About
Interspond is a Trial Management Organization (TMO) founded in 2003. The founder of Interspond, Kathy S. Cox, started one of the first TMOs in the industry in 1996. The business model from that early TMO was used to create Interspond. As a TMO we seek to identify study opportunities for the sites with which we work. We then work to get sites selected for participation in clinical trials and facilitate the study start-up process for those selected sites. We work with sites across the United States that are multi-therapeutic in nature.
Interspond provides exceptional value to Sponsors and CROs by quickly identifying qualified clinical research sites for participation in phase 2 through 4 clinical research studies. We then work closely with the Sponsor or CRO in executing a Confidentiality Disclosure Agreement (CDA), facilitating the completion and submission of the Feasibility Questionnaire (FQ), assisting in the scheduling of a Pre-Study Site Visit (PSSV), overseeing the completion and submission of the regulatory documents, and negotiating the contract and budget. We are ultimately responsible for paying the site’s the agreed upon budget, processing invoices, and reconciling study payments.
Kathy S. Cox, MS • President / CEO • kcox@interspond.com
Kathy received her Bachelor of Science in Education from UW-Whitewater in 1984 and a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from UW-La Crosse in 1989. It was there, while writing her thesis, that Kathy developed her passion for research.
Kathy started in the clinical research industry in 1989 working as a coordinator at the VA Hospital in Madison, WI. From there she moved to the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics working as a research coordinator on NIH funded asthma research studies. Kathy saw an opportunity to provide centralized business development activities for clinical research sites and was off and running having established one of the industry’s first Trial Management Organizations (TMO) in 1996. She continues to work that business model today and enjoys the reputation of being a trusted, connected, leader.
Kathy has two children who are both graduates of the University of Wisconsin. She enjoys spending time with family, traveling, speaking at conferences, fishing and officiating high school basketball games.
Peg Cox, BS • Vice President • pcox@interspond.com
Peg graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications and a minor in Business Administration.
Peg brings 23 years of sales and marketing experience with her to Interspond. She began her career at Interspond in 2009 and since then has been involved with many facets of the business, from business development to Site Liaison, to her current role as Vice President. Peg has a plethora of work experience in business development, personal relationship building, solution based thinking and project management that she brings to the Interspond team.
Peg is the mother of a lovely college-aged daughter, twin boys who are in middle school, and 2 golden doodles, Roxy and Ginger. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children, extended family and friends. She likes to cook, travel and spend time outdoors playing pickleball, golfing and anything on the water.
Beth Biedenbender • Executive Director of Finance • bbiedenbender@interspond.com
Beth Biedenbender is the oldest daughter from a family of three girls. She graduated from Waukesha North High School in 1979. She then attended UW-Waukesha from 1979 – 1981. In 1978 Beth started working at Waukesha State Bank. She worked there for 15 years, starting as a teller, then working her way up to Assistant Deposit Services Manager and Proof Manager. From 1993 to 1995 she stayed home to take care of her two children.
In 1996, Beth started working part time with a Trial Management Organization. That position developed into a full time position and she worked there until 2004. In 2005 she purchased a company that did business development for clinical research sites, which she ran until 2007. In 2008 Beth joined the Interspond team as an Associate Project Manager. She worked her way up to Project Manager, and, now, is currently the Executive Director of Finance. In her free time, Beth enjoys fishing with her husband of 37 years, bowling and playing with their 2 dogs. She appreciates the opportunity in this industry to be able to work remotely from their 40-acre homestead in central Wisconsin.
Ryan Johnsen • Chief Technology Officer • rjohnsen@interspond.com
Ryan graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2006 with a Bachelor of Business Administration and an emphasis in management and entrepreneurship. Following college, Ryan started a career with Target where he pursued a leadership position. It was here that Ryan found his passion for technology.
Ryan pursued his passion for technology and development with HP and American Family Insurance. For the past 10 years, Ryan has gain his experience in positions such as Business Specialist, Business Analyst, Sr. Business Analyst, and Sr. Systems Specialist. Ryan has his Business Analysis Certificate from the Wisconsin School of Business and his Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) certifications as a Project Manager and a Scrum Master. He has made his transition from insurance to Clinical Trials in 2023 where he plans to use his development process knowledge and fresh perspective to grow the Interspond brand.
Ryan has a wonderful wife, two young children, and zero social life, thanks to the kids. He greatly enjoys spending time with his children, building forts, playing outside and being goofy. He also enjoys golfing, playing darts, and following the NFL (Go Pack Go).
Ashley Biedenbender • Financial Manager • abiedenbender@interspond.com
Ashley Biedenbender graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in December of 2011 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. Ashley has held management positions in multiple types of customer service industries. She has previously work for Interspond as an Administrative Assistant from 2012-2013. She took a break from administrative work to work at a state run mental health institute for 5 years. She rejoined the Interspond team in April of 2019 as a part of our finance team. Ashley has a keen attention to detail, is very organized, and with her experience in customer service and background in psychology she has a person-centered way of communicating. In her spare time she enjoys bowling in leagues and state/national tournaments, playing softball, fishing, baking, hunting, and crocheting.
