Dave was appointed as Executive Director by AOAC INTERNATIONAL’s Board of Directors effective May 1, 2018. Prior to joining AOAC, he was principal consultant for Schmidt Commonwealth Strategies, LLC. From 2006 to 2015, he served as president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Food Information Council (IFIC) and CEO of the IFIC Foundation in Washington, DC. He joined IFIC in 1993 and held positions from Director to Executive Vice President prior to being elected CEO. Dave also served as the first Bush administration’s director of external affairs for USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service where he addressed food safety and nutrition issues and managed the inspection agency’s media, legislative, and consumer education programs. He also gained a thorough understanding of the food industry in previous sales positions with Oscar Mayer Foods, Pepsi-Cola USA, and Canada Dry Corp. He holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Vanderbilt University, and completed graduate business studies at the University of New Orleans. He has also served the Town of Leesburg, Virginia, as a town councilmember.
Contact Dave at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x102
As the Deputy Executive Director and Chief Human Resources Officer, Jonathan is responsible for a number of operational areas. With an education from Syracuse University that included graduate coursework in Human Resources Management and almost 20 years in scientific association management, he came to AOAC INTERNATIONAL in 2015 with a passion for working with staff as well as understanding associations and what makes them “tick.” Jonathan holds certifications from the Human Resources Certification Institute (SPHR) and the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM-SCP). He has also been very active in the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE) since 1999 and recently completed three years on its Board of Directors. When he isn’t at a sporting event with his family, Jonathan volunteers for his church in various capacities.
Contact Jonathan at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x104
As Deputy Executive Director and Chief Science Officer, Kate is responsible for leadership of all science programs and projects at AOAC INTERNATIONAL. She joined the AOAC staff in January 2023 but has been a very active member of AOAC INTERNATIONAL since 2004. Kate is a Fellow of AOAC INTERNATIONAL and received the Association’s highest scientific honor, the Harvey W. Wiley Award, in 2021. An expert in the analysis of chemical residues and contaminants in food, she has worked for the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, the US Department of Agriculture, and founded her own independent consulting business, Excellcon International. In 2009, she began her work at Covance Laboratories where her responsibilities grew rapidly. After the acquisition of Covance Food Solutions by Eurofins Scientific, she has most recently served as Chief Scientific Officer, Eurofins US Food Division. Kate holds a Ph.D. in Food Chemistry and Analysis from the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague.
Contact Kate at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x163
Pam is the Chief Innovation Officer at AOAC INTERNATIONAL, where she was an active member for 25 years during her distinguished career of executive leadership in laboratory science services. She is an experienced, successful, and dynamic executive with a strong track record in the testing, inspection, and certification industry spanning both routine food safety/quality program management as well as project-oriented businesses in support of food product innovation. Pam was employed for 28 years by Mérieux NutriSciences (formerly Silliker, Inc), filling numerous increasingly responsible roles including leading first a single laboratory, then a multi-laboratory region, and directing sales and marketing teams. She established the Global Key Accounts program, before being named the Vice President of Research Services and the Managing Director of Biofortis, Inc. Pam was also recognized for her nonprofit leadership at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), where she served on the board of directors and in the Office of the President from 2018 to 2021. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Greenville University, with graduate studies in chemistry, and completed an MBA from Georgia State University.
Contact Pam at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x122
Alicia is Director of Business Development and Governance at AOAC INTERNATIONAL. With AOAC since 2006, she has performed several roles and developed a deep interest in the rich history of the Association. Alicia currently works with the Board of Directors and the Executive Director to identify and grow new business opportunities as they relate to the organization’s vision and mission. She also works closely with the Board of Directors in their management of AOAC’s overall governance structure and maintains the historical records of the Association. Her interest in nonprofit management and governance was fostered while earning a B.A. in Political Science at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she was a member of the national political science honor society Pi Sigma Alpha.
