NSPST appoints new members

The National Society of Pharmaceutical Sales Trainers recently appointed three new people to their board of directors. Two positions were created for industry partners and one position was filled due to a vacancy.

Industry Partners are the various training and meeting vendors that work closely with pharmaceutical sales training departments.

Jim Dutton, the president of the Certified Medical Representative Institute, Inc., Roanoke, VA, accepted one of the industry partners board positions. Dutton and CMR have been active supporters of NSPST and regular participants in the NSPST national conventions for many years.

"I am extremely honored to be elected to the NSPST board of directors as one of two representatives of the industry partners group," Dutton said in response to his election to the NSPST board.

"I think the Society has sent a clear message to all industry partners that says that NSPST recognizes the important role industry partners have played over the years to help make the organization more successful. They value our input and support. They believe we can have a positive impact on their plans for the future."

Cynthia Kolodzinski, the director for training and development for Medical Education Systems, Inc., Philadelphia, also accepted an industry partners board position.

Medical Education Systems, Inc.'s support for NSPST and Kolodzinski's previous association with the NSPST board will contribute to the value of her presence on the NSPST board.

"My experience from the pharmaceutical manufacturer's side provided me with the opportunity to work closely with all of the industry partners," said Kolodzinski. "These relationships will allow me to be an effective representative of the industry partners as we support the goals of NSPST. My new responsibilities as an industry partner have helped me understand what industry partners are up against when they consult with the manufacturers."

According to Jim Sullivan, the account manager for the NSPST, this partnership furthers the collaboration between consultants/vendors and training professionals. NSPST members will be more likely to work with industry partner companies.

"Both Jim Dutton and Cynthia Kolodzinski know what is 'hot' in training," said Sullivan. "They can assist us in numerous ways, both today and into the future. They know what is going on across the industry in a number of different companies and can advise us on what is on the cutting edge of pharmaceutical sales training and industry trends."

Kimberly Farrell, of Roche Laboratories, assumed the position of director of special projects that was recently vacated. Farrell has been a workshop presenter at past national conventions and brings excellent training and field experience to the NSPST board. PR