her leadership will help strengthen DFnet’s culture while supporting the company’s continued growth.
Looking Ahead
These appointments are more than new titles; they reflect DFnet’s continued investment in the future.
As the clinical research landscape continues to evolve, we’re strengthening our leadership, expanding our expertise, and continuing to invest in the people who make our organization successful.
While our leadership team continues to grow, one thing remains unchanged: our commitment to delivering dependable technology, trusted expertise, and lasting partnerships that help our customers advance clinical research with confidence.
For more than 35 years, that commitment has guided everything we do, and it will continue to shape the future of DFnet as we support the next generation of clinical research.
Learn More About DFnet
Discover how more than 35 years of clinical research expertise, innovative technology, and trusted partnerships continue to help organizations advance research around the world.
