Heather Pierce Named to Lead AAHRPP

Pierce joins the organization from the Association of American Medical Colleges, where she currently serves as senior director for science policy and regulatory counsel. Her 15-year tenure at the AAMC established her as a key strategist in federal research policy, earning her a reputation as a bridge-builder between academic, government, and industry stakeholders.

Deeply embedded in the research ethics community, Pierce is no stranger to the organization she is set to lead. She serves as the current chair of the AAHRPP board and has been a frequent speaker at its conferences. Scott Lipkin, who chaired the search committee, described the appointment as a strategic move to secure a visionary leader capable of navigating an increasingly complex global research landscape.

Her background includes a legal career at Ropes & Gray and advanced degrees from Boston University and NYU. As she prepares to transition, Pierce emphasizes the importance of building upon the foundation laid by Summers to support research entities worldwide. AAHRPP currently oversees accreditation for more than 600 organizations across the globe, maintaining rigorous standards for human research protections.