Connecting Today's Leaders to Tomorrow's Breakthroughs
Catalyst Advisors is an international executive recruitment and assessment firm singularly focused on building boardrooms and executive leadership teams for companies passionate about improving the lives of patients through scientific innovation.
Purposeful Impact
We are committed in heart and mind to partnering with the world’s most innovative organizations dedicated to making breakthrough treatments a reality
Insightful Engagement
We
leverage our unique connections and experience in life sciences to meet our
clients’ complex business needs and deliver impactful leadership recruitments
Authentic Collaboration
The
cornerstone of our success is our respect for the collective wisdom our team
brings to every assignment
About Us
Bringing visionary leaders to transformative life sciences companies
We are singularly focused on building transformational boardrooms and executive leadership teams for organizations at the forefront of making life-changing scientific contributions.
Life Sciences-focused. We are focused on building transformational boardrooms and executive leadership teams for companies passionate about changing the world through scientific breakthroughs that have the potential to change patients’ lives.
Targeted. We seek meaningful partnerships with companies that understand that our high success rate is underpinned by a white-glove approach to connecting them with high-caliber leaders who will drive tomorrow’s scientific innovations. We are advisors in the truest sense of the word. Our rigorous approach starts with an understanding your business and culture so that we can assess your needs and connect you with the type of leaders who will help drive your company’s success.
Connected. Our global team is a purposeful mix of seasoned life sciences industry experts and best-in-class executive recruiters. With a deep belief in the power of science to change lives, we are collectively informed by our vast and carefully curated network to deliver impactful leadership recruitments.
Collaborative. Our team structure is specifically designed to foster collaboration — not competition — so that our clients get the benefits of all, not just one. Much like them, we recognize that tomorrow’s breakthroughs require a team of singularly-focused experts who are in pursuit of solving the world’s most pressing unmet medical needs.
Staying up-to-date with the latest Catalyst Advisors thought pieces and social media posts
Connected
Connected
We tap into our deep and long-standing relationships to connect the right leaders with the right company. The resulting breakthroughs has the potential to improve patients’ lives.
Pharma Specialists
Recruiters and Advisors
Recruiters and Advisors
We identify and recruit leaders who have a unique combination of notable accomplishments, the ability to lead through change and growth and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Executive Recruitment
Commitment to Diversity
Commitment to Diversity
We strongly believe that diverse boards and leadership teams make companies stronger, more agile and attractive to future talent.
Senior Leadership
Singular Focus
Singular Focus
Catalyst Advisors is one of the only executive recruitment and assessment firms singularly focused on the life sciences industry. We build real relationships with a long-term view.
Life Sciences
Consultants and Management
Our deep relationships with current and emerging life sciences companies allow us to fulfill your executive leadership and talent needs.

John Archer | Partner
John Archer | Partner
Based in New York, NY, John Archer is a Partner at Catalyst Advisors. He has more than 25 years of experience as a leading healthcare recruitment consultant, providing executive talent solutions for innovative biopharmaceutical and medical technologies companies.
Prior to founding Catalyst Advisors in 2008, John was a senior member of a global executive recruitment and assessment firm, where he served as an international sector leader and a member of the executive and operating committees. John started his career as a senior executive at a publicly traded biotechnology company before working with a private investment firm evaluating healthcare opportunities.
John earned a B.S. from the University of Colorado at Boulder and an M.B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley.
[email protected] • O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 101 • M: +1 917.340.7703
John Archer
Partner
Based in New York, NY, John Archer is a Partner at Catalyst Advisors...
John Archer | Partner
John Archer | Partner
Based in New York, NY, John Archer is a Partner at Catalyst Advisors. He has more than 25 years of experience as a leading healthcare recruitment consultant, providing executive talent solutions for innovative biopharmaceutical and medical technologies companies.
Prior to founding Catalyst Advisors in 2008, John was a senior member of a global executive recruitment and assessment firm, where he served as an international sector leader and a member of the executive and operating committees. John started his career as a senior executive at a publicly traded biotechnology company before working with a private investment firm evaluating healthcare opportunities.
John earned a B.S. from the University of Colorado at Boulder and an M.B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley.
[email protected] • O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 101 • M: +1 917.340.7703

