Our Story Starts Here

Believing in the Magnitude of Gratitude

We believe that a “thank you” goes a long way to build trust and encourage more people from all walks of life to participate in clinical research.

How We Started

Our story begins with Jennifer Byrne, a long-time clinical trial executive, who watched thousands of clinical trial participants take part in clinical research. She observed that not many volunteers truly understood the lasting impact of their participation. Especially where the drug development process can last for years or longer, volunteers may not appreciate just how critical they are.

Then, Jennifer had an idea.

What if we could reinforce the impact of a clinical trial participant by making a donation in their honor? The concept was simple: pay forward the impact of a volunteer's role in a clinical trial with a donation to vulnerable children. One good deed delivers the gift of health of future generations.

Since 2010, Greater Gift has celebrated more than 160,000 clinical trial participants and donated an equal number of vaccines and meals to children in need through our collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and Feeding America.

Support Us

About Greater Gift

Greater Gift is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Donations fund the costs to administer the celebration program and employ a small team of full-time employees. Greater Gift also depends on volunteers who donate their skills to help advance the organization.

Joan Chambers, CEO

With more than 30 years of expertise in the clinical research industry, Joan has implemented a variety of senior leadership strategies and functions within the organizations she has worked for. She is a seasoned executive with strong leadership skills in team management, strategic business and financial planning, integrated marketing, communications, and educational initiatives.

Joan presently holds positions of responsibility across various esteemed organizations in the pharmaceutical industry. She is an active member of the Executive Steering Committee for the PharmaTimes Clinical Researcher of the Year program, serves on the Advisory Board of the Pharmaceutical Business Conference Group (PBC Group), and contributes her expertise as a respected judge in the Citeline Awards annual event. Additionally, she has contributed her leadership and insights as a board member for Biobridges and CISCRP.

Sharon Pullen, Program Coordinator

Sharon Pullen started as Greater Gift’s program coordinator in late October 2022. She brings extensive administrative expertise from diverse sectors. She dedicated eight years to PMG Research, an independent clinical research site, where she was introduced to Greater Gift and its positive impact on clinical trial participants. Sharon observed the direct impact of showing gratitude to patients and looks forward to adding to Greater Gift’s 13-year legacy of meaningful contributions.

Greater Gift Board of Directors

Greater Gift board members include research leaders, community advocates, and thought leaders who are dedicated to improving clinical research for all communities.