VERSÉA HEALTH - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director of the Pain Center at Hamilton
Dr. Sackstein has worked as director of the Pain Center at Hamilton since 1996. He became a founding partner at Pain Control Associates PC in 1995. He served as president of the New Jersey Society of Interventional Pain Physicians in 2009 and has been a member of their executive committee for more than a decade. Dr. Sackstein is also chairman of the executive committee at The Surgery Center at Hamilton in New Jersey and treasurer of Premier Surgical Center in Marlton NJ.
Medication management, such as using opioid analgesics and a variety of adjuvant medications, is part of a multi-pronged approach Dr. Sackstein takes with patient treatment. "I believe that it is essential that a patient be well informed, ask questions and participate in the decisions surrounding their treatment."
Austin White is an entrepreneurial business leader with an impeccable 35+ years of senior leadership experience accomplishing exponential revenue and profit growth for Fortune 500 businesses in a variety of industries.
Bio
After graduating from the University of Georgia in 1997, he attended and earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from the acclaimed Des Moines University School of Osteopathic Medicine. In 2002, Ben came to Richmond, Virginia to further his training. His first year was with Chesterfield Family Practice participating in a rotating internship in Family Medicine. Then he completed a three-year residency in the prestigious Virginia Commonwealth University/ Medical College of Virginia's Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. In 2006, Dr. Seeman was awarded a select fellowship at VCU/MCV in interventional pain management. Following completion of the fellowship, he worked with Tuckahoe Orthopedic Group, in Richmond, VA. Ben opened his own practice in 2008 to pursue his vision of integrative pain care to treat patients through a combination of traditional and alternative therapies. Ben is board-certified through the American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation with a certification in the sub-specialty of Pain Medicine. He is an active member of many professional societies, including the International Spine Intervention Society, the North American Spine Society, and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Bio
Dr. Burrough is a board-certified anesthesiologist with subspecialty certification in Pain Medicine. Prior to pursuing a career in medicine, he earned a master's degree in Physical Therapy and practiced in South Florida for 3 years. He then earned a medical degree from the University of Miami and went on to complete residency in Anesthesia at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. After completing residency, he accepted a position as clinical fellow in Anesthesia at Harvard Medical School. During fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dr. Burrough completed training in Interventional Pain Medicine. Upon completion of training, he returned to South Florida, where he has been in private practice treating patients with painful conditions. Dr. Burrough practices interventional pain medicine alongside his partners at Florida Spine Associates. He is well versed in the field of neuromodulation and helps many patients with spinal cord stimulation therapy. He also has a special interest in the emerging field of regenerative medicine.
Job Titles:
- Operations & Compliance Manager
- Sales Operations and Compliance Manager at Verséa
Bio
Chelsea Keys has 10+ years of administrative and operational experience and is well versed in standardization and process improvement. As one of Verséa's first employees, Chelsea has been instrumental in facilitating and enabling the rapid growth of Verséa in the last few years.
In the past, Ms Keys has created and implemented an award-winning community service event that continues annually to this day, taking the spot as one of her proudest achievements. She has years of experience supporting Executive level professionals and has filled many roles in the Business Operations and Administrative arenas.
Currently serving as the Sales Operations and Compliance Manager at Verséa, Chelsea spearheads market and sales research, overseas compliance, ensures proper function of the services department, and promotes Verséa ‘s customer success. She effectively improved workplace safety, has established efficient processes, and has turned setbacks into successes among many other accomplishments. During her time with the company, she has been recognized for her ability to multitask effortlessly, her incredibly keen intelligence, and her overall stellar work ethic and attitude.
Chelsea holds a BS in Biomedical Sciences from University of South Florida and ran collegiate Track for the university's Track and Field team.
Job Titles:
- Head of IT
- Investor
- Software Developer
Bio
A serial entrepreneur, investor and software developer, Colby Fox, owns Bit9 Systems, a software development firm. He has been supporting Verséa since its beginnings.