Arnaldo De Lisio | Partner
Arnaldo De Lisio | Partner
Based in London, U.K., Arnaldo De Lisio is a Partner at Catalyst Advisors. He has more than 15 years of experience working with innovative life science companies and has been a driver in establishing Catalyst Advisors in Europe.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Arnaldo was a managing partner of a global life sciences recruitment firm headquartered in the United Kingdom, where he conducted board and C-suite recruitment engagements for clients in Europe and North America. He was also a member of the executive team that developed the firm’s strategy and led its growth. Previously, Arnaldo was a start-up entrepreneur in Italy and a management consultant at Simon-Kucher & Partners in Germany, where he advised pharmaceutical companies on pricing and reimbursement strategies.
Fluent in English, Italian and German, Arnaldo earned a Global Executive M.B.A. from the Hult International Business School and a B.S. and M.Sc. in Business Administration from the University of Molise, Italy.
Outside of work, family, sports and the outdoors are his passions.
[email protected] • O: +44 203 743 3076 • M: +44 73 9396 9330
Arnaldo De Lisio
Partner
Based in London, England, Arnaldo De Lisio is a Partner at Catalyst Advisors...
Arnaldo De Lisio | Partner
Arnaldo De Lisio | Partner
Based in London, U.K., Arnaldo De Lisio is a Partner at Catalyst Advisors. He has more than 15 years of experience working with innovative life science companies and has been a driver in establishing Catalyst Advisors in Europe.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Arnaldo was a managing partner of a global life sciences recruitment firm headquartered in the United Kingdom, where he conducted board and C-suite recruitment engagements for clients in Europe and North America. He was also a member of the executive team that developed the firm’s strategy and led its growth. Previously, Arnaldo was a start-up entrepreneur in Italy and a management consultant at Simon-Kucher & Partners in Germany, where he advised pharmaceutical companies on pricing and reimbursement strategies.
Fluent in English, Italian and German, Arnaldo earned a Global Executive M.B.A. from the Hult International Business School and a B.S. and M.Sc. in Business Administration from the University of Molise, Italy.
Outside of work, family, sports and the outdoors are his passions.
[email protected] • O: +44 203 743 3076 • M: +44 73 9396 9330

Borjana Fermaud | Partner
Borjana Fermaud | Partner
Based in New York, NY, Borjana Fermaud is a Partner at Catalyst Advisors. She has 15 years of biopharmaceutical experience, connecting talent with opportunities to maximize the potential of both executives and organizations.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Borjana was Vice President of Relationship Management for GLG Institute, where she built and curated an ecosystem of industry leaders and subject matter experts to create a world-leading platform for learning and mentorship. Previously, she held the position of Chief of Staff to the Global CEO of Bayer Medical Care.
Borjana earned an M.Sc. in Management from ESCP-EAP European School of Management.
Borjana is fluent in English, German, Russian and French, and she has lived and worked in Germany, Russia, France and Switzerland. Borjana can often be found working from one of these countries during the summer months.
[email protected] • O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 129 • M: +1 914.924.5997
Borjana Fermaud
Partner
Based in New York, NY, Borjana Fermaud is a Partner at Catalyst Advisors...
Borjana Fermaud | Partner
Borjana Fermaud | Partner
Based in New York, NY, Borjana Fermaud is a Partner at Catalyst Advisors. She has 15 years of biopharmaceutical experience, connecting talent with opportunities to maximize the potential of both executives and organizations.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Borjana was Vice President of Relationship Management for GLG Institute, where she built and curated an ecosystem of industry leaders and subject matter experts to create a world-leading platform for learning and mentorship. Previously, she held the position of Chief of Staff to the Global CEO of Bayer Medical Care.
Borjana earned an M.Sc. in Management from ESCP-EAP European School of Management.
Borjana is fluent in English, German, Russian and French, and she has lived and worked in Germany, Russia, France and Switzerland. Borjana can often be found working from one of these countries during the summer months.
[email protected] • O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 129 • M: +1 914.924.5997

