Leadership that drives real-world impact
Experienced. Strategic. Agile.
Focused on outcomes that advance healthcare.
Leo Tarkovsky
Chief Executive Officer
Leo Tarkovsky is a seasoned leader in life sciences commercialization with over 25 years of experience driving transformative growth through medical communications, integrated marketing, and omnichannel strategies.
Renowned for his ability to redefine business platforms and foster innovation, Leo has consistently unlocked growth opportunities across diverse disciplines and channels. Most recently, as Chief Commercial Officer at Fingerpaint Group, he played a pivotal role in scaling the organization and implementing collaborative, cutting-edge solutions that enhanced its integrated, multidisciplinary service platform.
Leo’s career highlights include leading global healthcare growth initiatives at WPP, where he oversaw efforts spanning creative services, medical communications, media, public relations, and market access. Before his tenure at WPP, for a number of years, he served as Group President at McCann Health, where he transformed several agencies into market leaders through strategic growth and operational excellence. Under his leadership, these agencies achieved substantial expansion and industry recognition for their impact.
Throughout his distinguished career, Leo has provided strategic leadership and communication counsel to some of the world’s most iconic health and wellness companies, including Novartis, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Takeda, Bristol Myers Squibb, Reckitt Benckiser, Procter & Gamble, Sanofi, Eli Lilly, and Merck. His work spans nearly every therapeutic and product category, delivering data-driven solutions to address a wide spectrum of healthcare needs.
With a proven track record of building high-performing teams and redefining industry standards, Leo continues to be a transformative force in the healthcare sector. His passion for innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and strategic vision establish him as a trusted leader in shaping the future of life sciences marketing and commercialization.
Leo Tarkovsky
Chief Executive Officer
Leo Tarkovsky is a seasoned leader in life sciences commercialization with over 25 years of experience driving transformative growth through medical communications, integrated marketing, and omnichannel strategies.
Renowned for his ability to redefine business platforms and foster innovation, Leo has consistently unlocked growth opportunities across diverse disciplines and channels. Most recently, as Chief Commercial Officer at Fingerpaint Group, he played a pivotal role in scaling the organization and implementing collaborative, cutting-edge solutions that enhanced its integrated, multidisciplinary service platform.
Leo’s career highlights include leading global healthcare growth initiatives at WPP, where he oversaw efforts spanning creative services, medical communications, media, public relations, and market access. Before his tenure at WPP, for a number of years, he served as Group President at McCann Health, where he transformed several agencies into market leaders through strategic growth and operational excellence. Under his leadership, these agencies achieved substantial expansion and industry recognition for their impact.
Throughout his distinguished career, Leo has provided strategic leadership and communication counsel to some of the world’s most iconic health and wellness companies, including Novartis, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Takeda, Bristol Myers Squibb, Reckitt Benckiser, Procter & Gamble, Sanofi, Eli Lilly, and Merck. His work spans nearly every therapeutic and product category, delivering data-driven solutions to address a wide spectrum of healthcare needs.
With a proven track record of building high-performing teams and redefining industry standards, Leo continues to be a transformative force in the healthcare sector. His passion for innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and strategic vision establish him as a trusted leader in shaping the future of life sciences marketing and commercialization.
Steven Hagnell
Chief Financial Officer
Steven Hagnell is a seasoned financial executive with a track record of driving strategic clarity, sustainable growth, profitability, cash-flow, and operational efficiency. Steven’s career spans a spectrum of public and private organizations in healthcare, engineering, CPG, technology, and consultancy industries. Prior to joining Clinical Education Alliance in 2024, Steven served as CFO of AvantHC (now AvantHC Powered by Real Chemistry), an enterprise operating in the promotional medical education and continuing medical education spaces. During his tenure, he embedded a culture of financial discipline and accountability, returning the organization to profitability, sustained revenue growth, and expanding margins, culminating in a successful private equity-backed buyout.
Steven’s leadership is grounded in a commitment to cross-functional collaboration and the enablement of fact-based decision-making across the enterprise through budgeting, forecasting, management reporting and performance analytics. His earlier roles at Angie’s List, Terlato Wine Group, and Underwriters Laboratories have honed his expertise in financial planning & analysis, systems implementation, pricing strategy, and organizational change management.
He holds an M.B.A. in Finance from Loyola University Chicago and a B.A. in Finance from the University of Notre Dame. Passionate about community engagement, Steven has also served in leadership and mentorship roles with nonprofit and academic organizations.
