The Wilmington-based contract research organization, PPD, was named seventh in the state of Best Employers in North Carolina for 2009 by NC Magazine, the North Carolina Chamber, the North Carolina Society for Human Resources Management and Best Companies Group.

The company, which employs more than 3,000 in North Carolina was the only CRO to make the list. 

“PPD is committed to recruiting, developing and retaining top talent and creating a challenging and rewarding work environment for our employees,” said Ed Murray, senior vice president of human resources in a PPD press release. 

Benefits, pay, work environment, as well as the company’s leadership were how companies, including non-profit organizations and government entities were judged.

A broad group of PPD employees in North Carolina responded to the survey assessing their company’s workplace philosophy, policies, and practices.