Gilbert Forest | Partner
Gilbert Forest | Partner
Based in Cambridge, MA, Gilbert Forest is a Partner at Catalyst Advisors. He established the Cambridge office in 2018, and has more than 20 years of experience recruiting executives for innovative life science companies and their boards, as well as advising across complex talent challenges.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Gilbert co-founded the Boston office of a global executive recruitment firm, building expertise in therapeutics executive leadership. He initially earned his reputation across senior executive leadership for research and development with biotech and pharmaceutical innovators and has since established his expertise across the executive functions at the Board, CEO and C suite level. Gilbert started his career as an attorney at General Motors Corporation and in private practice for a leading Montreal law firm.
Gilbert earned an LL.B. from Laval University in Quebec City and an M.B.A. from the University of Toronto.
Fluent in French, Gilbert has been known to dabble in Mandarin. He can often be found testing twisties and sweepers on any one of his motorcycles.
[email protected] • O: +1 617.655.6655 • M: +1 617.513.6915
Gilbert Forest
Partner
Based in Cambridge, MA, Gilbert Forest is a Partner at Catalyst Advisors...
Gilbert Forest | Partner
Gilbert Forest | Partner
Based in Cambridge, MA, Gilbert Forest is a Partner at Catalyst Advisors. He established the Cambridge office in 2018, and has more than 20 years of experience recruiting executives for innovative life science companies and their boards, as well as advising across complex talent challenges.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Gilbert co-founded the Boston office of a global executive recruitment firm, building expertise in therapeutics executive leadership. He initially earned his reputation across senior executive leadership for research and development with biotech and pharmaceutical innovators and has since established his expertise across the executive functions at the Board, CEO and C suite level. Gilbert started his career as an attorney at General Motors Corporation and in private practice for a leading Montreal law firm.
Gilbert earned an LL.B. from Laval University in Quebec City and an M.B.A. from the University of Toronto.
Fluent in French, Gilbert has been known to dabble in Mandarin. He can often be found testing twisties and sweepers on any one of his motorcycles.
[email protected] • O: +1 617.655.6655 • M: +1 617.513.6915

Stephen J. Williams, Ph.D. | Partner
Stephen J. Williams, Ph.D. | Partner
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Steve served as the President and Chief Business Officer of a global life sciences recruiting firm. Previously, Steve held positions at both pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and led discovery biology and pre-clinical development of Cardiolite® and Neurolite® at DuPont and DuPont Merck Pharmaceuticals. He also held leadership positions in line marketing, strategic product planning and business development. Earlier, Steve was a Medical Director in new product planning at Bristol-Myers Squibb and served as a key member of the management team that executed a successful IPO at Progenitor, a biotechnology company.
Steve earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Duke University.
Steve is member of the Graduate School Board of Visitors at Duke University and a named contributor to the biology department of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. On most weekends, you can find Steve battling his wife on the tennis court.
[email protected] • O: +1 310.907.1500 Ext.109 • M: +1 424.653.9153
Stephen Williams, Ph.D.
Partner
Based in Los Angeles, CA, Steve Williams, Ph.D., is a Partner at Catalyst Advisors...
Stephen J. Williams, Ph.D. | Partner
Stephen J. Williams, Ph.D. | Partner
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Steve served as the President and Chief Business Officer of a global life sciences recruiting firm. Previously, Steve held positions at both pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and led discovery biology and pre-clinical development of Cardiolite® and Neurolite® at DuPont and DuPont Merck Pharmaceuticals. He also held leadership positions in line marketing, strategic product planning and business development. Earlier, Steve was a Medical Director in new product planning at Bristol-Myers Squibb and served as a key member of the management team that executed a successful IPO at Progenitor, a biotechnology company.
Steve earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Duke University.
Steve is member of the Graduate School Board of Visitors at Duke University and a named contributor to the biology department of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. On most weekends, you can find Steve battling his wife on the tennis court.
[email protected] • O: +1 310.907.1500 Ext.109 • M: +1 424.653.9153

