Jeffrey D. Allen

Chairman & CEO, Evia Bio | Board Advisor | Strategic Consultant

Jeffrey D. Allen is a passionate leader with a diverse background in shaping strategy, building high-performing teams, and driving exceptional results across public and private equity-backed organizations. With extensive C-level and international experience in the life sciences sector, Jeffrey has a proven track record of transforming performance and delivering profitable growth in various market environments.

Experience

• Chairman and CEO, Evia Bio
  May 2024 – Present 
• Strategic Advisor, Pluristyx, Inc.
  September 2023 – Present 
• Strategic Consultant, High Ridge Venture
  September 2023 – Present 
• Executive Coach, Executive Springboard, LLC
  April 2023 – Present 
• CVP Cell Therapy Solutions, Charles River Laboratories
  January 2022 – September 2023 
• Board Advisor, Gift of Life Biologics
  January 2022 – September 2023 
• Board Advisor, Essent Biologics
  May 2021 – September 2023 
• President and CEO, Cellero
  January 2019 – May 2021 
• Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Innovative Blood Resources
  April 2015 – December 2018 
• Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross – Pacific Northwest and Northern CA Regions
  April 2014 – April 2015 
• EVP, Chief Strategy Officer and CFO, Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin
  July 2003 – March 2014 
• Vice President Finance, Baxter International Inc.
  January 2001 – June 2003 
• Positions of Increasing Seniority, Baxter International Inc.
  June 1987 – January 2001

Education

• MBA, University of California, Irvine
• BS Finance, Northern Illinois University

Learn more at Jeffrey D. Allen | LinkedIn

Allison Hubel, PhD

Founder & CSO, Evia Bio | President of the Society for Cryobiology | Professor at the University of Minnesota  

Allison Hubel, PhD is a pioneering researcher and educator dedicated to transforming cell preservation practices. With a focus on advancing scientific principles, she has developed and taught professional short courses on preservation, which inspired her to author the book Preservation of Cells: A Practical Manual. 

Her innovative research centers on creating DMSO-free methods for preserving cells by mimicking natural processes. Utilizing sugars, sugar alcohols, and amino acids, her lab has successfully applied these techniques to a variety of cell types. This groundbreaking work led her to establish Evia Bio, a company aimed at translating these advancements from research into practical applications.

 Experience

• Founder and CSO, Evia Bio
  April 2020 – Present 
• President, Society for Cryobiology
  January 2024 – Present
• Director, Technological Leadership Institute, University of Minnesota
  February 2021 – Present
• Director, Biopreservation Core Resource, University of Minnesota
  January 2010 – Present
• Professor, University of Minnesota
  September 2008 – Present

Education

• PhD in Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• MS in Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University

Learn more at Allison Hubel, PhD | LinkedIn

Greg Werchowski

Commercial Advisor, Evia Bio | Sales & Marketing Leader | Senior Sales Executive

Greg Werchowski is a seasoned B2B sales and marketing leader with extensive domestic and international experience in the healthcare industry. He has successfully managed teams selling human biomaterials, software applications, SaaS, managed services, capital equipment, and lab testing services. Known for optimizing people, tools, and processes, Greg fosters a culture of integrity, learning, and execution, driving cross-functional coordination for new solution launches and strategic planning.

Experience

• Commercial Advisor / Consultant, GWW Consulting
  January 2024 – Present 
• Executive Director of Sales & Marketing, Charles River Laboratories
  March 2022 – November 2023 
• Senior Director of US Sales, Nelson Laboratories
  February 2021 – October 2021 
• VP of Sales and Business Development, Genome Medical, Inc.
  November 2018 – April 2020 
• VP & GM of Healthcare Division, PDS Paragon Development Systems
  January 2017 – May 2018 
• Sales General Manager, GE Healthcare
  January 2007 – January 2017
• Positions of Increasing Seniority,  GE Healthcare
  January 1991 – December 2006

Education

• MBA, University of Pittsburgh – Katz Graduate School of Business
• BS in Engineering, University of Pittsburgh

Learn more at  Greg Werchowski | LinkedIn

Jason Maidment, MBA

Chief Finance Officer, Evia Bio

Jason Maidment is an experienced Fractional CFO who specializes in transforming financial insight into strategic business value for small businesses. He has a proven track record of supporting CEOs and functional teams to drive business and earnings growth. Known for his analytical, technical, and data-driven approach, Jason empowers teams to reach new levels of performance through collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. He is skilled in financial modeling, strategic planning, cost management, and new market entry, with a focus on customer satisfaction and revenue growth.

