“Be a light unto yourself.”
Lucinda Orsini is a visionary executive in health economics and outcomes research (HEOR), a trailblazer whose professional journey exemplifies the power of science, strategic leadership, and evidence-based value creation. With over two decades of experience spanning pharmaceutical giants, contract research organizations, and innovative biotech startups, Lucinda has built a career defined by intellectual rigor, unwavering ethical standards, and a commitment to improving global health outcomes.
Lucinda’s path began with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Cornell University, a foundation that grounded her in empirical thinking and biological systems. Her clinical education at Temple University, where she earned a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, further deepened her understanding of patient care and clinical pathways. However, it was at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health—where she obtained her MPH in Health Policy and Management—that she developed the policy acumen and population-level perspective that would define her leadership in HEOR.
She began her industry journey with Thompson MEDSTAT (now Merative), conducting claims-based analyses that sharpened her analytical lens. Her career accelerated at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), where she held successive HEOR leadership roles over more than a decade. Lucinda’s work at BMS was marked by a profound impact on oncology, where she designed global outcomes plans, patient-reported outcome strategies, and non-interventional trials across multiple cancer indications. She led regulatory assessments, contributed to pivotal publications, and represented the company on the prestigious PRO Consortium.
Lucinda transitioned into executive leadership at Parexel, a premier contract research organization, where she led a 30-person HEOR team responsible for real-world evidence (RWE), patient-reported outcomes, and economic modeling. Managing a multimillion-dollar portfolio, she drove strategic value communication across a broad spectrum of therapeutic areas, proving her capability to scale both people and results in complex environments.
As Associate Chief Science Officer at ISPOR, Lucinda took her expertise to the global stage. She led scientific initiatives that shaped industry standards, including co-creating the Real World Evidence Transparency Initiative and steering research sub-committees to elevate the scientific integrity of RWE studies. She also contributed to the development of harmonized global protocols through collaborations with ISPE, ensuring that real-world studies could be reproducibly and ethically leveraged in healthcare decision-making.
Today, Lucinda is Vice President of Value and Outcomes Research at COMPASS Pathways, where she is at the helm of HEOR strategy for COMP360 psilocybin therapy. In this role, she designs and delivers economic models, RWE studies, and payer-relevant data to support the clinical development and potential commercialization of this pioneering treatment. Her work integrates patient preference research and caregiver perspectives—ensuring holistic, patient-centered approaches to innovation in mental health.
Lucinda’s portfolio includes an impressive array of publications, including systematic reviews and multinational observational studies in oncology, psychiatry, and chronic disease management. Her expertise is recognized globally, not only through her research but also through her active participation on editorial boards and leadership roles within ISPOR. She currently serves on the board of directors and contributes as co-lead of the RWE Special Interest Group, consistently influencing the scientific agenda for health economics.
Outside the corporate world, Lucinda channels her strategic and financial acumen as Treasurer for the Princeton Girlchoir, reflecting her belief in the power of arts and community. She finds balance through outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and boating—practices that align with her core value of staying grounded and connected to nature and self.
What makes Lucinda a standout board candidate is her rare combination of clinical insight, public health expertise, and commercialization strategy. Her motivation to serve stems from meaningful nonprofit board experience where she thrived in collaborative, multidisciplinary settings. She brings a unique skill set that translates complex data into compelling narratives for value—essential for any organization at the intersection of science, strategy, and public good.
Lucinda is especially interested in contributing to pharmaceutical, device development, contract research, and nonprofit organizations where she can continue to drive impact through innovation, collaboration, and value creation. She is open to roles in startups and public companies alike, provided they align with her ethical standards—particularly avoiding conflicts in psychedelic or competing depressive disorder treatment spaces.
Character:
Lucinda exemplifies integrity, transparency, and responsibility in every role she undertakes. Her commitment to ethical leadership and collaboration has earned her trust across academia, industry, and nonprofit sectors.
Knowledge:
Armed with degrees from Cornell, Temple, and Harvard, Lucinda fuses deep clinical understanding with health policy and strategic HEOR expertise. She applies her knowledge to drive both scientific innovation and commercial success.
Strategic:
Lucinda is a master of aligning data with vision—using evidence to support product positioning from early development to market entry. Her ability to lead cross-functional teams and anticipate payer and regulatory needs sets her apart as a strategic thinker.
Communication:
She communicates complex scientific concepts in accessible, compelling ways to diverse stakeholders—from clinicians and scientists to payers and board directors. Her prolific publication record and public speaking roles reflect her gift for influential storytelling.
