Management

Samira Moran

Chief Executive Officer

Samira joined Ark Clinical Research in February 2023. She has over 25 years of clinical research knowledge and extensive business experience with a proven track record for success. Prior to joining Ark, Samira was the President and CEO for National Research Institute (NRI) with 5 sites in Southern California until September 2021 when Velocity Clinical Research acquired all 5 sites. She supported the transition as Sr. Vice President for Velocity responsible for the Specialty Care strategy. In addition to her site experience, Samira worked with Parexel for 9 years leading the Phase I unit in Los Angeles and overseeing the strategic partnerships for the Early Phase division.

Samira is a warm, friendly, personable leader with the ability to motivate teams and develop strong, long-lasting relationships.

Mike Delgado

Chief Clinical Officer

Mike Delgado, Chief Clinical Officer at Ark Clinical Research, is a highly qualified Clinical Research professional with over 15 years of experience spanning study coordination to site management across all phases of research. He has worked in a wide range of indications, including Metabolic and Liver Disease, and now leads Ark’s clinical operations with a focus on patient experience, study execution, enrollment performance, and operational quality. Combining a hands-on approach with strategic oversight, Mike also supports staff mentorship and training to ensure alignment, growth, and continuous improvement across sites.

Hyo Kim

Chief Operating Officer

Hyo Kim is a seasoned executive with over 15 years of experience in the healthcare, finance, and nonprofit sectors. As the Chief Operating Officer, Hyo is responsible for overseeing overall business operations, administration, patient recruitment, and marketing. His expertise in leadership and management has been honed over the years through his previous roles as Vice President of Business Operations and positions in patient recruitment and marketing. Hyo has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a master’s degree from Biola University. Hyo’s leadership and negotiation skills and his passion for leveraging technology to improve patient experience have resulted in increased productivity and improved communication across teams. Overall, Hyo is a highly skilled and accessible leader known for developing high-performing teams and driving organizations toward their goals and objectives.

Evelyn Rodriguez

Director, Marketing and Mobile Operations

Evelyn Rodriguez joined Ark Clinical Research in December 2024, bringing over 10 years of experience in healthcare and clinical research. She specializes in feasibility analysis, marketing, patient recruitment, and leadership. Previously, Evelyn was a Feasibility Manager, assessing trial feasibility, managing site identification, and supporting regional sites. She’s held roles as Public Relations Director and Marketing Manager, enhancing brand awareness, leading advertising campaigns, and overseeing recruitment. Evelyn holds an M.S. in Applied Psychology from USC, focusing on Consumer & Organizational Psychology. Fluent in English and Spanish, she is dedicated to increasing patient accessibility and diversity in clinical research through data-driven strategies, community outreach, and patient-centric marketing.

Ruby Canto

Head of Patient Recruitment

Ruby Canto joined Ark Clinical Research in April 2024 as Head of Patient Recruitment, bringing over seven years of experience in clinical research. She specializes in patient recruitment, mobile unit operations, and clinical trial coordination across Phases I-IV. With a strong background in patient outreach and recruitment leadership, Ruby has successfully managed large-scale enrollment initiatives and expanded access to clinical trials across multiple locations. Her expertise includes developing strategic recruitment plans, overseeing decentralized trial operations, and enhancing patient engagement. Ruby holds a B.A. in Latin American & Latino Studies with a minor in Information Systems Management. She also has experience fostering relationships with doctors and collaborating with community organizations. She is committed to improving accessibility and diversity in clinical research through innovative recruitment strategies and community outreach.

Kellee Kim

A&I Site Director & Managing Partner

Kellee Kim joined Ark Clinical Research in February 2024. With a background spanning 13 years in biotechnology, she has developed expertise in business development, strategy, and drug development. Before joining Ark, Kellee Kim served as Vice President of Life Sciences at LPC West, where she played a key role in bridging the gap between investors, real estate developers, and life science companies. Additionally, Kellee has worked at EcoR1 Capital, a biotech focused investment fund and Assembly Biosciences, a biotechnology company, focusing on company and financial analysis, corporate strategy, and business development. Her experience also includes a $50M upfront deal with Allergan, investing in biotechnology companies from Series A to IPO, and launching LPC West’s life science platform. With a strong track record in research, strategy, and business development, she brings valuable insights to the Ark team. Known for her creative problem solving, communication, and vision, Kellee is committed to the success of business development at Ark.

Vanessa Delgado

Site Director, Long Beach Site

Vanessa Delgado, Site Director at Ark Clinical Research’s Long Beach site, brings nearly two decades of experience managing clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas, including metabolic disease, neurology, dermatology, and women’s health. A Certified Clinical Research Coordinator through ACRP, she has held progressive roles from Clinical Research Coordinator to Senior Coordinator and Project Manager at leading research organizations before joining Ark. In her current role, Vanessa provides operational leadership, oversees site performance, and ensures studies are conducted with the highest standards of quality, compliance, and patient care.

Minie Mercado, LVN

Site Director, Fountain Valley Site

Minie Mercado, Site Director at Ark Clinical Research’s Fountain Valley Site, brings over 25 years of experience in clinical research, spanning all phases of trials and a broad range of therapeutic areas including CNS, gastroenterology, dermatology, ophthalmology, cardiology, endocrinology/metabolic disease, and rheumatology. She has advanced through roles from Clinical Research Coordinator to Director of CNS Operations and Site Director at multiple leading institutions. A licensed vocational nurse, Minie also holds certifications in GCP, IATA, and Basic Life Support, and is recognized for her strong leadership in site operations, patient safety, and study execution.