Leadership Overview
Celerion has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, clinical operations, regional management, and financial oversight.
Focused on accelerating drug development through early-phase research, Celerion delivers comprehensive clinical solutions and bioanalytical sciences to global pharmaceutical partners, translating complex scientific data into life-saving medicine for patients worldwide.
Focused on accelerating drug development through early-phase research, Celerion delivers comprehensive clinical solutions and bioanalytical sciences to global pharmaceutical partners, translating complex scientific data into life-saving medicine for patients worldwide.
Leadership Roles at Celerion
Newton Peña - Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Newton Peña, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Celerion, directs the overarching vision and long-term strategic trajectory of the organization. By prioritizing early-phase clinical research, Peña establishes the foundational framework for drug development excellence. Newton Peña maintains rigorous standards across all bioanalytical science initiatives, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of the clinical research organization industry. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to align corporate objectives with evolving global market demands. Through the cultivation of deep therapeutic expertise, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer drives the mission of translating science into medicine. By fostering a culture of innovation and precision, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer secures the competitive advantage necessary to support pharmaceutical clients in bringing new therapies to market with speed and reliability.
Susan Thornton - President & Chief Executive Officer
Susan Thornton, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Celerion, manages daily operational execution and the integration of clinical research services across North America, Europe, and Asia. Overseeing the delivery of comprehensive clinical solutions, Thornton ensures that every project meets the highest quality benchmarks for data reliability. Susan Thornton coordinates cross-functional teams to optimize the drug development lifecycle, directly impacting the efficiency of client programs. This leadership position requires constant collaboration with internal departments to streamline bioanalytical processes and therapeutic research workflows. By scaling operations to meet international demand, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the global footprint of the organization. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer guarantees that the company maintains operational excellence while navigating the complex regulatory landscapes inherent in the clinical research sector.

JoAnne Rosal - Chief Financial Officer
JoAnne Rosal, the Chief Financial Officer at Celerion, directs the financial strategy, capital allocation, and fiscal health of the organization. By overseeing budgeting and financial planning, Rosal ensures that the company possesses the resources required to sustain its leadership in early-phase clinical research. JoAnne Rosal manages the financial reporting processes that support transparency and accountability to stakeholders. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to inform investment decisions in bioanalytical technology and clinical infrastructure. By optimizing the cost structure of global operations, the Chief Financial Officer supports the overall mission of delivering swift and reliable data to pharmaceutical clients. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risk and enables the company to pursue strategic growth opportunities. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer provides the fiscal stability necessary for the organization to continue translating science into medicine.

Frederick Houston - Managing Director
Frederick Houston, the Managing Director at Celerion, directs regional business activities and client engagement strategies within key international markets. By focusing on the expansion of clinical research capabilities, Houston ensures that local operations align with the broader corporate mission of accelerating drug development. Frederick Houston manages the deployment of resources to support complex early-phase trials, providing the necessary infrastructure for high-quality data collection. This role involves building strong partnerships with pharmaceutical clients to address specific therapeutic needs and regional regulatory requirements. Through the oversight of regional performance metrics, the Managing Director drives growth and operational efficiency across the global network. By maintaining a sharp focus on market-specific challenges, the Managing Director secures the long-term success of the organization in diverse geographic territories while upholding the reputation of the company for scientific precision.