Job Titles:
- Chief Medical Officer ( CMO ), Verséa Discovery
Dr Toby Moeller-Bertram (aka Dr. Toby) is also the Chief Medical Officer of Summit Institute and Desert Clinic Pain Institute that has 17 locations in Southern California. Prior to going into private practice, he held an appointment as associate clinical professor of anesthesiology and psychiatry and as the director of clinical pain research at the University of California San Diego. He is double-board certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Management and became an assistant clinical professor and enrolled in the masters program for clinical research. He joined the VA San Diego Healthcare System and established his pain clinic there serving the Veteran population. Dr. Toby also serves as the Director of Research with Vitamed Research, LLC., conducting research projects and trials in the field of pain and neurosciences. Dr. Toby served as the director for clinical pain research at UCSD, is well published and is an associate clinical professor (voluntary) with the University of California Riverside School of Medicine. Toby was part of the founding team of Verséa, where he understands that there is an unmet need to further the science of the Endocannabinoid System to find solutions for patients looking for alternative therapy treatments.
Dr. David Kloth specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of complex chronic pain and has been practicing full-time interventional pain management since 1991. He is currently the Section Chief and Medical Director for Interventional Pain Management at OrthoConnecticut, a multispecialty practice with 9 offices throughout the state of Connecticut. Dr. Kloth originally founded Connecticut Pain Care, now a division of OrthoConnecticut, in 1995. Dr. Kloth has been a national and local leader in pain management for more than 20 years. He frequently lectures at national meetings and regularly teaches physicians in training. He has co-authored numerous articles and a book for patients, Pain Wise (available on Amazon, all proceeds go to ASIPP). His education includes graduating from Union College in 1983 and medical school at New York University School of Medicine, where he graduated in 1987. In 1991 he completed his formal training in anesthesiology and pain management through the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Kloth is an anesthesiologist by background and is board certified by the ABA in Anesthesiology with Added qualifications in Pain Management. He was the first physician in the state of Connecticut to be certified by the American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians (ABIPP). Dr. Kloth has served as President of two national medical societies, the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS), and the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP). He joined the board of the North American Neuromodulation Society in 2007 and continues to have an active role with the society as a Senior Advisor to the board and Co-chair of the Advocacy and Policy Committee. He served on the board of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP) from its inception in 1998 until 2014. In 2000, Dr. Kloth founded the Connecticut Pain Society and served as their President for 10 years, he continues as their Senior Advisor.
Job Titles:
- Owner and Clinical Director of ActiveCare Physical Therapy
Karena Wu, PT, DPT, COMT, CSCS, CKTP, CPI Dr. Karena Wu is Owner and Clinical Director of ActiveCare Physical Therapy® in NYC and Mumbai. She is a native of Los Angeles, California and has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of California at Riverside. She has been practicing physical therapy for over 19 years in New York City. She graduated with a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from the Program In Physical Therapy at Columbia University and received her Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Temple University. She has advanced training in manual therapies, specifically in the Maitland Australian Approach and Myofascial Release. She is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy, a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists and on Maitland Australian Physiotherapy Seminars (MAPS) Faculty. Karena is also a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist, Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Kinesiology Tape Practitioner and Pilates Instructor. She holds LSVT BIG, FMS and SFMA Level 1 certifications as well. Karena actively networks with a team of physicians, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, personal trainers and Pilates instructors regarding optimum treatment options for patients. Her patient population consists of high net worth professionals, international royalty, professional athletes, dancers, chefs, celebrity Broadway/TV/film stars, and NYPD/FDNY. Karena is used as a healthcare expert on CBS, NBC, NY1, PIX11, Facebook Live, Verizon Fios, Fox News, The Doctors and Dr. Oz. She is the Medical Director for the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP), the US professional beach volleyball tournament series. Karena was also the Director of Education for SpiderTech Kinesiology Tape.
Bio
Dr. Michael Wax was born and raised in Pennsylvania. He moved to Atlanta, Georgia in the early 1990's to pursue his healthcare education. After successfully owning and operating 4 multispecialty practices Dr. Wax sold in 2014 to pursue another healthcare focused business.
In 2006 Dr. Wax, along with his partner created the largest SAAS injury network in Georgia. The model was designed to assist law firms and their clients who are often the under and uninsured get proper medical care after being injured. The model has been coined the Facebook or Linked in of Injuries and they are now expanding in multiple states.
Dr. Michael Wax has spoken and continues to speak on various topics to state associations and organizations about pain management, injury care and prevention and best practices across multiple practice types.