Contact Alicia at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x101
Dawn is the Deputy Executive Director, Engagement at AOAC INTERNATIONAL. Her responsibilities include leading and implementing the organization’s engagement strategy, which includes developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders and partners, as well as overseeing outreach and communication efforts. The position serves as the membership, communications, publications, and meetings lead to achieve the strategic plan for AOAC. With AOAC since 2003, Dawn was previously a Senior Director of Membership, Marketing, and Communications, and prior to that, the Executive for Scientific Business Development and Senior Director, Membership and Education providing direction to the sections, overall membership, meetings, and education, as well as marketing and communications. With nearly 24 years in association management, she has served in many areas of membership, component relations, strategic planning, board development, and marketing. Prior to AOAC, she served as the Director of Member Relations and Services for both the National Association of Enrolled Agents (2001-2003) and the National Council of Nonprofit Associations (2000-2001). Dawn received her Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives in 2007 and is also a member of ASAE. She received the Association Trends Young and Aspiring Association Professionals Award in 2004. She has a B.A. in English from West Virginia University.
Contact Dawn at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x117
Lauren is Director, Meetings and Exposition at AOAC INTERNATIONAL and has been with the Association since 2006, managing the Annual and Midyear Meetings. She has 24 years of total experience working in the meetings department for nonprofit associations. Prior to that, Lauren worked in the catering department of a District of Columbia hotel. A graduate of American University with a B.S. in Business Administration, she is an active member of the Professional Convention Management Association and currently serves on PCMA’s Capital Chapter Membership Committee.
Contact Lauren at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x118
As Director of Membership at AOAC INTERNATIONAL, May manages the overall membership program and awards program from start to finish and serves as staff liaison to 17 Sections. She works closely with the Meetings and Exhibition Department, especially poster abstract submission, as well as marketing and communications. Prior to AOAC, she was employed at the United Jewish Appeal Federation (UJAF), American Speech Hearing Association/National Student Speech Language Association (ASHA/NSSLA), Ziners’ Accounting, and was an executive assistant to the Mayor and City Council of the Arima Borough Council of Trinidad and Tobago. Throughout her career, May has gained a wide range of experience in nonprofit, volunteer, project, and accounting management; membership and professional development; marketing and communications; and governance. She is a member of the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE) and American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). She received a B.S. in Management Studies from the University of Maryland University College, an Associate Degree and Certificate in Paralegal Studies from Montgomery College, and numerous certificates from St. George’s Business College in Trinidad and Tobago.
Contact May at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x114
As AOAC INTERNATIONAL’s Communications Manager, Margaret works closely with the Deputy Executive Director, Engagement to plan and deploy strategic communications initiatives across web, print, email, and social channels. She is a creative communications professional with over 25 years of experience in non-profit and higher education. She holds a BA in Public Relations from Southern Methodist University and an MA in Arts Administration from the University of New Orleans.
Contact Margaret at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x102
Jennifer joined AOAC in 2001, and accepted the role as Director of Publications in 2019. She is the staff liaison for the Editorial Board and Journal Section Editors. Jennifer continues to assists the Journal’s authors, special guest editors, and section editors with tasks from manuscript submission through publication. She works with the publications contractors, and assists with production of the Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL. Jennifer has served in many other capacities for the Association, including contract work with FDA/NIH, EPA, and industry. For her entire career, she has worked in a production environment, and has much experience in getting projects completed on time. In her free time, Jennifer serves in a leadership capacity for a Christian Women’s Fellowship. She also enjoys doing crafts, gardening, and quilting.
Contact Jen at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x107
Tien is Managing Editor of AOAC INTERNATIONAL’s membership magazine, Inside Laboratory Management, and compendium of methods, the Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL. Her primary responsibilities include managing the process, from start to finish, involved with publishing both print and online products and ensuring product quality and timeliness. Tien also manages publication of the AOAC INTERNATIONAL Guidelines for Laboratories Performing Microbiological and Chemical Analyses of Food, Dietary Supplements, and Pharmaceuticals. She develops news flashes, press releases, and in-house advertising for AOAC, as well. Tien has extensive work experience in a production publishing environment and has also held positions in marketing and public relations prior to joining AOAC in 1997. Tien graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 1993 with a B.S. in Journalism.