Cissy Young, Ph.D. | Partner
Cissy Young, Ph.D. | Partner
Based in Boston, MA, Cissy Young, Ph.D. is a Partner at Catalyst Advisors. Dr. Young is a thought leader in global talent acquisition in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and DE&I leadership, advising boards and CEOs on the assessment and recruitment of top executive talent.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, she was the Chief People Officer at Valo Health, where she led the talent and people strategy for assembling tech and pharma/biotech talent to build an AI-powered computational platform for drug discovery and development. Previously, she was a Managing Director at a top global executive search and leadership advisory firm, where she led the Diversity & Inclusion practice in North America and served as a senior member of the Global Biotech & Pharmaceuticals Practice. Her clients included the full spectrum of the life sciences industry, including life sciences venture capital firms, emerging growth biotech companies, and global large-cap pharmaceutical companies.
Dr. Young is a trusted advisor to Boards and CEOs on leadership topics, including assessment, recruitment and development of executive talent, bench building and succession planning, and board composition and evolution. Dr. Young’s earlier professional experiences also include leading business development and strategy at several emerging growth biotech companies.
Dr. Young received her B.A. in biology from Brown University, her Ph.D. in cancer biology from Columbia University, and her M.B.A. in entrepreneurship and strategic management from The Pennsylvania State University.
[email protected] • M: +1 617-840-6595
Cissy Young, Ph.D.
Partner
Based in Boston, MA, Cissy Young, Ph.D. is a Partner at Catalyst Advisors...
Cissy Young, Ph.D. | Partner
Cissy Young, Ph.D. | Partner
Based in Boston, MA, Cissy Young, Ph.D. is a Partner at Catalyst Advisors. Dr. Young is a thought leader in global talent acquisition in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and DE&I leadership, advising boards and CEOs on the assessment and recruitment of top executive talent.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, she was the Chief People Officer at Valo Health, where she led the talent and people strategy for assembling tech and pharma/biotech talent to build an AI-powered computational platform for drug discovery and development. Previously, she was a Managing Director at a top global executive search and leadership advisory firm, where she led the Diversity & Inclusion practice in North America and served as a senior member of the Global Biotech & Pharmaceuticals Practice. Her clients included the full spectrum of the life sciences industry, including life sciences venture capital firms, emerging growth biotech companies, and global large-cap pharmaceutical companies.
Dr. Young is a trusted advisor to Boards and CEOs on leadership topics, including assessment, recruitment and development of executive talent, bench building and succession planning, and board composition and evolution. Dr. Young’s earlier professional experiences also include leading business development and strategy at several emerging growth biotech companies.
Dr. Young received her B.A. in biology from Brown University, her Ph.D. in cancer biology from Columbia University, and her M.B.A. in entrepreneurship and strategic management from The Pennsylvania State University.
[email protected] • M: +1 617-840-6595

Kelsey Bibbs | Director
Kelsey Bibbs | Director
Based in New York, NY, Kelsey Bibbs is a Director at Catalyst Advisors. She has more than eight years of experience partnering with C-suite executives and board directors on executive recruitment and talent development initiatives.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Kelsey was a Director at a global executive recruiting firm, where she focused on board directors, C-suite executives and general management roles for companies across life sciences, healthcare, technology and consumer goods and services.
Previously, Kelsey led Advisor Relations for the GLG Institute, a global executive development community created by and for senior leaders in healthcare. She recruited and oversaw the strategic relationships with a community of 450 C-suite executives, former government officials and thought leaders. She also led advisor retention initiatives, created content and programming, and drove enterprise sales.
Kelsey earned a B.A. in Criminology, Law and Society from the University of California, Irvine.
[email protected] • O: +1 332.213.1676 Ext. 132 • M: +1 858.610.5257
Kelsey Bibbs
Director
Based in New York, NY, Kelsey Bibbs is a Director at Catalyst Advisors..
Kelsey Bibbs | Director
Kelsey Bibbs | Director
Based in New York, NY, Kelsey Bibbs is a Director at Catalyst Advisors. She has more than eight years of experience partnering with C-suite executives and board directors on executive recruitment and talent development initiatives.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Kelsey was a Director at a global executive recruiting firm, where she focused on board directors, C-suite executives and general management roles for companies across life sciences, healthcare, technology and consumer goods and services.
Previously, Kelsey led Advisor Relations for the GLG Institute, a global executive development community created by and for senior leaders in healthcare. She recruited and oversaw the strategic relationships with a community of 450 C-suite executives, former government officials and thought leaders. She also led advisor retention initiatives, created content and programming, and drove enterprise sales.
Kelsey earned a B.A. in Criminology, Law and Society from the University of California, Irvine.
[email protected] • O: +1 332.213.1676 Ext.132 • M: +1 858.610.5257

