Our Team

Paul Pellegrino

Founder & Managing Director

A dedicated professional whose journey in executive recruitment was sparked by his six-year experience as a top-tier medical sales specialist. Witnessing the disconnect between employees and employers, Paul recognized the critical need to bridge this gap by transitioning into executive recruitment. In 2008, he founded 3D CRO Search Group, with an exclusive focus on the Life Science and Drug Development market.​

​With a track record of over 500 successful executive searches across North America, Europe and Asia, 3D CRO Group has become a trusted partner for private equity and venture funded biotechnology firms. Paul’s approach to talent acquisition and career transitions goes beyond merely matching professional experiences. He takes a pragmatic route, delving into the past experiences of clients and candidates to create high-value, low-risk outcomes.​

​Education: Paul holds a BS in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology from the University of West Virginia. ​

​Personal: In his personal life, he cherishes his marriage to his wife Christine since 2015, and together, they embrace the joys of parenthood with their two children. Paul firmly believes in maintaining a balanced life and diligently works on his “life wheel,” which revolves around family, physical and mental health, hobbies, financial investing, and his extended family, his team at 3D CRO Group. He takes pleasure in staying fit, indulging his passion for car collecting, with Porsche as his favorite brand, and exploring real estate investments.​

​Driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence, Paul and his team strive to maintain a high-quality recruitment process that undergoes continuous evaluation and improvement, always aiming to deliver exceptional results to the clients they serve.​

Jim Musico

Practice Leader

Jim joined 3D CRO as the first employee in 2012 and is specialized in the Contract Research, development, and manufacturing markets in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology industries. He has partnered with numerous CRO, CDMO, and private equity groups to build out teams from the Director to C-Suite level. Jim is known by his clients for his commitment to delivering long term, positive outcomes.​

Education: Jim holds a BS in Safety Management from Slippery Rock University. Jim also played rugby during his time at college.​

Personal: Outside of 3D CRO, Jim resides with his wife in Pittsburgh, PA. He enjoys being outdoors, Triathlon and distance running, and is a huge international soccer fan.​

Brandon Miller

Practice Leader​

Brandon joined 3D CRO Group in August of 2022 bringing a decade of executive search experience and industry knowledge with him. Prior to joining 3D CRO Group, Brandon spent several years building a global drug discovery and preclinical executive search & advisory practice for another firm before being recruited by one of his clients in the Contract Research space to lead executive recruiting full-time. Having spent time at two executive search firms and working as an in-house executive recruiter within industry, Brandon brings a unique, streamlined, and proven phased approach to each search engagement. Brandon continues to specialize in the contract R&D market with a particular emphasis on supporting Private Equity and its portfolio companies identify and hire Executive leadership teams and Board appointments. Brandon has worked with companies at a variety of stages including public, private, multinational, high-growth, turnaround, startup, and Fortune 500.​

Personal: Brandon has been married to his wife, Stephanie, since 2015, and they share a life with their 2 children, Kingston and Aliza. In his spare time, Brandon enjoys playing in men’s basketball and soccer leagues or finding a random open gym for pickup. Brandon also volunteers at Fairbanks Hospital and the Boys & Girls Club as his schedule permits as both organizations hold a special place in his heart. He enjoys coaching his son’s youth basketball, soccer, and baseball teams and supporting his daughter in dance and swimming. Brandon also has a passion for watching sports, specifically college basketball and the Indiana Hoosiers.​

Chris Kent

Executive Recruiter – Candidate Relationship Manager​

Chris has been with 3D CRO Group since 2017, working primarily on the recruiting and candidate development side, supporting business development efforts for the firm. He works across the entire R&D spectrum, ranging from the Drug Discovery through Clinical sectors, with a more specific focus into the clinical technology and full-service markets. Prior to joining the firm, Chris spent 14 years working in the mental healthcare industry as a Professional Counselor, treating individuals with severe and persistent mental illness.​

Education: Chris holds a master’s degree from Montclair State University and a bachelor’s degree from the Catholic University of America.​

Personal: Chris played competitive baseball through college at Catholic University. When he’s not working, Chris loves to work out and is an avid runner. He enjoys watching his favorite sports teams, visiting US historical sites, and spending time with his family and friends.​

Declan Rybacki

Business Development Manager​

Declan joined 3D CRO Group in May of 2021. Declan is currently focused on recruitment within the contract research & drug development industry, more specifically focused on the Drug Discovery through Clinical R&D markets. Declan recently received a promotion to Business Development where he will be an essential part of the company’s future growth.​

Education: Prior to joining 3D CRO Group, Declan had a traveling internship in Florida for a large commercial construction company. Declan has a degree in Marketing from The Ramapo College of New Jersey where he played collegiate soccer.​

Personal: Outside of the office, Declan primarily spends his time working out, playing sports, and spending time at the family lake house.​

Elizabeth Gotkin

Operations Manager

Liz joined the 3D CRO team in December of 2017. She is an essential support in the business’ day to day operations as well as lending support in the team’s recruiting efforts within the organization. ​

Prior to joining the 3D CRO Group, Liz worked at a country club while completing her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology. She also holds a degree in General Sciences from the University of William Patterson.​

Personal: Outside of the office, Liz is a huge foodie and enjoys checking out local restaurants and cooking. She can also be found doing CrossFit and spending time with friends and loved ones.​