Contact Tien at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x106
Scott was appointed as the Senior Director of the AOAC Research Institute on July 1, 2018. He is responsible for daily management of and business development for the AOAC Research Institute. Scott served as the Chief Science Officer from 2009 until June 2018. In this capacity, he served as the technical lead for many AOAC projects. Scott led the writing and development of Appendix F in the Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL that describes validation requirements and the development of Standard Method Performance Requirements. Before joining AOAC, he worked for 10 years as the Operations Manager for an in-vitro diagnostic manufacturer making medical test kits such as Strep tests and specialized bacterial culture media. Scott holds a B.S. in Microbiology (1978) and a M.S. in Biotechnology Management (1994) from the University of Maryland.
Contact Scott at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x137
Nora is the Senior Manager for the AOAC Research Institute. Since 2008, she has brought experienced guidance to the RI’s Performance Tested Methods (PTM) program, to issues involving certifications, invoicing, applications, renewals, AOAC Research Institute membership, web site communications, and more. Nora attended the University of Delaware, studying fine/graphic arts and veterinary sciences. She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a B.S. in Veterinary/Animal Husbandry and Wildlife Management. She is a member of Alpha Zeta, an agricultural professional honor society. Nora also pursues interests in continuing education, fishing, bird watching, sports cars, photography, music, and the outdoors.
Contact Nora at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x129
Lu Ann is the Director, Information Technology at AOAC INTERNATIONAL. Lu Ann joined AOAC in October 2020 with 25 years of non-profit association experience including 19 years at the Mechanical Contractors Association of America, where she supported exponential growth and inspired member companies, and the National Association of Independent Schools, where she worked across departments to integrate and improve complex systems. Lu Ann will apply her technical expertise to serve AOAC INTERNATIONAL’s stakeholders and members by expanding AOAC’s core programs and bringing additional flexibility and capacity for growth into AOAC’s database and systems. Lu Ann graduated from Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA, with a B.A. in Art History and Political Science, and an M.A. in Art History from the University of Pittsburgh. She recently added a Certified Scrum Master® (CSM®) credential from the Scrum Alliance to expand her team-building and rapid delivery skills. In her spare time, Lu Ann enjoys learning about art, literature, history, world cultures, travel, gardening, and solving complex logic puzzles.
Contact Lu Ann at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x133
Maurice is a Customer Service Coordinator at AOAC INTERNATIONAL who joined the Association in 1999 as an accountant. During his tenure at AOAC, he has worked in various accountancy roles that have served a multi-currency environment while using various accounting software and client resource management tools. With his bookkeeping background, highly organized and detail-oriented skillset, he provides documentation of financial transactions, processing of customer and member payments, weekly and month-end reports, preparation of financial statements, vendor invoicing, and journal entries. In addition to his accountancy role, Maurice transitioned into the Customer Service Department of AOAC INTERNATIONAL to assist the AOAC Laboratory Proficiency Testing Program, the AOAC Research Institute, and Membership Department with processing a variety of financial transactions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and collections. As AOAC continues to grow and evolve as an international organization, Maurice continues to show flexibility, embrace challenges, and effectively respond to changes with integrity with his strong work ethic.
Contact Maurice at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x130
Natasha is a Customer Service Coordinator at AOAC INTERNATIONAL who joined the Association in July 2019. Hitting the ground running, she has already assisted across a few of the departments including Membership. Prior to joining AOAC, she worked in nonprofits for over 13 years as an administrative assistant and program coordinator. Natasha continues to develop new skills and improve in membership communication. She is currently working on a B.A. in Communication Studies at the University Maryland University College. In her free time, Natasha is an avid reader and likes to travel and attend comic conventions.