Jessica Hopkins | Senior Research Associate
Jessica Hopkins | Senior Research Associate
Based in New York, NY, Jessica Hopkins is a Senior Research Associate at Catalyst Advisors. She has more than 10 years of research experience focused on public health and life sciences.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Jess was most recently a Research Associate at Columbia University, where she managed clinical trials evaluating behavioral risk-reduction interventions. Previously, she held research roles at RTI International and Yale University, where she worked on HIV and drug use clinical trials.
Jess earned a B.A. in English and Psychology from Villanova University and an M.P.H in Health Behavior and Health Education from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Jess enjoys running, hiking and dabbling in photography in her spare time.
[email protected] • O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 100
Jessica Hopkins
Senior Research Associate
Based in New York, NY, Jessica Hopkins is a Senior Research Associate at Catalyst Advisors...
Jessica Hopkins | Senior Research Associate
Jessica Hopkins | Senior Research Associate
Based in New York, NY, Jessica Hopkins is a Senior Research Associate at Catalyst Advisors. She has more than 10 years of research experience focused on public health and life sciences.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Jess was most recently a Research Associate at Columbia University, where she managed clinical trials evaluating behavioral risk-reduction interventions. Previously, she held research roles at RTI International and Yale University, where she worked on HIV and drug use clinical trials.
Jess earned a B.A. in English and Psychology from Villanova University and an M.P.H in Health Behavior and Health Education from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Jess enjoys running, hiking and dabbling in photography in her spare time.
[email protected] • O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 100

Lane Johnson | Research Associate
Lane Johnson | Research Associate
Based in New York, NY, Lane Johnson is a Research Associate at Catalyst Advisors. He has more than five years of experience in executive recruiting and more than two years of Life Sciences industry focus.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Lane was a Research and Coordinating Assistant at a boutique firm specializing in the recruitment of Human Resources executives.
Lane earned a B.M. from Louisiana State University and a M.M. from the University of Kansas.
Lane enjoys hiking, traveling and attending opera and concert performances.
[email protected] • O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 123
Lane Johnson
Research Associate
Based in New York, NY, Lane Johnson is a Research Associate at Catalyst Advisors...
Lane Johnson | Research Associate
Lane Johnson | Research Associate
Based in New York, NY, Lane Johnson is a Research Associate at Catalyst Advisors. He has more than five years of experience in executive recruiting and more than two years of Life Sciences industry focus.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Lane was a Research and Coordinating Assistant at a boutique firm specializing in the recruitment of Human Resources executives.
Lane earned a B.M. from Louisiana State University and a M.M. from the University of Kansas.
Lane enjoys hiking, traveling and attending opera and concert performances.
[email protected] • O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 123

Susan Kelly | Director of European Research and Client Management
Susan Kelly | Director of European Research and Client Management
Based in London, England, Susan Kelly is the Director of European Research and Client Management at Catalyst Advisors. She has 24 years of recruitment experience in the life sciences industry.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Susan was a Principal at a global executive recruitment firm, where she specialized in European healthcare with a focus on pharmaceutical and biotech sectors at the Board, CEO and C-suite level. Previously, Susan worked at McKinsey & Company as a Research Analyst and started her career in market research.
Susan earned a BSc in Biotechnology and Marketing from Strathclyde University, Glasgow.
Susan loves experimenting in the kitchen, with a particular passion for Indian cooking, and is an armchair motorsport fan.
[email protected] • O: + 44 20 3743 3083
Susan Kelly
Director of European Research and Client Management
Based in London, England, Susan Kelly is the Director of European Research...
Susan Kelly | Director of European Research and Client Management
Susan Kelly | Director of European Research and Client Management
Based in London, England, Susan Kelly is the Director of European Research and Client Management at Catalyst Advisors. She has 24 years of recruitment experience in the life sciences industry.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Susan was a Principal at a global executive recruitment firm, where she specialized in European healthcare with a focus on pharmaceutical and biotech sectors at the Board, CEO and C-suite level. Previously, Susan worked at McKinsey & Company as a Research Analyst and started her career in market research.
Susan earned a BSc in Biotechnology and Marketing from Strathclyde University, Glasgow.
Susan loves experimenting in the kitchen, with a particular passion for Indian cooking, and is an armchair motorsport fan.
[email protected] • O: + 44 20 3743 3083

