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ISPE Member Spotlight: Nathan Roman

ISPE
ISPE Member Spotlight - Nathan Roman

Nathan Roman is a Director, Industry Advisor, and Global Brand Ambassador with Ellab. He has been an ISPE Member since 2004. In the question-and-answer interview below, Roman reflects on why he joined ISPE, how ISPE has impacted his career, and more.

Why did you join ISPE?

ISPE became a part of my career very early on. I joined in 2004 when I was just beginning to find my footing in validation. At the time, I was hungry for opportunities to grow, to meet people who’d walked the path before me, and to understand what “good” looked like in our industry. ISPE was the one organization that offered all of that—networking, education, and relationship-building with professionals who genuinely care about moving the life sciences industry forward. Looking back, I didn’t just join ISPE—I grew up with it.

How has being part of ISPE helped you solve a specific problem?

One of the biggest challenges in our field is staying ahead of evolving regulatory expectations while maintaining operational excellence. ISPE has always been my go-to for practical guidance, peer input, and global best practices. Whether it was tackling complex equipment qualifications or strengthening our approach to data integrity, I’ve leaned on ISPE’s Communities of Practice and Good Practice Guides—most recently as a co-contributor to the ISPE Good Practice Guide: Controlled Temperature Chamber, Second Edition. The insights I’ve gained through ISPE have made my teams stronger, our processes more robust, and our clients more confident.

How has ISPE impacted your career?

ISPE has walked beside me throughout much of my career. I started out as an AutoCAD draftsman, transitioned into validation through hands-on piping and instrumentation diagram walkdowns, and eventually led regional validation teams across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. My involvement with ISPE—especially as a social committee chair, board member, and former Vice President of the ISPE Chesapeake Bay Area Chapter—helped me grow from a technical specialist into a well-rounded leader. The events, collaborations, and leadership opportunities within ISPE taught me how to bring people together, think strategically, and give back to the community that shaped me.

What advice would you give to someone considering joining ISPE?

You don’t just join ISPE for a membership card—you join for the people, the knowledge, and the chance to elevate your career. Go to the events. Volunteer. Ask questions. The more you put in, the more you’ll get back. And don’t underestimate the power of community—whether you’re solving a technical challenge or navigating a career move, someone in ISPE has been there and is willing to help.

What has your favorite ISPE experience been?

Hard to pick just one—I’ve done everything from wine tours and stadium outings to holiday parties and facility tours. But the ISPE Annual Meeting & Expo conferences really stand out: Philadelphia, Orlando, Las Vegas, and this year in North Carolina. That’s where innovation, connection, and industry insight come together—and where I’ve made some of the best friendships of my professional life.

Can you share a fun fact about you?

Outside of work, I’m passionate about teaching, mentoring, and giving back—whether it’s helping someone navigate a temperature mapping challenge, supporting new professionals in validation, or sharing practical tips on LinkedIn. I always try to lead with the heart of a teacher. Follow me on LinkedIn for practical validation insights—I love turning complex industry topics into something people can actually use. When I’m not talking shop, you’ll likely find me exploring a new city, riding my motorcycle, catching a game, or enjoying a local craft beer with great food and even better company.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

ISPE isn’t just a place to attend events or grab an ISPE Guidance Document—it’s where I’ve built lasting relationships, sharpened both my technical and leadership skills, and found new ways to give back to an industry I care deeply about.

If you ever see me at an annual meeting, a regional event, or come across one of my posts on LinkedIn—don’t hesitate to say hello. I’m always happy to talk validation, temperature mapping, career moves, or how to simplify equipment qualification without overcomplicating it.

And if you're looking for bite-sized industry tips or ready-to-use training tools around compliance, mapping, or validation, you’ll usually find me sharing something helpful or building the next resource to make your job easier.

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Becoming a member of ISPE offers numerous benefits, including access to a vast network of professionals, exclusive training events, and valuable resources. As a member, you'll join more than 22,000 of your professional peers from over 120 countries in advancing solutions that lead to improved patient health. Membership provides access to 20+ complimentary ISPE Good Practice Guides, a robust library of on-demand training and e-learning resources, and much more. Learn more and consider joining today.

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