Leslie Pimentel-Byatt, MSML, MBA, CCRC, PMP, FACRP
Director, Clinical Trials Operations
University of New Mexico Hospital
With more than 30 years of experience in clinical research, Leslie serves as a Director of Clinical Trials Operations at the University of New Mexico (UNM) Hospital, overseeing more than 150 active interventional trials across two hospital campuses. A Fellow of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (FACRP) and certified Project Management Professional (PMP, CCRC), Leslie brings a unique combination of operational leadership, workforce development expertise, and academic rigor — currently completing a doctoral degree in executive leadership. Known for translating complex leadership concepts into practical tools, Ms. Byatt developed the ALIGN leadership framework, which has been adopted within her department at UNMH and presented at national conferences. Her experience spans domestic and international clinical research, including site development in Central America. She is a recognized voice on topics including employee engagement, team culture, and the future of the clinical research workforce.