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 comes to ACT Lab with over 15 years of experience in various roles 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. He was most recently the Divisional CFO for a 200M Heavy Duty Truck Parts Manufacturer. He comes with excitement to apply 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 14 years and has a son who is 10 and a daughter who is 8. They enjoy spending time as a family in the Poconos swimming and fishing at a small lake during the summers. He 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.

Robert Miller, Ph.D.

Bob Miller, Ph.D, joined ACT as COO in 2019. He took on the role of Chief Scientific Officer in 2023. Bob has over 35 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, 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

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

Donna Yelinek joined ACT LAB with over 30 years of experience in the Human Resources field, predominantly in the Manufacturing industry. Donna also worked in the healthcare industry as a labor relations advisor. She has been at ACT LAB for over 2 years and is excited daily to work closely with ACT’s leadership and teams toward the goal of becoming the most preferred employer in the cannabis testing industry! 

Donna received her master’s degree in human resources management from Central Michigan University. She served as an Adjunct Professor of Human Resources Management and Organizational Behavior at Northwood University.

Errin Chapman

Errin Chapman is the Director of IT for ACT LAB. He has over 30 years of experience in IT, specifically in the areas of network security, server virtualization, voice-over IP, and software-as-a-service.  Before joining ACT LAB, Errin served 25 years in education with the last 12 years as the Director of Media and Technology. 

He holds a Master’s degree in Information Security and Assurance.

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 a Laboratory Manager, Dakota supports ACT clients by identifying operational pitfalls, providing diagnosis and troubleshooting, and delivering timely and efficient communication to our customers. Dakota has held management positions at laboratories in Michigan, Illinois, and most recently, he serves as the 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.