Dr. Rob Sambursky is the President of Verséa Health, Inc. and the President of Verséa Ophthalmics. He supports corporate strategy and operations as well as leads the company's expansion into the ophthalmic market.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
Dr. Vicente Diaz specializes in ocular inflammatory and infectious diseases. Dr. Diaz' practice also includes Comprehensive Ophthalmology, treating ailments such as Dry Eye Syndrome, Glaucoma, and Cataracts. His research interests include novel immunomodulatory therapies for the treatment of non-infectious inflammatory disease, management of Stevens Johnson's Syndrome, a potentially lethal autoimmune disease, and innovative therapies in glaucoma.
Dr. Diaz is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Science and Chief of Ophthalmology at the Yale Health Plan, addressing the eye needs of the Yale faculty, students, employees, and their families. He is the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science at Yale University. Dr. Diaz is also Director of Ophthalmology for the Bridgeport Hospital Burn Unit, where he oversees the care of all patients with Stevens Johnson's Syndrome in the state of Connecticut.
Dr. Diaz was voted among the top eye doctors in Fairfield County in the Fairfield Advocate's 2012 and 2013 reader's polls. After graduating from Ophthalmology residency at Yale University, he completed a fellowship in Ocular Immunology & Infectious Disease at The New York Eye & Ear Infirmary where he was recently on the clinical and research faculty. He is currently a co-investigator on several FDA clinical trials of novel immunomodulatory therapies for inflammatory diseases, sponsored by companies such as Abbott, Novartis, and Lux Biosciences.
Dr. Diaz is also active in the surrounding community, with a presence that has grown consistently throughout his tenure in the Tri-State, including an appointment as keynote speaker at the 2011 Puerto Rican Festival in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Dr. Diaz founded the La Unidad Latina Medical Guild and was the architect of their annual medical mission to the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Honduras where he performs surgery, teaches medical residents, and cares for patients in need; the team created by Dr. Diaz sees between 3,000 - 5,000 patients abroad annually. Dr. Diaz received his BA from Brown University, his MD from Yale School of Medicine, and his MBA at Yale School of Management.
Bio
Igor Turok, MD, is the expert interventional pain management physician at Comprehensive Neurology and Pain Center of Connecticut. At his practice locations in Wallingford and Stamford, Connecticut, Dr. Turok takes a holistic approach to every patient's medical or aesthetic situation. He is one of 200 physicians in the nation who is board-certified in Neurology and Anesthesia, Interventional Pain Management.
Dr. Turok received his interventional pain management training at Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City-one of the top interventional pain management programs in the nation. He completed his neurology training at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, which is one of the highest-ranked departments in the Northeast and one of the leading programs in the nation.
Before opening his private practice, Dr. Turok was a Director of Neurology and Pain Management at Masonicare Health Center at the Wallingford and Newtown, Connecticut, locations. He also worked as a Director of Neurology and Pain Management at Gracie Square Hospital in New York City. Dr. Turok has been involved in palliative care and hospice settings, and acted as a Medical Director at Jakow Perlow Hospice of New York. As a pain management specialist, Dr. Turok had been exposed to the field of addiction, which led him to become a Director of St. Vincent's Methadone Clinic.
JAMES M. OLIN - Chief Commercial Officer
Dr. Gudin is board certified in pain management, anesthesiology, addiction medicine, and hospice and palliative medicine. In addition, he is a medical acupuncturist and the former New Jersey State Representative for the American Academy of Pain Medicine. He received his medical degree from Albany Medical College in Albany, New York. He completed his residency in anesthesiology at the Yale University School of Medicine and his fellowship at The Yale Center for Pain Management, New Haven, Connecticut. While in New Haven, he also trained in addiction medicine and directed a substance abuse treatment center. For the past 19 years, Dr. Gudin was Director of Pain Management and Palliative Care at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center. He is now a Clinical Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. He remains active in teaching and research, and has lectured internationally on a variety of topics in pain management, palliative care, and addiction medicine. He attends and has presented at the American Pain Society, American Academy of Pain Management, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, as well as many other national venues. He serves as a consultant to state medical boards on challenging cases, as well as to industry on novel analgesic products and risk management associated with opioids.
Job Titles:
- Verséa Ophthalmics As Our Director of Implementation
Jessica Barr has joined Verséa Ophthalmics as our Director of Implementation and Clinical Applications. She has over 18 years of clinical, educational, and commercial experience in the eye care industry. Among some of her related experience, Jessica has worked with RPS Diagnostics, MacuLogix, and Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and has experience launching point of care diagnostic products. While working in industry, she contributed to an award-winning sales team to deliver dry eye products to eye care providers throughout the mid-Atlantic region.