Naomi Kowald, CAPSW • Finance Specialist • nkowald@interspond.com
Naomi received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Naomi started as a Finance and Contract Associate with Interspond in June 2021 and transitioned to Finance Specialist in June 2023. For over 10 years, she worked to support the early identification of delays in children and connection to appropriate follow up. Throughout this work she had the opportunity to support health systems, community-based organizations and families.
Naomi enjoys spending time with her two young children and husband on their 16-acre farm in Southern Wisconsin. Naomi and her family raise Scottish Highland Cattle and chickens and plan to expand their farming operations. She loves entertaining, cooking, gardening, canning, biking and enjoying the outdoors.
Joe Kitzke, BBA • Finance Associate • jkitzke@interspond.com
Joe joined the Interspond team in July of 2023 as a finance associate intern. He is currently in pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in business. Prior to joining the Interspond team, Joe spent 7 years with a privately owned start-up in the food industry. During his tenure, the company experienced rapid growth and Joe was fortunate to participate from within. His experience included billing, logistics, vendor relations, and account management. He is looking forward to contributing to the continued growth at Interspond as well as broadening his aptitudes. Joe is an avid golfer, plays softball, loves to travel, and spend time with family and friends.
Brent Wood, BS • Senior Budget & Contract Specialist • bwood@interspond.com
Brent started his career with Interspond in February 2015. Brent brings almost 30 years of professional experience from a very diverse group of businesses, which includes financial services, advertising sales, marketing and printing. Brent holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and an Associates of Applied Science Degree from Madison College.
Aaron Speiss, BS • Senior Budget & Contract Specialist • aspeiss@interspond.com
Aaron graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2016 with at Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. While in college Aaron played Ultimate Frisbee and to this day enjoys being very physically active. After graduation Aaron worked as a Nutrition Technician at University Hospital in Madison, providing diet recommendations and helping patients learn strategies to benefit their health. Working with people in this capacity helped Aaron build trusting relationships with patients from all walks of life. In addition to relationship building, he has developed an impeccable attention to detail making him a great fit for a Project Associate at Interspond. Aaron joined the Interspond Team as a Project Associate in December 2019. With his attention to detail and relationship building skills, Aaron has made a wonderful addition to the Interspond staff. In his spare time Aaron and his wife, Naomi, enjoy outdoor activities of all kinds such as rock climbing, gardening, cooking, and spending time with their pets, friends, and family.
Glynis Grochowski, BA • Budget and Contract Specialist • ggrochowski@interspond.com
Glynis started her career with Interspond in December 2021. Glynis brings 25+ years professional experience in contracting and customer service operations within a few major varied industries. She is looking forward to providing detailed, exceptional service to help enrich those we serve.
Glynis graduated from Lakeland College with a double major (Business Administration and Marketing) and also has an Associate Degree in Industrial Electronics.
Glynis and her wife Mona are the proud parents of one son in college (working on his Doctorate of Pharmacy Degree) and another son who is in high school. She enjoys watching her son’s sporting events, spending time with family and friends, and working on home projects.
Sara Woitte, MS • Director of Operations • swoitte@interspond.com
Sara received her undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996 with a double major in psychology and human services and a minor in business management from Dakota Wesleyan University and a Master of Science degree in Community Counseling from Minnesota State University, Mankato, in 1998.
Sara studied and worked in the mental health field specializing in working with groups. She then transitioned into manufacturing where she worked for 10 years as a Production Manager. Sara was able to apply her expertise in group development and systems theory and applied this knowledge to achieve more efficient team functioning. Her style of management engendered empowerment , celebrated diversity and contributed to cultural change within the work force environment.
Sara joined the Interspond team as a Project Associate in April 2018 and transitioned into the Director of Strategic Site relations in May of 2019. She has since transitioned to the Director of Operations role in May of 2023. She brings a unique blending of personal characteristics and professional experience to Interspond. Sara, along with her wife Julie and daughter Ellie also own and operate a horse boarding facility, Breakaway Stables, LLC. In her spare time she enjoys horse riding, hiking, camping and being outdoors. With purple being her favorite color, she can’t resist cheering for the MN Vikings.
Connie Upchurch, M.S.M. • Project Manager • cupchurch@interspond.com
Connie started as Project Associate at Interspond in November 2020. In May 2021 Connie moved into her current role as Project Manager. Before joining Interspond, Connie worked for over 30 years in telecommunications billing where she worked in positions of increasing responsibility that included the areas of customer service, client/vendor relations, and system design/maintenance.