Andrew (AJ) MacBride Brown | Director
Andrew (AJ) MacBride Brown | Director
Based in London, Andrew (A.J.) MacBride Brown is a Director at Catalyst Advisors. He brings more than six years’ experience supporting and advising senior leaders and executives in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, AJ was an Engagement Manager in the Healthcare and Life Science Practice at a global executive recruitment firm, where he focused on C-Suite and Board appointments in EMEA and North America. Previously, A.J. worked at the Sorin Group (now LivaNova P.L.C.), a global medical device company based in Milan, Italy as a Corporate Business Development and Strategy Analyst – he was a member of the deal team for the $2.7 billion merger of Sorin Group and Cyberonics.
A.J. earned his degree in Business Development, Management and Operations from the University of Glasgow.
He grew up across Asia and the Middle East and was previously an Ambassador for Rugby nei Parche, a national F.I.R. (Federazione Italiana Rugby) initiative.
Andrew MacBride Brown
Director
Based in London, Andrew (AJ) MacBride is a Director at Catalyst Advisors...
Andrew (AJ) MacBride Brown | Director
Andrew (AJ) MacBride Brown | Director
Based in London, Andrew (A.J.) MacBride Brown is a Director at Catalyst Advisors. He brings more than six years’ experience supporting and advising senior leaders and executives in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, AJ was an Engagement Manager in the Healthcare and Life Science Practice at a global executive recruitment firm, where he focused on C-Suite and Board appointments in EMEA and North America. Previously, A.J. worked at the Sorin Group (now LivaNova P.L.C.), a global medical device company based in Milan, Italy as a Corporate Business Development and Strategy Analyst – he was a member of the deal team for the $2.7 billion merger of Sorin Group and Cyberonics.
A.J. earned his degree in Business Development, Management and Operations from the University of Glasgow.
He grew up across Asia and the Middle East and was previously an Ambassador for Rugby nei Parche, a national F.I.R. (Federazione Italiana Rugby) initiative.

Johanna “Jo” Neuman | Associate Director
Johanna “Jo” Neuman | Associate Director

Johanna “Jo” Neuman
Associate Director
Based in New York, NY, Jo Neuman is an Associate Director at Catalyst Advisors...
Johanna “Jo” Neuman | Associate Director
Johanna “Jo” Neuman | Associate Director
Based in New York, NY, Jo Neuman is an Associate Director at Catalyst Advisors. She has more than 10 years of life sciences industry experience.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Jo was as Senior Business Development Manager at GLG Institute, where she focused on life sciences within the biopharma space. Previously, Jo worked at National Spine & Pain Centers, LLC, as a Provider Liaison where she trained and developed sales professionals. Earlier, Jo was a M.D.-Ph.D. candidate at Johns Hopkins University with a focus on Neuroscience.
Jo earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Muhlenberg College.
Jo enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as hiking and experimenting with new recipes.
[email protected] • O: +1 212-775-0800 Ext. 137 • M: +1 203.246-1385

Susan J. Newman | Principal and Senior Director, Research and Client Management
Susan J. Newman | Principal and Senior Director, Research and Client Management
Based in New York, NY, Susan Newman is a Principal and Senior Director, Research and Client Management at Catalyst Advisors. She has more than 20 years of life science research experience, identifying senior executives for medical, scientific and C-suite leadership roles.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Susan created and led the life sciences practice of a national recruiting firm. Previously, Susan held progressive roles in technical product development, regional sales and commercial operations in the medical device and diagnostics industry.
Susan earned a B.A. in Biology from Simmons College in Boston.
Susan serves as a Board Director for a regional chapter of The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research. Prior board roles include President/Board Chair for a South Florida non-profit organization supporting music education in local schools and Director for the South Florida Affiliate of the National Human Resources Association.
[email protected] • O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 108 • M: +1 954.234.7924
Susan Newman
Principal and Senior Director, Research and Client Management
Based in New York, NY, Susan Newman is a Principal and Senior Director...
Susan J. Newman | Principal and Senior Director, Research and Client Management
Susan J. Newman | Principal and Senior Director, Research and Client Management
Based in New York, NY, Susan Newman is a Principal and Senior Director, Research and Client Management at Catalyst Advisors. She has more than 20 years of life science research experience, identifying senior executives for medical, scientific and C-suite leadership roles.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Susan created and led the life sciences practice of a national recruiting firm. Previously, Susan held progressive roles in technical product development, regional sales and commercial operations in the medical device and diagnostics industry.
Susan earned a B.A. in Biology from Simmons College in Boston.
Susan serves as a Board Director for a regional chapter of The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research. Prior board roles include President/Board Chair for a South Florida non-profit organization supporting music education in local schools and Director for the South Florida Affiliate of the National Human Resources Association.
[email protected] • O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 108 • M: +1 954.234.7924

