Robin Woods is president and co-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.
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 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.
Chad has over 20 years of related experience as an analytical scientist with over 17 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 leads the biologics quantitation group at Alturas, applying novel techniques to a regulated, high-throughput production environment. As a Senior Principal Scientist, Chad’s primary focus is LC–MS/MS method development, validation, and sample analysis for small new chemical entities, oligonucleotides, biologics, and antibody drug conjugate (ADC) programs in accordance with GLP guidelines. In addition, Chad leads a team of scientists as Study Director and Principal Investigator, providing technical oversight to clients across all therapeutic areas.
Ms. Hoffman has a history of over 30 years in the bioanalytical CRO and applied life sciences industries from both the scientific and business perspectives. The primary objective as the Vice President of Strategic Development at Alturas Analytics, Inc. is to lead business planning strategies of both the external and internal competitive landscape, identify opportunities for expansion, customers, markets, and new industry developments and standards. The goal is to achieve sustainable business growth while mitigating risk.
Ms. Hoffman came to Alturas Analytics, Inc. from the specialized field of accelerator mass spectrometry services as Director of Marketing and Sales at Eckert & Ziegler Vitalea Science. She served as primary interface between Vitalea’s scientific team and Sponsors with the goal of developing loyalties that encourage repeat business. Prior to joining Vitalea Ann was the strategic account manager at Tandem Labs responsible for the company’s largest accounts worldwide. She was Tandem’s first Business Development Director and was instrumental in growing the company from start-up to a major Bioanalytical CRO with a reputation for quality and personalized service. Ann has been involved in product launches of early commercial ion trap systems at Torion Technologies, Thermo Fischer Scientific (formerly Finnigan Corporation) and time-of-flight mass spectrometers at Sciex (formerly Perseptive Biosystems) directed to early adopters of new technologies. She started mass spectrometry user groups in the greater Salt Lake City, Denver, and Seattle areas bringing scientists together across a broad spectrum of applications to engage in open exchange of ideas.
She is a member of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, International Society for the Study of Xenobiotics, and Pharmaceutical and BioScience Society.
With over 20 years in Quality Assurance, David Schumacher, RQAP-GLP since 2004, oversees the Alturas Analytics Quality Assurance Program. David is an experienced Quality Assurance Professional in FDA regulated environments and auditor in numerous analytical techniques. His emphasis is in bioanalytical (LC−MS/MS and ligand binding) and formulation assays.
With a strong laboratory background, David is known for his GLP auditor skills specializing in analytical sciences. His attention to detail and contributions to the Alturas QA Team add significant value to Alturas Analytics. He is considered by his colleagues to be a mentor and a source of regulatory insights. In the community on a volunteer basis, David provides safety communications for a number of special events as a licensed Ham radio operator to prepare for actual disasters where other forms of communication may not be available.
Dr. Payne has had a distinguished career in large pharma as well as managing and directing growth and development in Contract Research Organizations. She advanced steadily in her career at Merck from Senior Research Chemist to Group Leader and Senior Scientist. As Senior Scientist, she led a group of 8 PhD/MS/BS level PKDM department scientists in all aspects of project management, drug development, and bioanalytical analysis of pharmaceutical drugs using LC-MS and other analytical techniques. She subsequently joined the team at BASi (formerly LC Resources) to lead their West Coast Operations as Laboratory Director and General Manager. The site achieved numerous awards for their lean and continuous improvement focus. Dr. Payne was named “Manufacturing Leader of the Year” by the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership. When the site was consolidated with two others, she was selected as Vice President to run the Analytical, Bioanalytical and Discovery Departments; a team of about 65 staff including quality assurance, sample management, and business development functions. Dr. Payne furthered her Business Development skills and strategies as the Director of the US Pharma BD Teams at Intertek.