Contact Natasha at [email protected], (301) 924-7707 x112
Jamil is Senior Manager of IT Support and Office Services at AOAC INTERNATIONAL and manages areas of the IT Enterprise, including infrastructure, security, help desk, and application support. With over 20 years of dedicated service to the Association, he is responsible for providing routine and emergency desktop support to all on-site AOAC employees and remote staff. He ensures the functionality of all IT systems, including remote user and computer accounts, anti-virus software, print services, and email provisions. Jamil’s certifications include Microsoft Windows 7 and 10, and Office 365, and is trained in maintaining Microsoft exchange servers, Windows server environments, and installing/configuring Windows applications. He has completed coursework from the University of the District of Columbia in Architecture, Engineering, and Statistics. Initially an office manager, Jamil transitioned to oversight of information systems and office services more than 15 years ago.
Contact Jamil at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x113
Evelyn is the Accounting Manager for AOAC INTERNATIONAL Since 2002, she has worked alongside AOAC’s Chief Financial Officer to direct the Association’s financial planning, accounting, forecasting, and cash management functions. She utilizes her excellent attention to detail to focus on delivering value to AOAC members. Prior to joining AOAC INTERNATIONAL, Evelyn worked as a staff accountant at the Bethesda, Maryland, office of the integrated telecommunications company, Allegiance Telecom. Evelyn is a soccer mom, enjoys watching the sunset, traveling, and just having a quiet relaxing time alone.
Contact Evelyn at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x125
Shane is the Senior Director, Laboratory Proficiency Testing Program, and started at AOAC INTERNATIONAL with the program’s inception in 1998. He has a passion for food safety and biodefense and his job at AOAC casts him into those arenas. Shane is responsible for seeing that the program adheres strictly to ISO 17043 accreditation requirements for proficiency testing providers. Shane also helped design, develop, and implement all the technical requirements of the PT program as well as the web site and the SAS statistical programing used by the program. In addition, he has created new PT programs based on stakeholder and participant feedback to address their analytical needs. He leads the CASP Proficiency Testing Working Group. He has a B.S. degree in Food Science from the University of Maryland and is working toward a M.S. in Biotechnology-Biosecurity and Biodefense at the University of Maryland University College (now UMGC). In his free time, Shane is an adventurer and enjoys the outdoors with his family.
Contact Shane at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x150
Chad is the Manager, AOAC Proficiency Testing Program, reporting to the Senior Director of the Proficiency Testing Program. As Manager, AOAC Proficiency Testing, he is the primary staff responsible for the management and administration of the day-to-day operations of the AOAC Laboratory Proficiency Testing Program, including direct communication with program participants. He is responsible for making sure those operations meet accreditation criteria. He is also responsible for project management with Information Technology and statistical subcontractors to ensure that the implementation of changes to the current website/SAS reporting systems, and the creation of new systems, meet the requirements of accreditation. Since 2018, he has been a key member of the Customer Service/Accounting Departments, working closely with the Laboratory Proficiency Testing Program as part of the Customer Service team. Chad graduated from the University of Maryland with a B.A. in Communications in 2010. His work history, which includes data entry and loan processing, has helped shape his appreciation for and attention to detail. Chad is an avid Washington, DC, sports fan and enjoys going to concerts.
Contact Chad at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x109
Joining AOAC INTERNATIONAL in 2003, Deborah is Deputy Assistant Executive Director & Chief Standards Officer, including method approval processes. Her responsibilities include overseeing implementation and execution of voluntary consensus standards processes and the Official Methods SM and Performance Tested Methods SM programs. She and her team coordinate and administer associated activities with standards development and method approval programs. In support of her responsibilities, she is the lead staff liaison to the AOAC Official Methods Board and develops educational materials and orientations on processes for standards development and method approval programs. Previously, she was responsible for daily management of and business development for the AOAC Research Institute and served as Senior Director, Standards and Official MethodsSM. Most recently, McKenzie also served in an interim role of coordinating the AOAC Science Team which included working with AOAC Research Institute and the Laboratory Proficiency Testing Program in the coordination of the AOAC science programs and resources. Most recently, Deborah also served in an interim role of coordinating the AOAC Science Team which included working with AOAC Research Institute and the Laboratory Proficiency Testing Program in the coordination of the AOAC science programs and resources.