Jessica has her advanced level credential as a Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist and has leadership experience providing clinical care in every subspecialty of ophthalmology. Jessica has provided over 60 continuing education courses and workshops throughout her career and has contributed to several academic and industry publications. She served on the Board of Directors for several years for the national Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology and regularly participates with her local Philadelphia Regional Ophthalmic Society.
She was a Professor of Ophthalmic Science and Program Director for an accredited Ophthalmic Technician training program for many years. Jessica will have the important role at Verséa Ophthalmics to develop and lead our clinical implementation team.
Kiana Panlilio is one of the longest members of Verséa Team. She joined the company in January 2019 and since then advanced to a position of a Director of Sales. She oversees all distribution and direct account management across 20+ states. Kiana works alongside Verséa's medical advisors and management & regulatory affairs teams with a goal to further legitimize the medical hemp industry through quality products, clinical studies and education. She is also very actively helping Diagnostics division promote and sell their product solutions.
Kiana graduated with honors from Gulf Coast University with a degree in Health Science and is best known for her contributions to United Way, as a mentor helping underprivileged children learn how to read and write.
Job Titles:
- Head of Regulatory Affairs
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources
Bio
Lisa Sawmiller is a seasoned Human Resources professional with over 30 years of visible, pro-active leadership in the areas of talent acquisition, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, succession planning, contract and benefits administration. Lisa has used her strong human resources background and a blend of experience working for a diverse range of industry leaders, including Rooms to Go, UnitedHealth Group, WellCare Health Plans, Inc., and Kelly IT Resources, to fuel growth and affect positive change in the organizations. Throughout her career, she has contributed to the hiring of hundreds of professionals into Fortune 500 companies, specialized in the areas of Information Technology, Engineering, Finance and Accounting, Sales & Marketing, Operations, and Administration.
Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science (Magna cum laude) in Human Resource Management from Syracuse University and is an active member in the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Bio
Dr. Wallace, MD, is a board-certified anesthesiologist who specializes in multi-modal pain management. As a pain management specialist, he evaluates, diagnoses and treats all forms of pain, though most of his patients are affected by chronic pain. Since 1996, Dr. Wallace has been program director of UC San Diego Health's Center for Pain Medicine, which is dedicated to reducing and eliminating suffering, and improving function in individuals with lower-back or other spine-related pain issues, joint and muscular-skeletal pain or pain due to surgery, injury, nerve damage, psychological factors and metabolic problems such as diabetes. He has been researching and utilizing Cannabis in chronic pain for over 24 years. He was awarded the first research grant collaboration with the FDA and medical cannabis back in 1996 and continues to speak worldwide on the topic Dr Wallace has been published 155 times and has been a lead investigator in 4 clinical trials.
Job Titles:
- Head of Clinical Development
Monil Shah is a Senior, C-level executive with over 20 years of pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry experience in oncology, dermal, and pain drug development. Dr. Shah is the Chief Development Officer at WindMIL Therapeutics and Clinical Development consultant at TKL Research working on optimizing dermal and pain therapeutics. He was the Chief Operating Officer of IRX Therapeutics /Brooklyn ImmunoTherapeutics. Prior to that, he was the Medical Affairs Lead for Immuno-Oncology at Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr. Shah was Head of Clinical Operations and Development at Ventrus Biosciences working on their GI pain NCE/NME and 505(b)(2) portfolio prior to its merger with Assembly Biosciences. Prior to Ventrus, Dr. Shah led the solid tumor development programs and led the clinical portfolio and strategic planning function at Celgene Corporation. He led the Oncology Development and Operations activities at Fibrogen and Novacea. Dr. Shah began his career at Novartis in the Oncology Early Development Group leading clinical trials prior to joining the Medical Sciences Group at Amgen. Dr. Shah received his BS and PharmD degrees from Rutgers University in New Jersey and his MBA from Florida Institute of Technology.
