Donna E. Beardsworth

Donna E. Beardsworth, Founder, President and CEO, Beardsworth Consulting Group, Inc. and Founder of the OncologyOne Alliance

September 20, 1956 – March 20, 2011

Donna Beardsworth, the Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Flemington, New Jersey based Contract Research Organization, Beardsworth Consulting Group Inc., passed away unexpectedly on Sunday at the age of 54.

Donna grew up in Woodbury, CT and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences and a Master of Arts in Biochemistry from Mount Holyoke College. She worked in the Clinical Research field at the Massachusetts General Hospital for six years following graduation. She was a scientific author having been published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine and a sought after speaker who happily shared her vast knowledge of the industry.

Donna built Beardsworth from the ground up, capitalizing on every available opportunity to expand her business since 1986. Donna’s vision was to focus on complex clinical trials in Oncology and special treatments in orphan indications. Her goal was to make a difference in healthcare. She was a true Pioneer in the CRO industry and as a businesswoman and will be sorely missed. Donna was very proud to be ushering in the 25th anniversary of her company this year.

In 2002, Donna was honored with the award of Hunterdon County Entrepreneur of the Year. Donna was also the past President of the Northern NJ-Association of Clinical Research Professionals as well as a member of some ten industry organizations including the NJ Women President’s Organization, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, and Diversity Alliance for Science, Drug Information Association and served as Treasurer and valued member of the Board of Directors of SAFE of Hunterdon County (formerly Women’s Crisis Services).

Donna leaves behind her father Donald, her brother Douglas, sister-in-law Carrie as well as five nieces and nephews Gregory, Amy, Amanda, Scott, and Matthew in addition to 50 loyal employees at Beardsworth and 150 contract employees at research sites.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Mount Holyoke College or the American Cancer Society.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 25, 2011 in the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ, preceded by visitation from 1:00-5:00 p.m. Interment will be private. Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information or to send condolences.