ATCC, the world’s premier biological materials management and standards organization, announced that Dr. Melissa Rewolinski, Steve Curts and Heather Kiessling have joined its board of directors. ATCC’s board helps advise the senior leadership team on a variety of business, strategy and science-related issues. Board members work closely with management to identify new opportunities to deepen ATCC’s impact within the scientific community and grow its business.
“Our leadership and impact on the scientific research community during the pandemic served as a catalyst for growth, and we are confident that the experience and perspective that Melissa, Steve and Heather offer will complement the experience of our Board and help enable us to continue to grow our business and advance our company’s leadership at the forefront of science,” said Raymond H. Cypess, D.V.M., Ph.D., chairman and CEO of ATCC. “We are fortunate to have a variety of talented and dedicated board members to help lead ATCC during this important time in our history.”
Dr. Rewolinski has served as a scientific leader, research and development executive and board member in the pharmaceutical industry for over 25 years. She earned her doctoral degree in organic chemistry from Rice University and started her career as a senior research scientist for Pfizer, studying isomers, metabolites and impurities within chemical research and development. Rewolinski rose to serve as a research and development and operations senior executive responsible for strategic development and growth, inventing multiple patents and managing multiple development functions including product development, clinical operations and regulatory affairs. Rewolinski will serve on the BioNexus Foundation, and Science and Technology Committees of ATCC’s board.
Mr. Curts joins the ATCC board as a finance expert on managing global portfolios. As the managing director of portfolio operations for Centares, Curts leads operational initiatives, portfolio oversight and leverages capabilities across Centares’ portfolio. He previously served as chief strategy officer for American Express Global Business Travel, responsible for strategy, acquisitions and partnerships for joint ventures and private equity investors. With a passion for service, he resided as vice president of Dell Services, transforming their service delivery model to realize $3.5 billion in revenue. Curts will serve as a key member of the ATCC Cell Systems (ACS) and Finance and Audit Committees.
Ms. Kiessling is a certified public accountant who brings more than 25 years of business intelligence in finance, operational improvement, research and development, and other cross-functional areas. Her impressive achievements include supporting a range of companies at various stages, including start-up, early-stage and fast-growing organizations in both the private and public sectors. She has demonstrated acumen in overseeing corporate operations and financial reporting, ensuring transparency to all stakeholders. Kiessling will serve as chair of the Finance and Audit Committee of the ATCC board and contribute to the ACS Committee.