Cara Smith | Associate Director
Cara Smith | Associate Director
Based in Los Angeles, CA, Cara Smith is an Associate Director at Catalyst Advisors. She has more than six years of talent recruitment experience in healthcare and life sciences.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Cara was a Senior Associate at an international executive recruitment firm, where she specialized in C-suite, general management, commercial and scientific talent solutions in the healthcare and life sciences sectors, with a specific focus on medical technology and biopharma. Previously, Cara worked at a boutique executive recruitment firm, serving healthcare services and healthcare technology industries for prominent private equity and venture capital sponsors.
Cara earned a B.S. in Biology from Northeastern University.
[email protected] • O: +1 310.907.1500
Cara Smith
Associate Director
Based in Los Angeles, CA, Cara Smith is an Associate Director at Catalyst Advisors...
Cara Smith | Associate Director
Cara Smith | Associate Director
Based in Los Angeles, CA, Cara Smith is an Associate Director at Catalyst Advisors. She has more than six years of talent recruitment experience in healthcare and life sciences.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Cara was a Senior Associate at an international executive recruitment firm, where she specialized in C-suite, general management, commercial and scientific talent solutions in the healthcare and life sciences sectors, with a specific focus on medical technology and biopharma. Previously, Cara worked at a boutique executive recruitment firm, serving healthcare services and healthcare technology industries for prominent private equity and venture capital sponsors.
Cara earned a B.S. in Biology from Northeastern University.
[email protected] • O: +1 310.907.1500

Jason Turner | Director
Jason Turner | Director
Based in London, Jason Turner is a Director at Catalyst Advisors. He brings more than a decade of experience in executive C-level recruitment across all functional areas of Biotech, Pharma, Medtech, and Digital Health, ranging from Series A through to publicly listed companies.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Jason served as a Director at a global executive recruitment firm where he led successful recruitment for Board of Director, CEO, CBO/CCO, CFO, and C-level R&D appointments across Europe and the U.S. Additionally, Jason brings a background in Biomedical Science, having completed Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at St. George’s, University of London, where he also served as a Research Assistant investigating signaling mechanisms in the lungs.
Outside of work, Jason enjoys playing the drums and spending time outdoors, either on his bike, on the tennis courts, on the ski slopes, or hiking with his wife and cockapoo.
[email protected] • O: +44 203 743 3074 • M: +44 7793 983 354
Jason Turner
Director
Based in London, Jason Turner is a Director at Catalyst Advisors...
Jason Turner | Director
Jason Turner | Director
Based in London, Jason Turner is a Director at Catalyst Advisors. He brings more than a decade of experience in executive C-level recruitment across all functional areas of Biotech, Pharma, Medtech, and Digital Health, ranging from Series A through to publicly listed companies.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors, Jason served as a Director at a global executive recruitment firm where he led successful recruitment for Board of Director, CEO, CBO/CCO, CFO, and C-level R&D appointments across Europe and the U.S. Additionally, Jason brings a background in Biomedical Science, having completed Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at St. George’s, University of London, where he also served as a Research Assistant investigating signaling mechanisms in the lungs.
Outside of work, Jason enjoys playing the drums and spending time outdoors, either on his bike, on the tennis courts, on the ski slopes, or hiking with his wife and cockapoo.
[email protected] • O: +44 203 743 3074 • M: +44 7793 983 354