Connie graduated from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a minor in Public Administration. She earned her Masters of Science degree in Management from Cardinal Stritch College.
Connie is married with a grown daughter and two cats (one of which thinks that they are actually a dog). She loves traveling, cruising, reading, and spending time with family.
Susie Kitzke• Project Manager • skitzke@interspond.com
Susie started as Project Associate at Interspond in November 2020, in November of 2022 she moved into her role as a Project Manager. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.
For over 30 years, she has worked in education where the majority of her time was spent engaged as a fifth-grade teacher. She is enthusiastically looking forward to being able to transfer her skills in leadership, relationship development, and time management to her new position at Interspond. Susie is married with two grown sons and a fur-baby, Wilma, a red fox lab. She enjoys travel, golf, spending time with family and friends, and is an avid reader.
Mara Kukainis •Project Associate• mkukainis@interspond.com
Mara graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science. She spent 5 years working in microbiology and molecular diagnostics, before moving into infection prevention. It was in these roles that she developed skills in leadership, process improvement, and problem-solving.
Mara joined the Interspond team in May, 2023 as a Project Associate, where she is excited to utilize her skills in a new role!
In her free time, Mara enjoys spending time with her family, including her yellow labs Clyde and Wayne, as well as reading, concert-going, and gardening.
Katie Steinbach •Account Manager• ksteinbach@interspond.com
Katie grew up in central Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 2008, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Studies and a Minor in French and Peace Studies.
Katie spent her last 15 years working in the travel insurance industry. She provided medical assistance to traveling clients in need globally and developed the medical network in Europe, Middle East and Africa to help support that assistance. It was through these years of experience she gained a strong skill set in empathy, effective communication, multi-tasking, and relationship development.
Katie joined Interspond as a Project Associate in June of 2022 and shifted to a new role in Business Development in March of 2023.
During her free time, Katie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, concert going, and snowboarding.
Dominic Costanzo • Director of Business Development • dcostanzo@interspond.com
Dominic is a personable sales professional who has experience in both inside and outside sales. He started his sales career at a promotional products supplier in inside sales and worked his way to a National Account Manager in charge of their key accounts. He then transitioned to the technology industry and worked for Zendesk during the peak of the Covid-19 Pandemic where he was working in Business Development. He has experience in both Account Management and Prospecting which makes him a strong asset to the Interspond Account Management Team.
Dominic is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Dominic Joined the Interspond team as an Account Manager in March of 2022. He is passionate about making personal and professional connections with Sponsors and CRO’s to help find the most qualified and vetted PI’s for their studies.
Dominic lives in the Madison, WI area and is engaged to be married in the Fall of 2023. He is an avid golfer who is working towards a single digit handicap. He also travels to Colorado in January and February where he enjoys snowboarding in Breckenridge, Vail, and Keystone!
Noah Goetsch• Associate Director of Business Development • ngoetsch@interspond.com
Noah received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Noah fell in love with medical sales while growing up in a household where both his parents work in the medical industry.
Noah graduated college in 2018 and has been selling in the medical and software industries ever since. He is new to the clinical trial industry but is eager to learn and get to know a different side of the medical market. Building relationships and helping customers become more efficient Is what Noah loves about sales. He has a welcoming presence and is very detail oriented. When it comes to communication, Noah is exceptional whether it is verbal or written so do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. In his free time Noah likes to play sports like Basketball, Volleyball, and Pickleball.
Kyle Knutson• Associate Director of Business Development • kknutson@interspond.com
Kyle began his journey at Interspond in September 2023. Prior to starting with Interspond, Kyle worked in nursing, both in the military and civilian sector for nearly 20 years. Kyle served 9 years in the U.S. Army as a combat medic and LPN. Kyle’s main post was as a member of a forward surgical team in Madison where he was responsible for assisting in initial resuscitation and stabilization of patients, as well as post anesthesia care. In the civilian sector, Kyle primarily worked in long-term care and rehab with geriatrics.
In addition to a diploma in nursing, Kyle also obtained a B.S. in Information Science and Technology from UW-Milwaukee where he made the Dean’s list on several occasions.
Kyle enjoys playing golf and poker when he is not spending time with his fiancé, Hailey, and their two doodles, Finny and Frank.
Bria Rubo • Executive Assistant • brubo@interspond.com
Bria received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and a minor in Family studies and American Sign Language.
Bria grew up in a small town in Northern Wisconsin, prior to attending college. She has spent the last 10 years working in the service industry which has tailored her strong skills of communication, building relationships, and time management. She also spent part of a school year interpreting sign language for a small boy. Bria joined the team in November of 2022.
Bria now lives in Salt Lake City, UT and is enjoying the opportunity to work remotely and live outside of the midwest for the first time! In her free time, she enjoys traveling, golfing, doing any sort of water sports, and spending time with friends and family.