Bio
Mr. James (Jim) Olin is a Chief Commercial Officer at Verséa Health, Inc. He is a proven executive with over twenty-five years of leadership experience in brand marketing, sales, commercial development and general management. Prior to this position, he was the President & CEO of COM Holdings, LLC; a private equity owned B2B2C platform company. Jim's unique background combines the classical training of leadership roles at Unilever and Colgate-Palmolive, with senior executive positions in multiple high-growth entrepreneurial and private equity backed companies. An expert at building brands and commercial teams, having led some of the nation's most iconic brands, Jim's capabilities span the full range of commercial processes across diverse industries including health & beauty, personal care, nutritional supplements, nutraceuticals, integrative health, natural products. Jim resides in Maine with his wife, two daughters and their canine companions Mickey and Jeter.
Job Titles:
- Product & Brand Marketing Director
- Senior Level Manager
Bio
Natasha Svast is an experienced senior level manager specialized in Product & Brand Marketing Development and Life-cycle Management. She has over 12 years of work experience in the Pharmaceutical & Healthcare industry and 7 years in Business Advisory & Consulting.
Prior to joining Verséa Natasha worked for a European based pharmaceutical/healthcare company at different senior level management positions (last one being a Global Product Portfolio Manager) and an American advertising agency as a Brand Strategist for healthcare industry clients.
She developed and managed OTC products, dietary supplements, and functional foods & beverages for: cardiovascular health, immunology & inflammation, metabolic health and weight management, anti-aging, skin health & beauty.
She promoted and sold patented and non-patented active ingredients for pharmaceutical, food production and cosmetics industries (herbal and fruit extracts, peptides, enzymatic antioxidants) and developed and implemented preventive, pre-clinical Health Management programs at private clinics and Medical Wellness centers.
Natasha holds B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Management and is an author of books and scientific articles on intellectual capital, branding and competitiveness.
Job Titles:
- Director of Business Development & Strategy to Support Verséa Discovery SBU
Noelle Rodriguez has joined Verséa Health as the Director of Business Development & Strategy to support Verséa Discovery SBU. She brings over 12 years of experience in healthcare spanning both clinical, sales and management roles.
Her sales career began with the Stryker Surgical Division where she assisted in achieving 15M sales, ranking within the top 2 growth earners in the entire company. Following her time there, she began working with a Spine distributor out of Orlando, FL where she was recognized as a top producer generating over $500k in biologics and hardware sales that included securing three of the most distinguished neurosurgeons in her territory. She received much of her Spine training at the Orthofix and was ranked #1 in her class of 40 students. Through these experiences, Noelle has developed an acumen for building successful relationships, business networks and execution strategies.
Noelle attended Quinnipiac University and received a degree in Diagnostic Imaging and health sciences. In her 3rd year she became a board-certified radiologic technologist and worked within some of the best hospital institutions in the country like Yale University Hospital.
Aside from her professional work, she is deeply committed to her family, church, podcast and making a positive impact in her community. She especially loves being a mother to her daughter Ava.
Perry David Lidster, Ph.D. is an awarded scientist, innovator, and successful businessman with impressive agriculture expertise. He has built and managed several commercial organizations where he used his expertise to develop novel agricultural solutions.
As President & CEO of iFood Packaging Systems Corp. (2015-2022) Dr. Lidster developed novel, natural food safe packaging facilities and materials for fresh produce and an international model for the manufacture, sales and marketing of modified atmosphere boxes and sanitizing applications for Worldwide application.
As Chief Operating Officer of The SunBlush Technologies Corporation (1997-2009), Dr Lidster successfully restructured the company and created a profitable new company FreshXtend Technologies Corp. He developed a revenue generating portfolio that included proprietary products and processes for fresh-cut fruit, vegetables and flowers (patented range of antioxidants for fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, patented universal fruit base for all natural nutriceutical beverages, MAP applications for fresh-cut kiwi fruit, nitric oxide for preservations of fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers, modified atmosphere production systems for fresh greenhouse crops). Dr. Lidster negotiated and implemented international and world-wide licenses for: fresh cut fruits and vegetables, universal fruit bases, modified atmosphere process for grape tomatoes and vine sweet mini peppers, and modified atmosphere transport of produce.
Dr. Lidster also gained extensive experience in operational management of large research programmes and centres in both government (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Research Branch - EX02 level, 1978 to 1997), public and private industry organizations. He was a Director of Agassiz and Lacombe / Beaverlodge / Fort Vermilion Research Centres and fruit, vegetable and flower postharvest physiology research scientist.
