He believes the key to success is bringing highly talented people together to form robust teams and giving them the tools they need to achieve their goals. Ira is also passionate about fostering trusting, long-term relationships with clients.
 
Ira brings a rich career journey and held many scientific leadership positions prior to Smithers. He served as Department Head of Forensic Toxicology for the National Center for Forensic Science, Director of Immunochemistry Services for Covance, Inc., and Vice President and General Manager of Biotechnology Services for Tandem Labs. He then went on to co-found Avanza Laboratories in 2011, the business that would become the Smithers Pharmaceutical Development Services division.
 
Ira is a lifelong learner. He has a Master’s of Science in toxicology from the University of Maryland, a Master’s in Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University, and a PhD from the City University of New York.
 
Ira lives in Glenelg, Maryland, with his wife. He is the father of two sons. Ira enjoys entertaining friends with a gourmet meal and the perfect wine pairing.