Experience:

• JAM Services, LLC
  2020-Present
  Fractional CFO providing strategic business planning, forecasting, financial reporting, cashflow projections, board advisory, and performance metric development.
• Various senior finance roles including Senior Director of Finance, United Health Group
  2006-2019
• General Manager & Controller, Hanratty & Associates, Inc.
  2004-2006
• Accounting Manager and Accountant, Taylor Corporation
  1996-2003

Education:

• MBA in Business Administration, University of St. Thomas
• Bachelor of Science in Finance, Minnesota State University, Mankato

To learn more please go to: Jason Maidment, MBA | LinkedIn

Rachel Leon

Director of Operations, Evia Bio | Cryobiologist

Rachel Leon is a highly skilled cryobiologist with many years of experience in cryopreservation, specializing in the protocols and mechanisms required for effective cryopreservation of cells. As the first employee at Evia Bio, she leads business development efforts to commercialize the company’s innovative cryopreservation solution which enhances post-thaw performance and eliminates DMSO, improving the safety and efficacy of therapeutics. Rachel’s expertise stems from her training in the lab of renowned cryobiologist Dr. Allison Hubel at the University of Minnesota where she conducted research on the cryopreservation of multicellular systems for regenerative medicine applications.

Experience:

• Various senior roles including Director of Operations and Director of Business Development, Evia Bio
  2021-Present
• Graduate Research Assistant, University of Minnesota
  2018–2021
• Research Assistant, Oregon State University
  Dec 2016–Jun 2018
• Mobile Science and Engineering Camp Facilitator, Oregon State University
  Jun 2016–Aug 2017
• Research Intern, Oregon State University
  Jun 2015–Sep 2015

Education:

• Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota
• Honors Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering, Oregon State University

To learn more please go to: Rachel (Johnson) Leon | LinkedIn

Carmela Mascio

Director of Marketing Operations, Evia Bio | Life Sciences Consultant & Educator | Research Infectious Disease Microbiologist

Carmela Mascio is an experienced life sciences consultant, educator, and infection prevention advocate specializing in infectious disease microbiology and infection prevention. She has demonstrated expertise across a range of sectors, from business development and scientific research to marketing, education, and communications. With a passion for innovation, Carmela has excelled in navigating both highly regulated environments and emerging industries, particularly within antimicrobial research, drug discovery, and infectious disease prevention. She is a skilled leader and communicator, adept at translating complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences, including being an invited TEDx presenter. Carmela’s career is distinguished by her ability to build relationships, drive strategic initiatives, and mentor future leaders in STEM.

Experience

• Director of Marketing Operations, Evia Bio
  Nov 2023 – Present
• Life Sciences & Business Consultant
  Jun 2015 – Present
• President & Co-Founder, LivOnyx Inc.
  Sep 2015 – Aug 2022
• Scientist, Infectious Diseases & STEM Education Ambassador, Cubist Pharmaceuticals
  Nov 2003 – May 2015
• Scientist, Microbiology, Bio-Concept Laboratories, Inc.
  Mar 2002 – Nov 2003

Education

• Master of Science in Microbiology, University of New Hampshire
• Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, with a Minor in Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of New Hampshire
• Virtual Accelerator for MedTech Entrepreneurs, MedTech IGNITE (2020)
• NextGen Cohort 2, Next Generation Accelerator Program, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (2019)

To learn more please go to: Carmela Mascio | LinkedIn

Adam Joules

Director of R&D, Evia Bio | Cell Therapy Development & Translation | Cryobiologist

Adam Joules is a skilled researcher and leader specializing in the preservation and translation of cell-based therapies for regenerative medicine. With a strong background in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, and cell therapy development, Adam focuses on improving cryopreservation techniques to enhance the safety and scalability of regenerative therapies. He is currently the Director of R&D at Evia Bio, where he leads the development and commercialization of safer cryopreserved therapies. With experience across academia, research institutions, and industry, Adam has contributed to advancements in biomanufacturing, cell and gene therapies, and translational medicine. He is passionate about advancing regenerative medicine and optimizing the supply chain for cell-based products.

