Dana McDonald joined the DCRI in 2004 as a Project Leader in Clinical Operations and has since held progressive leadership roles across the organization. She has served as Director of Human Resources since 2019, providing strategic leadership as an executive business partner, shaping culture, talent strategy, and organizational design.

With more than 30 years of clinical research, human resources, and leadership experience, McDonald is known for aligning human capital strategies with business priorities and advancing a high-performing, inclusive workforce. She partners closely with the School of Medicine and Duke University Human Resources leadership to support long-term success.

Prior to joining the DCRI, McDonald was a Project Manager at Quintiles (now IQVIA). She is a Certified Facilitative Leader and Mutual Learning coach and holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Duke University.