Meet Our Team

While professionally supporting our colleagues in the pharmaceutical industry, at California Research Foundation, we’re family.

Study volunteers comment on the warm and caring atmosphere during their visits. Our concern and attention is focused first and foremost on the patients. Our unprecedented, dedicated team members are the secret of our success.

Dedicated Team Members at California Research Foundation

Jeffrey L Brandon, CEO of California Research Foundation medical research facility in San Diego California

Jeffrey L. Brandon Site Director

Over 40 years leading a team of clinical research professionals. Founder and CEO of California Research Foundation, launched in 1980 from the grass-roots family medical practice, while dedicating the focus to integrity, quality, and care for our patients.

Donald M. Brandon, MD Principal Investigator

Board certified in internal medicine and has led the clinical team since 1985. Earning his medical degree from the University of Southern California, he has carried on the family tradition of quality medical care and dedicated clinical research with the highest ethical and professional standards.

Ricardo Castaneda-Hurtado, MD

Ricardo Castaneda-Hurtado, Staff Physician of California Research Foundation medical research facility in San Diego California

Joined the team in 2021

William B Davis, Staff Physician of California Research Foundation medical research facility in San Diego California

William B. Davis, MD Sub-Investigator

Earned his medical degree from the School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, in 1964. He is Board Eligible Internal Medicine and Cardiology. He has been a California Research Foundation team member since 1986.

Daniel Lawler, Staff Physician of California Research Foundation medical research facility in San Diego California

Daniel T. Lawler, MD Sub-Investigator

Obtained his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1990. He has been a California Research Foundation team member since 2016.

Karl F. Walter, Staff Physician of California Research Foundation medical research facility in San Diego California

Karl F. Walter, MD Sub-Investigator

Earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1989. He has been a California Research Foundation team member since 2021.

Maria G. Aceves, MA Manager & Recruitment Specialist

Maria Aceves, Clinical Operations Manager of California Research Foundation medical research facility in San Diego California

Leading a team of dedicated research professionals, she brings years of experience in recruitment, patient care, quality data collection and reporting, and a unique ability to connect strongly with our research subjects. Rolling up her sleeves and leading the team by example, she guarantees the best possible outcome in all that has her focus. Maria joined the team in 1985 and is the main force behind our success in recruitment numbers.

Janice E. Brandon, MSN, CNL Site Manager

Janice E. Brandon, Clinical Trial Manager of California Research Foundation medical research facility in San Diego California

Has carried on the family tradition by bringing her clinical skill set, work ethic, and innate leadership ability to California Research Foundation by joining the team in 2014. Serving as the Clinical Team and Site Manager, she guarantees that the legacy of quality, integrity, and patient care continues while ensuring protocols and daily activities run smoothly and efficiently.

Jeffrey C. Brandon, DVM Chief Technology Officer

Jeffrey C Brandon, Chief Technology Officer of California Research Foundation medical research facility in San Diego California

A 2025 graduate of the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Jeffrey has been assisting California Research Foundation in its growth over the past decade through developing, implementing, and managing new technology that aligns with the ever-changing research environment.

Milan Brandon, Chief Legal Counsel of California Research Foundation medical research facility in San Diego California

Milan L. Brandon, II, Esq. Chief Legal Counsel

A 2016 graduate of the U.S.C. School of Law and the 2013 Valedictorian of the University of San Diego School of Business. Milan is an attorney skilled in the intersection of business, contract law, and litigation, with five years of active experience in courtroom and motion practice. His lifelong involvement with California Research Foundation, his training in economics, and his experience in litigation have equipped him with a holistic, forward-thinking approach to legal affairs.