Experience:

• Various roles including Director of R&D and Lead Scientist, Evia Bio
  2021 – present
• Various roles spanning Technical Trainer, Lead Researcher, Senior Design Consultant and Engineering Intern, University of Minnesota Department of Biomedical Engineering
  2019-present
• Fellow in Cell Therapy and Transfusion Medicine, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
  Feb 2020 – Sep 2020
• Research Engineer, Applied Membrane Technology, Inc.
  Jun 2016 – May 2019
• Researcher, University of Minnesota Department of Chemistry
  Jan 2014 – Jun 2016
• Director of Engineering, University of Minnesota Robotics
  May 2014 – May 2015

Education:

• PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota (in progress)
• Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota (2021)
• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, University of Minnesota (2016)

To learn more please go to: Adam Joules | LinkedIn

Troy Louwagie

Scientist I, Evia Bio | Researcher | Cryobiologist

Troy Louwagie has a background in mechanical engineering and significant hands-on experience in research, mechanical testing, and process optimization. With a strong foundation in engineering principles and problem-solving, Troy is focused on advancing his expertise in the field of mechanical design and manufacturing. In his Scientist role at Evia Bio, he conducts research in a dynamic, innovative environment, contributing to the development of bioengineering technologies. His responsibilities span testing and analyzing product performance, technical training, and helping drive advancements in the field of cryopreservation and cell and gene therapies.

Experience:

• Scientist I, Evia Bio
  November 2022 – Present
• Mechanical Engineering Intern, Galil Medical (a BTG International group company)
  May 2019 – August 2019
• Engineering Intern, ProMed Molded Products
  May 2017 – August 2018

Education:

• PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota (in progress)
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of St. Thomas (2020)

To learn more please go to: Troy Louwagie | LinkedIn

Advitiya Mahajan, PhD

Senior Scientist, Evia Bio | Cryobiologist | Biomedical Engineer

Advitiya Mahajan, PhD, joined Evia Bio as a Senior Scientist with over 9 years of research experience in the fields of Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biopreservation, Biostabilization, Cryopreservation, and Cryobiology. With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and a background in Biomedical Engineering, Advitiya’s research spans understanding the transcriptomic and proteomic changes in Natural Killer (NK) cells during the cryopreservation process and enhancing cryopreservation techniques for diverse cell types. He has a strong history of applying innovative techniques to advance the preservation of therapeutic cells and biospecimens.

Experience:

• Senior Scientist, Evia Bio
  Apr 2024 – Present
• Graduate Research Assistant, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
  Oct 2017 – Mar 2024
• Research Specialist, University of Missouri-Columbia
  Jun 2016 – Jul 2017
• Research Assistant, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
  Jul 2015 – Jun 2016
• Research Intern, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
  May 2014 – Aug 2014

Education:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (2024)
• Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University (2015)

To learn more please go to: Advitiya Mahajan | LinkedIn

Dominic Clarke, PhD

VP Technical Operations, Cryoport | Cell & Gene Therapy Specialist | Product Strategy | Advisor

Dominic Clarke, PhD is a distinguished leader with over two decades of experience in the Cell & Gene Therapy sector. He currently holds the position of Vice President of Technical Operations at IntegriCell for Cryoport Systems, where he oversees global process development, technical transfer, and GMP cryopreservation services for patient-derived starting materials, facilitating broader patient access to life-saving therapies. Dominic has occupied several executive roles, utilizing his extensive technical and strategic expertise to drive commercial success for various companies. He earned his PhD in cell and molecular biology, specializing in cryopreservation and low-temperature biology. For the past 15 years, Dominic has been an active member of the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapies (ISCT) Process Development and Manufacturing industry sub-committee, where he currently serves as the committee chair.

