Robin Woods is president and founder of Alturas Analytics, Inc. A 1987 graduate of Washington State University, Robin brings her entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen to the contract lab industry. Previously, Robin contributed to the foundation and success of two environmental testing laboratories providing her with essential contract laboratory experience to lead Alturas through over 20 years of sustained organic growth. Robin’s business philosophy is to encourage teamwork, diligence and scientific integrity while nurturing an environment of cultural excellence.
Robin’s achievements have been recognized by several state officials – In 2007, Robin was appointed to the Idaho Innovation Council by Governor Dirk Kempthorne. In 2010, Robin’s personal and professional accomplishments were acknowledged as she was honored as one of Idaho’s Women of the Year. In 2013, Robin was appointed by Governor C.L. (Butch) Otter to the Idaho Economic Advisory Council. She continues to serve as Region II Representative on the seven-member council, which advises Governor Brad Little and the Department of Commerce on economic development policy and block grant awards. Robin is also a member of the Higher Education Research Council, providing her knowledge to serve the Idaho State Board of Education. She is a board member of the University of Idaho Research Foundation and Gritman Medical Center in Moscow, ID.
As president, Robin oversees business operation at Alturas and all duties required of Test Facility Management as well as sets strategic direction for growth and expansion. She is also responsible for assuring Alturas’ full regulatory compliance and its financial welfare.
Maggie McMullen is the Chief Business Development Officer at Alturas Analytics, Inc. A 1996 graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Maggie has worked in the CRO industry for over 20 years. The first 10 years of her career were focused in the laboratory as a scientist and Study Director before transitioning to Business Development. Over the last 18 years, Maggie has worked in Business Development for a variety of fields including Drug Metabolism, Bioanalytical, CMC, Regulatory Affairs, and most recently in Pharmacology/Regulated Toxicology.
As Chief Business Development Officer at Alturas Analytics, her primary objective is to strengthen Alturas’ business planning strategies, focus on building internal and external relationships and to foster company growth as a leader in the LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS bioanalytical field. Key to this position is identifying opportunities for expansion, customers, markets, and new industry developments and standards.
Maggie joined Alturas Analytics from Lovelace Biomedical as Business Development Operations Director. She built the Commercial Business Development team to achieve a record 300% growth over a 5-year period. Her CRO history also includes Director of Business Development at Qualyst Transporter Solutions and XenoTech, a BioIVT Company.
She is a member of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists and served as the Chair of the Career Development Committee there from 2018 – 2020.
Erik Burns, Ed.D., is a strategic leader with extensive experience in revenue development and business strategy. He previously served as the Senior Director of Corporate Engagement and Strategic Business Initiatives at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS), where he led successful revenue generation efforts and expanded engagement across new and emerging markets, as well as maintained revenue with mature areas of the business.
Currently, Erik serves as the Excipients Sector Chair for the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), showcasing his commitment to serving the pharmaceutical industry. With a strong track record in both academia and the for-profit sector, he has consistently driven profitable growth. His expertise in strategic marketing has helped organizations align their missions with market opportunities, enhancing engagement and revenue. He has authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles on adult education, professional development, and business strategy, demonstrating his commitment to data-driven solutions.
Erik has also held significant roles at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Pharmacy and has taught at various academic institutions. He holds an Ed.D. from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and multiple certificates from prestigious programs, including an M.B.A. and M.A. from The College of St. Scholastica.
Passionate about bridging academia and industry, Erik is dedicated to advancing pharmaceutical sciences and nurturing future leaders through strategic marketing and revenue development. His dedication to serving the industry is evident in all his professional endeavors.
Dr. Jennifer Zimmer is the Laboratory Director at Alturas Analytics, Inc. and has been working in the field of bioanalysis for over 20 years. She received her B.A. degree in English and Zoology from the University of Idaho and her Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, working in Dr. Robert Murphy’s laboratory on the leukotriene lipid mediator pathway. Her post-doctoral experience in Dr. Richard Smith’s laboratory focused on using metabolomics to elucidate disease pathways and to discover novel biomarker targets.
Dr. Zimmer is responsible for the overall operation of the Alturas Analytics laboratory. She has experience with FTICR, TOF, ion trap and quadrupole instrumentation. She has utilized these instruments for quantitation as well as structure elucidation using HPLC-MS/MS and HPLC-MSn. She oversees the scientific staff and ensures that client deliverables are met while working laterally with the Alturas Analytics, Inc. QAU in order to maintain laboratory compliance with all procedures and regulations. Dr. Zimmer is an active participant in the Global CRO Council (GCC) and a member of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry.
