News

ATCC Expands Board of Directors With Three Appointments

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.

Recent News

09/22/2023

State public health laboratory, Henrico County Schools launch pilot program to promote life science career

More than 50 Henrico County high school students and teachers joined scientists from Virginia’s public health and environmental laboratory Wednesday to kick off an innovative program that brings together private and government scientists and experts, business and nonprofit leaders, and public schools to explore ways to create a pipeline of talent to fuel Virginia’s growing

09/21/2023

Climate Tech Startup ThermaGEL Innovations’ Breakthrough Aerogels Join the Challenge to Save Half-Gigaton of C02 Emissions Each Year

In the fight against climate change, properly insulating homes and buildings can significantly raise energy efficiency and indoor air quality while lowering carbon dioxide emissions. A startup company, spun out of research at Virginia Commonwealth University, is commercializing what it calls a breakthrough in low-cost insulation materials. ThermaGEL Innovations has developed insulation material using aerogels,

09/20/2023

Charlottesville healthy sugar innovator Bonumose raises $2M

Bonumose Inc., a Charlottesville startup specializing in table sugar alternatives, has raised $2 million toward a $10 million funding round after German flavor and fragrances producer Symrise AG signed a minority investment agreement with the company. “The strategic investment from Symrise is part of a larger funding round that will be used for increasing sales,