Experienced Life Sciences Executive to Lead Cedar Health Research’s Mission to Expand Access to Community-Based Clinical Research

DALLAS, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cedar Health Research, a community-focused clinical research site network, today announced the appointment of Jody Staggs as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 14, 2026.

Mr. Staggs brings more than two decades of life science industry experience and public company leadership to the role. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of SWK Holdings Corporation, a publicly traded holding company focused on the life sciences sector, where he led the growth of SWK’s life science finance business and the transformation of its CDMO subsidiary. Under his leadership, SWK became a market leader and trusted partner to healthcare and life sciences organizations. Mr. Staggs holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arkansas.

Cedar operates five clinical research sites across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, partnering with healthcare organizations to bring studies into the communities where patients live and receive care. Cedar focuses on patient populations that have historically been underrepresented in clinical research. Recent expansion has included an embedded clinical research site within Texas Native Health in Dallas, designed to increase access to clinical trials for American Indian and Alaska Native patients, launched with studies supported by leading biopharmaceutical companies.

“Cedar has built something special: a talented and mission-driven team, strong relationships across the clinical research ecosystem, and a delivery model designed to bring research opportunities to the patients and communities who can benefit most,” said Mr. Staggs. “We are poised to expand the number of patients we serve, strengthen our partnerships with sponsors and healthcare providers, and build a scalable organization that delivers exceptional research experiences for patients and clients alike. I look forward to listening to and learning from the Cedar team, our patients, and our partners as we write this next chapter.”

Mr. Staggs succeeds Dr. Mimi Fenton, who has served as Cedar’s Chief Executive Officer since 2024. “We are grateful to Mimi for her leadership,” Mr. Staggs added. “During her tenure, Cedar expanded its capabilities and partnerships and advanced its mission of increasing access to clinical research. We remain committed to that mission and wish her well.”

About Cedar Health Research
Cedar Health Research is a community-focused clinical research site network dedicated to expanding access to clinical trials. Based in Texas with five sites throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Cedar partners with healthcare providers, community organizations, and pharmaceutical sponsors to provide clinical research as a care option for communities and ensure that clinical trial populations represent the patients who bear the burden of disease. For more information, visit cedarhealthresearch.com.

For media inquieries please contact stephanie.scalfaro@cedarresearch.com 

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SOURCE Cedar Health Research