Alyson Archer | Partner & Chief Operating Officer
Alyson Archer | Partner & Chief Operating Officer
Based in New York, NY, Alyson Archer is a Partner & Chief Operating Officer at Catalyst Advisors. She has more than 25 years of professional services experience and oversees the firm’s infrastructure, development and marketing.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors at its inception, Alyson was the Director of Global Communications at a major executive recruitment firm, where she led all aspects of internal and external communications across the firm’s 40-plus offices. Previously, she was the Director of Public Relations at Softbank International Ventures, where she developed and executed communications strategies for all of Softbank’s portfolio companies outside of Japan. Earlier, Alyson worked in the marketing department at Bear Stearns, helping position the firm’s clients for initial public offerings and mergers.
Alyson earned a B.A. in Psychology and English Literature from Binghamton University.
[email protected] • O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 107
Alyson Archer
Partner & Chief Operating Officer
Based in New York, NY, Alyson Archer is a Partner & Chief Operating Officer and a...
Alyson Archer | Partner & Chief Operating Officer
Alyson Archer | Partner & Chief Operating Officer
Based in New York, NY, Alyson Archer is a Partner & Chief Operating Officer at Catalyst Advisors. She has more than 25 years of professional services experience and oversees the firm’s infrastructure, development and marketing.
Prior to joining Catalyst Advisors at its inception, Alyson was the Director of Global Communications at a major executive recruitment firm, where she led all aspects of internal and external communications across the firm’s 40-plus offices. Previously, she was the Director of Public Relations at Softbank International Ventures, where she developed and executed communications strategies for all of Softbank’s portfolio companies outside of Japan. Earlier, Alyson worked in the marketing department at Bear Stearns, helping position the firm’s clients for initial public offerings and mergers.
Alyson earned a B.A. in Psychology and English Literature from Binghamton University.
[email protected] • O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 107
Contact Us
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New York
7 World Trade Center
46th Floor
New York, NY 10007 - +1 212.775.0800
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Boston
245 Main Street
3rd Floor
Cambridge, MA 02142 - +1 617.843.410
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Los Angeles
Howard Hughes Center
6080 Center Drive
6th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90045 - +1 310.907.1500
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New York
(mailing and billing address)
415 Greenwich Street
Suite 8C
New York, NY 10013
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London
15-19 Bloomsbury Way
London WC1A 2TH - +44 203 743 3075
Firm Directory
Alyson Archer
Partner and COO
New York
O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 107
[email protected]
John Archer
Partner
New York
O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 101
M: +1 917.340.7703
[email protected]
Jo Dadd
Project Manager
London
O: +44 208 156 6150
[email protected]
Arnaldo De Lisio
Partner
London
O: +44 2037 433076
M: +44 7393 969330
[email protected]
Borjana Fermaud
Partner
New York
O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 129
M: +1 914.924.5997
[email protected]
Gilbert Forest
Partner
Boston
O: +1 617.655.6655
M: +1 617.513.6915
[email protected]
Kelsey Bibbs
New York
Director
O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 132
M: +1 858.610.5257
[email protected]
Helen Hildreth Roszko
Project Manager
New York
O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 114
[email protected]
Annesha Holness
Project Manager
New York
O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 135
[email protected]
Rachel Honey
Project Manager
London
O: +44 2037 433075
[email protected]
Jessica Hopkins
Senior Research Associate
New York
O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 100
[email protected]
Diane Hughes
Project Manager
New York
O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 104
[email protected]
Lane Johnson
Research Associate
New York
O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 123
[email protected]
Susan Kelly
Director, European Research and Client Management
London
O: +44 20 3743 3083
M: +44 (0) 7949 240077
[email protected]
Nora Ly
Senior Manager, Accounting
New York
O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 122
[email protected]
AJ MacBride Brown
Director
London
[email protected]
Melanie Magsaysay
Project Manager
New York
O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 138
[email protected]
Jo Neuman
Associate Director
New York
O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 137
M: +1 203.246.1385
[email protected]
Susan J. Newman
Principal and Senior Director, Research and Client Management
New York
O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 108
M: +1 954.234.7924
[email protected]
Liz Pereda
Project Management Director
New York
O: +1 212.775.0800 Ext. 134
[email protected]
Danielle Price
Client Engagement Manager
Boston
[email protected]
Rrona Rama
Operations Assistant
New York
O: +1 332.213.1646
[email protected]
Moriah Schartner
Client Engagement Manager
Boston
[email protected]
Cara Smith
Associate Director
Los Angeles
O: +1 310.907.1500 Ext. 131
M: +1 401.595.0957
[email protected]
Jason Turner
Director
London
O: +44 203 743 3074
M: +44 7793 983 354
[email protected]
Stephen J. Williams, Ph.D.
Partner
Los Angeles
O: +1 310.907.1500 Ext. 109
M: +1 424.653.9153
[email protected]
Cissy Young, Ph.D.
Partner
Boston
M: +1 617.840.6595
[email protected]