Cedar Health Research Appoints New CEO

DALLAS, Sept. 24, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Cedar Health Research, a community-focused clinical research site network, has appointed Jody Staggs as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 14, 2026. The appointment marks a significant step in the organization's mission to expand access to community-based clinical research.

Staggs, who brings more than two decades of experience in the life sciences industry and public company leadership, has been instrumental in driving growth and transformation within his previous roles. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer of SWK Holdings Corporation, a publicly traded holding company focused on the life sciences sector. Under Staggs' leadership, SWK's life science finance business and its CDMO subsidiary, SWK CDMO, became market leaders and trusted partners to healthcare and life sciences organizations.

Staggs' expertise in the life sciences sector, combined with his experience in public company leadership, positions him well to lead Cedar Health Research as it continues to expand its network of clinical research sites. The company currently operates five sites across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, partnering with healthcare organizations to bring clinical research studies into the communities where patients live and receive care. This strategic approach aims to increase access to clinical trials for patient populations that have historically been underrepresented in clinical research.

Cedar Health Research has already made strides in this area by establishing an embedded clinical research site within Texas Native Health in Dallas, which is designed to increase access to clinical trials for American Indian and Alaska Native patients. These studies are supported by leading biopharmaceutical companies, underscoring the organization's commitment to serving diverse patient populations.

Staggs succeeds Dr. Mimi Fenton, who has served as the company's Chief Executive Officer since 2024. Fenton's leadership has been instrumental in expanding Cedar Health Research's capabilities and partnerships, and the company remains committed to its mission of increasing access to clinical research.

The appointment of Jody Staggs as Cedar Health Research's new CEO represents a significant step forward for the organization, as it continues to expand its reach and impact in the clinical research space. With Staggs' background and experience, Cedar Health Research is well-positioned to further its mission of bringing clinical research opportunities to the communities that need them most.