PHARMA R1 TEAM
Meet the Team Building the Future of Drug Improvement
Pharma R1 is led by a cross-disciplinary team with experience across drug development, AI, clinical research, regulatory strategy, and operational execution. Together we bring therapies forward with speed, rigor, and real-world impact.
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Leaders Driving Precision, Performance, and Real-World Impact
Pharma R1 is guided by operators who have built and scaled organizations across AI, biotechnology, clinical research, and healthcare delivery. Our leadership brings deep experience in navigating regulatory pathways, forming high-value partnerships, running global development programs, and executing with the speed required in modern biopharma. This is the team focused on disciplined execution, strategic clarity, and delivering measurable outcomes.
Kendric Speagle
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Physician and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, having founded and scaled more than 15 companies. Notably founded NextCare Urgent Care and MeMD, a telehealth platform acquired by Walmart in 2021. Also founded Tribal Health, addressing healthcare disparities in Indigenous communities.
John Shufeldt, MD, JD, MD, FACEP
President & Chief Medical Officer
Leader in healthcare philanthropy and business development, with a track record of securing over $100M for healthcare innovation. Formerly led major funding campaigns at Valleywise Health Foundation. At VivaMed, she drives biopharma commercialization, strategic investments, and industry partnerships.
Kate Fassett
Chief Development Officer
Seasoned financial executive with expertise in financial services, technology, and healthcare. Played pivotal roles in expanding MicroAge to $5B in revenue and in the growth of NextCare and MeMD. As CFO of VivaMed, he drives the company's mission of transforming healthcare innovation.
Glenn Dean, MBA, CPA
Chief Financial Advisor
Expert in pharmaceutical innovation with experience in R&D, regulatory affairs, and product development. Leads initiatives to accelerate breakthrough therapies and expand VivaMed's impact.
Manel Ben-Aissa, PhD, MS
Chief Scientific Officer
Nicholas Harris
Chief Technology Officer
Dave Pulver
Chief Information Security Officer
Experienced life sciences attorney advising on IP, regulatory strategy, and biotech transactions. At VivaMed, he supports the company’s growth through legal oversight of partnerships, licensing, and compliance.
Ben Tietgen, JD
General Counsel
Expert in intellectual property strategy and regulatory compliance, with a background in biochemistry and molecular biology. At VivaMed, he ensures scientific discoveries are protected and strategically positioned for commercialization.
Dr. Miles Paszek, PhD
Life Sciences U.S. Patent Agent
Carrina Culver, M.P.A., B.S.
Director of Operations
Expert in pharmaceutical innovation with experience in R&D, regulatory affairs, and product development. Leads initiatives to accelerate breakthrough therapies and expand VivaMed's impact.
Tiffany Youtchoko, MBA, MEd
Director of Communications
Operations and administrative management professional with cross-industry experience spanning pharmaceuticals, technology, cybersecurity, automotive, and staffing. Juliana began her career at VivaMed as an Executive Assistant and advanced into the role of Operations Manager, supporting strategic planning, administrative infrastructure, partner coordination, and organizational workflow design.
Juliana Gutierrez
Operations Manager
CONTACT
Let's Connect
Have a question, opportunity, or idea? Whether you’re a researcher, investor, or potential partner—we’d love to hear from you.