Bo is the Director of Information Technology and GDPR Data Protection Officer at Alturas Analytics, Inc. As modern instruments rely heavily on computers and IT technologies to acquire, process, and store data, it is vitally important for a modern laboratory to have a robust and secure IT environment. As a GLP and 21 CFR Part 11 compliant laboratory, Alturas Analytics must maintain the highest standards in its IT systems to ensure the integrity and security of electronic data. This is exactly what Bo and his department do. Bo holds multiple IT vendor certifications as Systems Engineer and DBA. His 20 years of IT experience in analytical laboratory settings allows him to effectively perform system planning, validation, and management.
Kerri Renner is the Director of Finance at Alturas Analytics. She joined the Alturas staff in 2009 and was responsible for all bookkeeping, financial reporting, and administrative duties. As Alturas’ business escalated, Kerri’s responsibilities evolved to accommodate the increased needs of the company. She was named Director of Finance in 2019 and supervises an increasing staff of financial and administrative personnel.
Prior to joining the Alturas team, Kerri’s experience spanned various businesses around the Pacific Northwest and brings with her extensive knowledge of accounting, finance, and business principles. At Alturas, she has established strategies and policies that enhance the long-term growth and health of the company. Additionally, she serves as secretary of the board of directors and reports on the goals, budgets, and financial health of the company to the shareholders and directors.
Kerri’s professionalism and personal integrity are integral to her role at Alturas. She diligently works to establish a productive, welcoming, and cooperative environment with both clients and team members. She sees the growth of Alturas and the anticipation of future needs and accomplishments as both exciting and challenging.
With over 16 years in the CRO industry, Jera A. Kantz, MBA, LATg, RQAP-GLP, serves as the Quality Assurance Manager at Alturas Analytics, Inc. Jera’s early history as a Research Associate II (RAII) with a focus on experimental therapeutics provided the background and a passion for the preclinical drug research process. After obtaining her AALAS LATG certification she then transitioned to Quality Assurance Auditor at MPI Research.
In 2013, Jera joined the Charles River Laboratories QAU and quickly advanced to Senior Quality Systems Auditor. She hosted numerous client audits and became proficient at auditing computer systems validations and bioanalysis across immunogenicity, cell culture, flow cytometry and PCR techniques. An important aspect of Jera’s position is training auditors and general site staff in GLP, GCP, and Part 11 compliance, OECD principles and other applicable Guidance for Industry. Influencing others to embrace compliance that intuitively leads to generation of quality data and patient safety is her ultimate goal.
Jera is an active member and contributor to the Society of Quality Assurance.
Chad has over 24 years of related experience as an analytical scientist with over 20 years focused on bioanalysis at Alturas Analytics. This depth of experience in applied LC–MS/MS and GC–MS/MS, along with an education in chemical engineering, provides the backbone for productive and innovative science. Chad provides oversight of the research program including supervising the development of the internship/outreach/graduate programs as well as overall production of Alturas publications and scientific outreach. As Analytical Development Manager, Chad is responsible for supervision of the analytical method development team in supporting method validations and sample analysis and Study Director/Principal Investigator on GLP and clinical Studies, providing technical oversight to clients across all therapeutic areas.
Heidi Schmuck is the Laboratory Operations Manager at Alturas Analytics, Inc. With a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences and master's degree in Business Administration, she brings 17 years of regulated industry experience. During her nine-year tenure at Alturas Analytics, Heidi successfully built the supporting structure for Alturas’ facilities, equipment, and inventory management groups. Her continual emphasis on creation and organization of systems to increase efficiencies and safety throughout the operation allows Alturas to maintain high quality standards while continuing to grow in an evolving industry. Heidi oversees the logistics and functional workflows at Alturas facilities as well as the implementation of the recent 17,000 square foot expansion of the Alturas campus.
Lauren is a graduate of Calvin University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Mathematics. Her passions of working closely with people and motivating them to develop their potential led to a career in human resources. With over 20 years in the profession, Lauren has held a variety of leadership positions including general management, compensation and benefits specialist, and recruitment coordinator within healthcare and related industries. Her focus on details and adherence to rules combined with her ability to help individuals feel connected are well suited for inspiring staff at all levels to advance their careers at Alturas.