Before joining AOAC, Deborah was a chemistry teacher and STEM educator and served as co-project director for state and federally funded grants for student and teacher development in STEM education with a focus on socioeconomically underserved communities. Deborah holds M.S. and B.A. degrees in Chemistry from SUNY Oswego and Syracuse University. She is also an ordained rabbi, with a certificate of rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Spiritual Leaders Institute. Deborah is member of the American Chemical Society (ACS), International Association for Food Protection (IAFP), American Institute of Parliamentarians (AIP), Society for Standards Professionals (SES), National Society for Black Engineers (NSBE), and AOAC INTERNATIONAL.
Contact Deborah at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x157
Delia Boyd, AStd., is Senior Manager for AOAC Standards. Delia ensures the integrity of the infrastructure for standards development and conformity assessment activities, facilitating the development of voluntary consensus standard method performance requirements (SMPR®) and the adoption of methods as Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL. As a staff liaison to the AOAC Official Methods Board (OMB), the Association’s scientific and advisory board for oversight on implementation of policies and procedures for standards development & conformity assessment, Delia manages OMB activities including volunteer appointments for AOAC standards development and conformity assessment, OMB Awards, working groups, and standing committees. As a coauthor of the AOAC “SPIFAN process and infrastructure,” she manages the life cycle for SPIFAN SMPR and Official Methods SM approval and adoption. Delia has over 30 years of contracts and business management experience. She is also an experienced project, program, and change manager who is versed in volunteer and non-profit/association management. Delia holds a standards professional certification (AStd.) from SES – The Society for Standards Professionals where she is a member. Before joining AOAC, Delia was employed with Duke Energy’s Audit Services and special projects team including Financial Re-Engineering and Sarbanes-Oxley 404 Compliance, where the team lead the company compliant ahead of the scheduled deadline. Delia attended Montgomery College where she studied Accounting and holds a certificate in computer programming.
Contact Delia at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x126
Saliha is Coordinator, Standards and Official Methods, reporting to the Deputy Assistant Executive Director & Chief Standards Officer. Saliha is facilitating the work of AOAC Expert Review Panels and assisting with the development of consensus standards. Since 2002, she has been a key member of the Proficiency Testing team, finding solutions to meet customers’ needs and bringing improvements to the system to support the program’s accreditation. Prior to joining AOAC, Saliha worked at FOI Services, serving as a liaison between clients and FDA, and at the National Science Foundation, providing staff support to conferences and events, NSF database management, and a Presidential Awards program. Saliha maintained and supported the Presidential Awards Education Math Science Teaching program database of state awardees, private sector donors, governors, chief state officers, and state coordinators. Saliha majored in computerized business systems and earned a BTS (honors graduate) in Computer Science (French educational system). Saliha is an avid yoga/energy work practitioner and a soccer mom.
Contact Saliha at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x153
Allison is Coordinator, Standards and Official Methods SM, reporting to the Deputy Assistant Executive Director & Chief Standards Officer and supporting standards development activities. Prior to joining AOAC, Allison worked at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research as a research associate for the Center for Molecular Microscopy, and at Leidos, serving as a scientific manager for the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs. Allison graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s University in 2017 with a B.S in health sciences and again in 2019 with a M.Sc. in biotechnology and business management. Her interests include running, hiking, baking, traveling, and spending time with her dog, Roxanne.
Contact Allison at: [email protected], (240) 801-8658
Constance is a Coordinator, Standards and Official Methods SM reporting to the Deputy Assistant Executive Director & Chief Standards Officer. Prior to her position at AOAC INTERNATIONAL she worked as a Project Manager at a startup making biodegradable biopolymers, and performing gut microbiome research and protein crystallography as a research technician and laboratory manager at the University of Queensland and the University of Michigan, respectively. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Biomolecular Science in 2010. Outside of work she enjoys traveling, being in nature, and pottery.
Contact Constance at: [email protected], (301) 924-7077 x143