Steven Hagnell
Chief Financial Officer
Steven Hagnell is a seasoned financial executive with a track record of driving strategic clarity, sustainable growth, profitability, cash-flow, and operational efficiency. Steven’s career spans a spectrum of public and private organizations in healthcare, engineering, CPG, technology, and consultancy industries. Prior to joining Clinical Education Alliance in 2024, Steven served as CFO of AvantHC (now AvantHC Powered by Real Chemistry), an enterprise operating in the promotional medical education and continuing medical education spaces. During his tenure, he embedded a culture of financial discipline and accountability, returning the organization to profitability, sustained revenue growth, and expanding margins, culminating in a successful private equity-backed buyout.
Steven’s leadership is grounded in a commitment to cross-functional collaboration and the enablement of fact-based decision-making across the enterprise through budgeting, forecasting, management reporting and performance analytics. His earlier roles at Angie’s List, Terlato Wine Group, and Underwriters Laboratories have honed his expertise in financial planning & analysis, systems implementation, pricing strategy, and organizational change management.
He holds an M.B.A. in Finance from Loyola University Chicago and a B.A. in Finance from the University of Notre Dame. Passionate about community engagement, Steven has also served in leadership and mentorship roles with nonprofit and academic organizations.
Marcus Underwood
Chief Operations Officer
As the Chief Operations Officer, Marcus brings over 25 years of experience in digital transformation and operational leadership. As an early pioneer in online CME, Marcus has participated in the evolution of digital learning models for HCPs from print analog to immersive digital experiences. With a deep understanding of what drives operational excellence, Marcus leads the Program Management, Engagement, Meetings, and Grants teams at CEA focusing on effective and efficient delivery of our programs. Marcus has an MA in English/Communications from the University of South Alabama and is an avid hiker and traveler.
Marcus Underwood
Chief Operations Officer
As the Chief Operations Officer, Marcus brings over 25 years of experience in digital transformation and operational leadership. As an early pioneer in online CME, Marcus has participated in the evolution of digital learning models for HCPs from print analog to immersive digital experiences. With a deep understanding of what drives operational excellence, Marcus leads the Program Management, Engagement, Meetings, and Grants teams at CEA focusing on effective and efficient delivery of our programs. Marcus has an MA in English/Communications from the University of South Alabama and is an avid hiker and traveler.
Tristen Herrstrom
Chief Talent Officer
Tristen brings more than 25 years of experience in building high-growth organizations within the healthcare and pharmaceutical services sectors. Most recently, she served as CHRO at Red Nucleus, a Riverside-owned company, where she led the development of a global HR function that supported rapid expansion, improved retention, and the successful integration of multiple acquisitions. She holds an M.S. in Human Resource Counseling from Northeastern University and a B.S. in Psychology from The College of New Jersey.
Tristen Herrstrom
Chief Talent Officer
Tristen brings more than 25 years of experience in building high-growth organizations within the healthcare and pharmaceutical services sectors. Most recently, she served as CHRO at Red Nucleus, a Riverside-owned company, where she led the development of a global HR function that supported rapid expansion, improved retention, and the successful integration of multiple acquisitions. She holds an M.S. in Human Resource Counseling from Northeastern University and a B.S. in Psychology from The College of New Jersey.
Tina Stacey
President, Continuing Professional Development
Dr. Tina B. Stacy serves as Chief Strategy Officer with Clinical Education Alliance. Responsible for overall strategy and growth, Dr. Stacy focuses on healthcare professionals across the care continuum; developing strategic approaches to meeting educational, informational, and data needs in support of the improvement of patient care and outcomes. In addition, she is charged with identifying and implementing strategies for cross-team efficiency, innovation, and partnership.
Prior to joining CEA, Dr. Stacy served in a number of positions throughout the Conisus organization including Chief Strategy Officer, Conisus; President, Educational Concepts Group; and President, Envision Communications. Her responsibilities included development and implementation of scientific strategy, grants, and outcomes strategy and analysis.
Preceding her career in CPD and healthcare communications, Dr. Stacy was Clinical Oncology Pharmacy Coordinator for the Blood and Marrow Transplant Group of Georgia. A graduate of the Medical College of Virginia, Dr. Stacy completed her hematology/oncology residency at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Stacy has authored several abstracts, articles, and posters presented at meetings held by the Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and American Society of Hematology. She was honored as the recipient of the 2023 Frances M. Maitland Memorial Mentoring Award and the 2012 Brian P. Russell Exemplary CME Professional award.
