Meet the Salus IRB Leadership Team

Organizational Official

Nichole has a 16-year career with Versiti, and has held multiple roles across the enterprise with increasing complexity and scope, including: Research Technologist; Innovation & Technical Specialist for Production and Distribution; Donor Management Supervisor; Specialized Production Manager & Director; and Chief of Staff. In her current role, Nichole drives excellence in Versiti’s provision of high-quality biomaterials for research, and supports the operation of Salus IRB to provide ethical review services in clinical research. Nichole received her Specialist In Blood Banking Certification in 2014, Masters in Transfusion Medicine in 2018 and has completed Harvard Business School’s Executive Education Program for Leadership Development - a program focused on leadership, innovation, and organizational change.

Director of IRB Operations and Compliance

Marilyn serves as Director of IRB Operations and Compliance at Salus IRB, part of Versiti Clinical Trials. Marilyn has over 10 years of experience in human subjects research protections. Prior to joining Versiti, Marilyn served as the Assistant Director at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai’s IRB office.

Director of Client Services

Leslie Wilson, CIP (she/her) is the Director of Client Services at Salus IRB, where she oversees business development and financial operations. With nearly two decades of experience in independent IRB administration, Leslie has established herself as a leader in the field.

Prior to joining Salus IRB, she led Ethical & Independent Review Services (E&I) as the Director of IRB Operations and managing member until its acquisition by Salus IRB in 2022. Leslie’s expertise spans various research fields, with a particular focus on ethical principles and protections in device development and social-behavioral research.

A trusted professional in her field, Leslie continues to contribute to advancing research ethics and fostering innovation in independent IRB administration.

Manager, Board Services

Meli Salinas serves Salus IRB’s as IRB Manager, leading the day-to-day operations of board services which includes overseeing our 5 IRB boards and serving as a liaison between board members, coordinators, and clients. Meli has over 20 years of IRB experience with expertise in drug, device, and minimal risk studies and previously worked in a Phase 1 unit.

QA & Compliance Manager

Trina began her career in human subjects research protections at Salus IRB over 20 years ago. Initially serving as an Archivist, Trina has held various roles in the organization including Training Manager. Trina has expertise in training, regulatory compliance and quality control and assurance. In her current role, she is responsible for policy and procedural review, document control, training curriculum development, vendor management, and staying informed of regulatory and industry updates.

IRB Manager

Stephanie earned her degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech Pathology) from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. After graduation, she pivoted toward audiology, working closely with individuals experiencing hearing loss. While exploring opportunities in the field, she began working part-time in a clinical research lab which led to her interest in research and ultimately set the direction for her career. Driven by curiosity and a desire to make an impact, Stephanie transitioned into research full-time. She advanced to a Charge Staff role, where she gained hands-on clinical experience by drawing blood, recording adverse events, and leading staff through various study protocols. Her dedication and leadership continued to grow in her subsequent roles as a Research Coordinator for the Pathology Department and as an IRB Coordinator II at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Stephanie now oversees the Salus IRB MRA team that manages Expedited, Exempt, and Not HSR determination submissions.