Experience:

• VP of Technical Operations at IntegriCell, Cryoport
  Oct 2023 – Present
• Strategic Advisor, Orange County Bio
  May 2023 – Present
• Chief Technical Officer, Cell & Gene Therapy, Discovery Life Sciences
  Aug 2021 – May 2023
• Director Global Cell Therapy Strategy & Innovation, Charles River Laboratories
  Jan 2021 – Jul 2021
• Global Head of Cell Therapy, HemaCare Corporation
  Jun 2018 – Jan 2021
• Global Product Manager: Cellular Therapy and Bioprocessing, Charter Medical, Ltd.
  Jan 2011 – Jun 2018
• Director of Research and Development, BioLife Solutions, Inc.
  Jun 2007 – Jan 2011
• Director of Oncologic Studies and Lead Scientist, CPSI Biotech
  Dec 2005 – May 2007

Education:

• Post-Doctorate, Cell and Developmental Biology, Upstate Medical University (2002 – 2005)
• Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Binghamton University (2002)

To learn more please go to: Dominic Clarke | LinkedIn

Raluca Dumitru, MD, PhD

Scientific Sales Director, Charles River Laboratories | Cell & Gene Therapy | Technical & Commercial Development

Dr. Raluca Dumitru, MD, PhD, is an experienced Scientific Sales Director with a strong background in cell biology, cell therapy, and stem cell technology. With both a medical degree and PhD in biological sciences Raluca brings over 15 years of expertise spanning scientific sales, business development, and research. She specializes in commercial development, client relations, and strategic sales in the life sciences sector, with a particular focus on cell and gene therapies. Her leadership roles have included managing cutting-edge scientific research facilities, transitioning experimental therapies to clinical products, and developing state-of-the-art laboratory environments.

Experience:

• Scientific Sales Director, Charles River Laboratories
  Jul 2022 – Present
• Director Commercial Development, Lonza
  Nov 2021 – Jul 2022
• Business Development Executive, HemaCare Corporation (a Charles River Company)
  Aug 2020 – Nov 2021
• Cell Biology Technical Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific
  Jun 2019 – Aug 2020
• Lead Cell Therapy Manufacturing, Falcon Therapeutics, Inc.
  May 2018 – Mar 2019
• Project Manager/Regulatory, Falcon Therapeutics
  Aug 2017 – May 2018
• Research Scientist, Precision BioSciences, Inc.
  Oct 2016 – Aug 201
• Director, Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Core, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  Apr 2012 – Oct 2016
• Research Fellow, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
  Oct 2010 – Mar 2012

Education:

• Postdoctoral Fellow, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2007-2010)
• PhD in Biology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2007)
  Doctor of Medicine (MD), University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu,” Romania

To learn more please go to: Raluca Dumitru | LinkedIn

Marty Giedlin, PhD

Senior Team Lead, MG Consulting | Immunologist | Cell & Gene Therapy CMC

Marty Giedlin, PhD, is a seasoned immunologist with over 20 years of expertise in recombinant protein, cell and gene therapy, and vaccine development. His experience spans research, pharmacology, toxicology, process development, and manufacturing. Marty has extensive knowledge in biologics, chemistry-manufacturing-controls (CMC), quality assurance/control (QA/QC), and assay development, with expertise in adenovirus, T cells, NK cells and CD34+ stem cells. He has led in vivo pharmacology groups, developed SOPs, and designed toxicity and efficacy studies supporting INDs and other regulatory documents. Marty also has a strong background in clinical trial design, FDA regulations, and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). Lastly, Marty is a L1 CrossFit coach.

Experience:

• Cell & Gene Therapy Consultant, MG Consulting
  Dec 2023 – Present and Oct 2019 – Mar 2020
• SVP, Head of Technical Operations, Senti Biosciences
  Nov 2021 – Nov 2023
• Senior Vice President, PACT Pharma
  Mar 2020 – Nov 2021
• VP Technical Operations, Poseida Therapeutics, Inc.
  Feb 2018 – Oct 2019
• Executive Director, Process Development, Novartis
  Dec 2014 – Jan 2018
• VP Development, Sangamo BioSciences
  Feb 2008 – Nov 2014
• Senior Director Pharm/Tox, Cerus (2002 – 2007)
• Director Pharm/Tox, Onyx Pharmaceuticals (2000 – 2002)
• Director Pharm/Tox, Chiron Corporation (1992 – 2000)
• Scientist, Triton Biosciences (1986 – 1992)
• Research Fellow, DNAX Research Institute (1983-1985)
• Research Fellow, The Scripps Research Institute (1980 – 1983)

Education:

• PhD in Microbiology/Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
• Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry, University of Notre Dame

To learn more please go to: Marty Giedlin, PhD | LinkedIn