Tina Stacey
President, Continuing Professional Development
Dr. Tina B. Stacy serves as Chief Strategy Officer with Clinical Education Alliance. Responsible for overall strategy and growth, Dr. Stacy focuses on healthcare professionals across the care continuum; developing strategic approaches to meeting educational, informational, and data needs in support of the improvement of patient care and outcomes. In addition, she is charged with identifying and implementing strategies for cross-team efficiency, innovation, and partnership.
Prior to joining CEA, Dr. Stacy served in a number of positions throughout the Conisus organization including Chief Strategy Officer, Conisus; President, Educational Concepts Group; and President, Envision Communications. Her responsibilities included development and implementation of scientific strategy, grants, and outcomes strategy and analysis.
Preceding her career in CPD and healthcare communications, Dr. Stacy was Clinical Oncology Pharmacy Coordinator for the Blood and Marrow Transplant Group of Georgia. A graduate of the Medical College of Virginia, Dr. Stacy completed her hematology/oncology residency at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Stacy has authored several abstracts, articles, and posters presented at meetings held by the Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and American Society of Hematology. She was honored as the recipient of the 2023 Frances M. Maitland Memorial Mentoring Award and the 2012 Brian P. Russell Exemplary CME Professional award.
Ali Smith
President, Med Comms & Insights
Ali is the President of CCS at CEA. In this role, she sets the growth strategy for our Insights and Engagement business and serves as President of CCS. With a passion for discovery, relentless excitement about the future, and intense focus, Ali has built a reputation for being a visionary, steady, and inclusive leader who looks for the smartest and most impactful outcome in every situation. She has 15 years of experience in oncology medical communications, which includes leading high-performing teams to deliver solutions in promotional and non-promotional commercialization, scientific storytelling, thought leader engagement, stakeholder segmentation, and insights gathering.
Ali spent 7-years of her career with the Syneos (formerly inVentiv) family of companies working in both CME and med comms. Most recently, she was part of Vaniam Group, where she worked 8 years to transition the agency from a boutique service provider to the most prominent privately-owned oncology medical communications agency in the US.
Ali Smith
President, Med Comms & Insights
Ali is the President of CCS at CEA. In this role, she sets the growth strategy for our Insights and Engagement business and serves as President of CCS. With a passion for discovery, relentless excitement about the future, and intense focus, Ali has built a reputation for being a visionary, steady, and inclusive leader who looks for the smartest and most impactful outcome in every situation. She has 15 years of experience in oncology medical communications, which includes leading high-performing teams to deliver solutions in promotional and non-promotional commercialization, scientific storytelling, thought leader engagement, stakeholder segmentation, and insights gathering.
Ali spent 7-years of her career with the Syneos (formerly inVentiv) family of companies working in both CME and med comms. Most recently, she was part of Vaniam Group, where she worked 8 years to transition the agency from a boutique service provider to the most prominent privately-owned oncology medical communications agency in the US.
Lee Courchesne
President, liV Canada
Throughout her extensive pharmaceutical and healthcare industry experience, Lee has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to strategic vision and adept leadership. Her track record encompasses successful product launches, the development of disease awareness, and the establishment of one of Canada’s top medical education powerhouses, based on strong fundamental values of customer-centricity, respect, integrity, and meticulous attention to detail.
What truly sets Lee apart is her unbridled passion for innovation and her unwavering dedication to improving patients’ lives. Under her guidance and mentorship, the liV team consistently achieves excellence by delivering cutting-edge medical education based on current standards and clinical evidence. From educational strategies to execution, their collective efforts strive to elevate patient and public health outcomes.
Lee’s remarkable interpersonal skills have paved the way for strong relationships with key stakeholders across the continuum of patient care in a wide array of therapeutic areas such as nephrology, rheumatology, endocrinology, cardiology, and internal medicine, among others. This showcases her remarkable versatility and highlights the significant impact she has made within the medical education landscape in Canada.
Lee Courchesne
President, liV Canada
Throughout her extensive pharmaceutical and healthcare industry experience, Lee has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to strategic vision and adept leadership. Her track record encompasses successful product launches, the development of disease awareness, and the establishment of one of Canada’s top medical education powerhouses, based on strong fundamental values of customer-centricity, respect, integrity, and meticulous attention to detail.
What truly sets Lee apart is her unbridled passion for innovation and her unwavering dedication to improving patients’ lives. Under her guidance and mentorship, the liV team consistently achieves excellence by delivering cutting-edge medical education based on current standards and clinical evidence. From educational strategies to execution, their collective efforts strive to elevate patient and public health outcomes.
