Our Team Of Testing Experts

J. Michael Drozd

Mr. Drozd has over 25 years of experience leading bio-analytic testing, manufacturing, and consumer product companies. Most recently, Michael served as the CEO of AgEagle (NYSE: UAVS) which was the highest-performing stock on the NYSE in 2020.

Prior to AgEagle, Michael led Eurofins’s (ERF: PA) AgBio division, which included hemp/cannabis testing, agrigenomics, and seed/plan testing. Michael also served as the CEO of Aseptia/Wright Foods which was the #1 fastest-growing food company in the US on Inc 5000.

Michael received a B.S.E. and a Ph.D. from Duke University and a Master’s degree from Cambridge University and Stanford University. In 2004, Michael was awarded the Distinguished Young Alumni from Duke University.

James Clisham

James Clisham leads ACT LAB’s finance team with over 20 years of experience in accounting and finance. He started his career in public accounting where he gained his CPA license before pursuing his career within the private industry. For most of his career, he has spent time working with various manufacturing and distribution companies with domestic and international footprints. Before joining ACT LAB, James served as the Divisional CFO for a $200M Heavy Duty Truck Parts Manufacturer. James uses his extensive experience in costing and Lean principles to accelerate the growth trajectory of ACT LAB.

In his personal life, he enjoys spending time with his family. He has been married to his wife for 15 years and has a son who is 12 and a daughter who is 10. They enjoy spending time as a family in the Poconos swimming and fishing at a small lake during the summers. James is also a huge sports fan and avid supporter of the Buffalo Bills.

Austin Stevenson

Austin Stevenson has 15+ years of impactful, diverse leadership experience in Venture Growth, Private Equity, and Fortune 500 companies across multiple sectors: Biotechnology, Consumer Goods, Enterprise Software, and Finance. He is an entrepreneurial executive leader who “Leads by Example” with a trademark for identifying, creating, and transforming organizations – quickly. He is a FORBES Magazine 42.0 and San Francisco Business Times “40 Under 40” award recipient with a proven ability to design, cultivate, and implement innovative and profitable business strategies.

Bob Miller, Ph.D.

Bob Miller, Ph.D, joined ACT LAB as Chief Operating Officer in 2019. He then took on the role of Chief Scientific Officer in 2023. Bob has over 40 years in Pharmaceuticals, which included oversite of diverse product portfolios for global Pharma and Generic companies such as Bayer Pharmaceutical, Pfizer/Warner-Lambert, and Johnson & Johnson.

Prior to joining ACT LAB, Bob was SVP of Quality at Gilead Sciences Inc. He has a wealth of experience in the design and implementation of quality systems and guiding companies through compliance enhancements in response to FDA and other global regulatory agencies. Prior to his role at Gilead, Bob was the head of Quality at Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer.

Bob holds a B.S. in Pharmacy and a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from Rutgers University College of Pharmacy. He is the proud grandfather of two (soon to be 3).

Mallory Paul

Mallory is the VP of Commercial Development, focusing on developing services tailored to Cannabis cultivators and processors beyond the standard compliance test. Mallory’s experience managing a multistate processor brings a unique perspective to ACT Laboratories, ensuring that the voice of the customer is heard throughout the organization.

Prior to joining ACT, Mallory worked as the Senior Director of Processing and Formulations at Holistic Industries, where she oversaw research and development (product and processes), hydrocarbon, ethanol, and CO2 extraction, edibles and infusion kitchens, and the Analytical QC Program in 7 states (CA, MI, MO, MA, PA, MD, DC). In addition to overseeing all processing and analytical operations, Mallory was the key decision-maker and point of contact for all third-party testing relationships nationally. Previously, she assisted in the validation of Lectenz® products at Lectenz®Bio in customer applications including affinity chromatography, Western blot, and kinetic measurements.

Mallory received her academic training in Biochemistry from Auburn University. In her free time, Mallory can be found with her nose in a book or catching a flight to one of her bucket list travel destinations.

Donna Yelinek

With over 30 years of experience in Human Resources, Donna Yelinek brings extensive expertise to ACT LAB, particularly in the Manufacturing sector, as well as a background in healthcare as a labor relations advisor. She has been an integral part of ACT LAB for more than four years, where she is energized by collaborating with leadership and teams to help the company achieve its goal of becoming the top employer in the cannabis testing industry.

Donna holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Central Michigan University. She also shared her knowledge as an Adjunct Professor of Human Resources Management and Organizational Behavior at Northwood University.

Cornelius Merlini

Mr. Merlini has 30 years of operational experience and healthcare leadership in biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, consumer health and diagnostics products. Most recently, Mr. Merlini was General Manager for Healthtronics Lab Solutions, the diagnostics division of Endo Pharmaceuticals. Previously, Mr. Merlini ran commercial operations for Core Blood Registry (CBR). Mr. Merlini joined CBR from Johnson & Johnson, where he served as Worldwide Vice President of the Cardiovascular Franchise across Bio Pharmaceuticals. Mr. Merlini is a Managing Partner of Intrinsic Capital Partners, an investment firm focused on life science and technology businesses with the legal cannabinoid market.

Dakota Detwiler

As Regional Director of Operations, Dakota brings a decade of analytical chemistry experience to ACT LAB customers by identifying operational pitfalls, providing diagnosis and troubleshooting, and delivering timely and efficient communication. Dakota previously held management positions at laboratories in Michigan, Illinois, and also served as ACT LAB’s Laboratory Manager in Pennsylvania.
Dakota holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with expertise in multi-state lab regulations and laboratory process standards.
Dakota has a passion for cooking, lifting, and his home state of Colorado. Dakota enjoys exploring new cities and experiences with his friends and family.