R’Kes D. Starling, RPh, MBA

R’Kes Starling is a mission-driven healthcare executive and board leader with over two decades of experience building and scaling innovative models that improve access, affordability, and equity in life-changing therapies — including cell and gene therapies. With a career spanning Fortune 5 healthcare organizations, high-growth ventures, and advisory roles in private equity, Mr. Starling brings a unique blend of strategic, operational, and clinical insight to the forefront of transformative medicine.

A recognized pioneer in access and patient support innovation, Mr. Starling has led the design and execution of new healthcare delivery models, wraparound care strategies, and digital solutions that address the affordability and complexity of advanced therapeutics. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to reimagining how high-cost, high-impact treatments — especially for rare and complex conditions — are delivered to patients, payers, and providers. As the former Founder/CEO of Reveles, Inc., Mr. Starling led the development and deployment of an AI-powered engagement platform that integrated novel decentralized clinical trial (DCT) methodologies to expand access to research for historically underrepresented populations. Prior to that, as Vice President of Specialty Pharmacy and Clinical Research at McKesson, he held full responsibility for a $300M+ portfolio, led national clinical operations, and partnered with over 30 biopharma companies to improve time-to-therapy and optimize market access for breakthrough therapies. His expertise spans reimbursement strategy, patient access, and care management across oncology, nephrology, immunology, hemophilia, and cystic fibrosis.

Mr. Starling’s board and governance experience includes serving as Board Treasurer and Executive Committee member for the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) and as a Board Director for The DEC Network, where he advises on financial health, regulatory compliance, and innovation in healthcare delivery. He also serves as an Operating Partner to private equity firms, providing expert counsel on value creation, operational scale, and diligence across healthcare platforms.

Leveraging his deep understanding of the systemic, structural, and human challenges in the adoption of advanced therapies, Mr. Starling is leading the charge to create scalable, sustainable pathways that ensure every patient — not just the privileged few — can benefit from the promise of curative science.

Mr. Starling holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Purdue University and an Executive MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.