Lee’s remarkable interpersonal skills have paved the way for strong relationships with key stakeholders across the continuum of patient care in a wide array of therapeutic areas such as nephrology, rheumatology, endocrinology, cardiology, and internal medicine, among others. This showcases her remarkable versatility and highlights the significant impact she has made within the medical education landscape in Canada.
Alex Parnes
Sr. Vice President, Marketing & Engagement
Alex is a seasoned marketing leader with a proven track record of driving engagement success and delivering exceptional results. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare marketing leadership and a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Marketing, Alex brings a wealth of expertise to CEA. She is known for driving customer and company value through innovative omni-channel experiences that deeply engage the healthcare audience. As a data-driven leader, Alex leverages insights and analytics to drive strategic decisions, identify market trends, and seize new opportunities. With a passion for excellence and a bias towards action, she continuously pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in medical information and education marketing.
Alex Parnes
Sr. Vice President, Marketing & Engagement
Alex is a seasoned marketing leader with a proven track record of driving engagement success and delivering exceptional results. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare marketing leadership and a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Marketing, Alex brings a wealth of expertise to CEA. She is known for driving customer and company value through innovative omni-channel experiences that deeply engage the healthcare audience. As a data-driven leader, Alex leverages insights and analytics to drive strategic decisions, identify market trends, and seize new opportunities. With a passion for excellence and a bias towards action, she continuously pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in medical information and education marketing.
Sarah Nisly
Senior Vice President, Outcomes & Insights
Sarah Nisly earned her Doctorate in Pharmacy at the University of Kansas before completing her PGY1 residency at Greenville Health System in Greenville, SC and a PGY2 Internal Medicine residency at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN. Sarah has over 15 years of clinical academic experience, working extensively with physicians, advanced practice providers, pharmacists, student and resident learners, and other members of the healthcare team. Sarah has extensive experience didactic and experiential education, including curricular assessment for pharmacy programs and post-graduate education for students. Her work has led to numerous publications and presentations. In addition to her doctorate, Sarah has completed a Master’s in Education, with a focus on Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics and Assessment from the University of Illinois Chicago. She has a passion for figuring out how people learn, evaluating new and innovative teaching techniques, and assessing change over time. She is active within several professional organizations and enjoys working collaboratively on projects with other individuals, both locally and nationally, to advance healthcare and education.
Sarah Nisly
Senior Vice President, Outcomes & Insights
Sarah Nisly earned her Doctorate in Pharmacy at the University of Kansas before completing her PGY1 residency at Greenville Health System in Greenville, SC and a PGY2 Internal Medicine residency at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN. Sarah has over 15 years of clinical academic experience, working extensively with physicians, advanced practice providers, pharmacists, student and resident learners, and other members of the healthcare team. Sarah has extensive experience didactic and experiential education, including curricular assessment for pharmacy programs and post-graduate education for students. Her work has led to numerous publications and presentations. In addition to her doctorate, Sarah has completed a Master’s in Education, with a focus on Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics and Assessment from the University of Illinois Chicago. She has a passion for figuring out how people learn, evaluating new and innovative teaching techniques, and assessing change over time. She is active within several professional organizations and enjoys working collaboratively on projects with other individuals, both locally and nationally, to advance healthcare and education.
Alex Marquez
Vice President, Meetings & Events
Alex is responsible for leading and directing the Meetings team to deliver flawless educational meetings and events across Clinical Education Alliance (CEA), including live in-person, virtual webinars and hybrid events. She manages and mentors a team of professionals to continually drive towards CEA’s core values. Alex is dedicated to elevating CEA’s live educational events and providing HCP learners with a world-class educational experience. With more than 25 years of professional experience in meeting management, she has managed teams producing pharmaceutical marketing and medical communications programs, life sciences educational congresses, and association conventions and tradeshows.
Alex Marquez
Vice President, Meetings & Events
Alex is responsible for leading and directing the Meetings team to deliver flawless educational meetings and events across Clinical Education Alliance (CEA), including live in-person, virtual webinars and hybrid events. She manages and mentors a team of professionals to continually drive towards CEA’s core values. Alex is dedicated to elevating CEA’s live educational events and providing HCP learners with a world-class educational experience. With more than 25 years of professional experience in meeting management, she has managed teams producing pharmaceutical marketing and medical communications programs, life sciences educational congresses, and association conventions and tradeshows.
MILESTONES
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