As Managing Director of Advanced Food and Materials Network (2011 to 2015), Dr. Lidster managed an International Food research Network for the Canadian National Centers of Excellence, and as President & CEO of AG-WEST BIO INC. (2009 to 2010), he developed a five-year strategic plan and an investment consortia to support a wide range of developing agricultural and forestry biotechnology businesses in Saskatchewan.
Dr. Lidster developed collaborative research and development programs with Universities and Government research organizations in Canada, United States, New Zealand, Australia, England and Europe.
His scientific credentials include 16 patents, 55 refereed research publications, and 160+ miscellaneous technical and research publications. He was awarded a Silver Medal for contributions to Agricultural Research by the Royal Society of Arts (London, England, UK) in 1987.
Dr. Patel was appointed as CSO of Versea Discovery in December 2021. He is also a Professor and Vice-Chair for Research in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of California, San Diego, where he has been since 2002. Dr. Patel's career has focused on developing an integrated understanding of the organism by studying whole animal and cell physiology techniques focusing on bio-membranes and cellular energetics.
Rahim K. Hirji, RPh has joined Verséa Ophthalmics as our Vice President of Ophthalmic Marketing. He has over 20 years of marketing, medical education, and market access experience with FDA-approved products. His prior roles have included serving as Head of Professional Relations Marketing and Market Access & Reimbursement Strategy for Kala Pharmaceuticals, focused on building and implementing a comprehensive payor and reimbursement strategy for their lead product Eysuvis, a treatment for dry eye disease. Prior to Kala, Rahim held the role of Head of Ophthalmics Marketing for Omeros, where he planned and executed the launch of OMIDRIA, an intraoperative product used in cataract surgery, which ultimately was divested by Omeros in a deal valued at over $1B. Rahim also brings to Verséa valuable KOL relationships with eye care professionals. Rahim's important role at Verséa Ophthalmics will be to successfully lead and direct all of the marketing initiatives for our ophthalmic portfolio.
Rahim is a graduate of Cornell University with a Master's in Health Administration and holds a BSc in Pharmacy from the University of British Columbia.
Job Titles:
- Verséa Ophthalmics As Our Executive Director of Strategic Accounts
Rebecca Chandler has joined Verséa Ophthalmics as our Executive Director of Strategic Accounts. She has over 20 years of sales experience in advertising, construction, and medical device. Most recently, Rebecca spent 7 Years with the Bausch + Lomb Vision Care division where she managed teams and focused on strategic account development with corporate accounts (Private Equity Groups, Doctor Alliance Groups and Corporations). From there, she worked with Sight Sciences as their Director of Strategic Accounts for the last 4 years and was responsible for building the team and structure for the commercialization of TearCare, a Dry Eye Device used for in-office heat therapy procedures. Rebecca will have the important role of growing and managing our strategic accounts.
Rebecca is a graduate of Auburn University and brings another War Eagle to the team.
Bio
Robert Glashow joined Verséa Health as the Chief Financial Officer bringing over 25 years of diversified senior financial leadership experience. At Verséa, Robert leads the strategic finance function, accounting, IT and operations. Most recently, Robert headed up finance and administration for 4Catalyzer which was a group of common controlled medical device and life science companies. During his tenure, he helped lead the commercialization of 3 companies, raising in excess of $500MM of preferred financing and taking 4 companies public by way of SPAC merger transactions. Earlier on in his career he spent many years with some of the largest CPG companies such as Unilever and Kellogg's with his time split between supply chain finance and strategic support roles. He also held a divisional CFO function while with Unilever Puerto Rico and a controller for a JV with PepsCo. Midway through his career, he shifted his path away from very large Fortune 500 Companies to exciting opportunities with smaller venture backed organizations. He came in early on to these companies to help build out the finance and operations functions and to work with the leadership teams to scale the businesses towards successful exits.
Bio
Robert Norton, M.D. Dr. Norton obtained his medical training from the prestigious Jefferson Medical College, graduating Magna Cum Laude and with the highest honor of being inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He then completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. While at Miami, he was appointed Administrative Chief Resident and had the fortune of training with nationally recognized orthopaedic and neurosurgical academic spine surgeons. Following residency, Dr. Norton completed advanced training in spine surgery at the New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, one of the most sought after and prestigious spine fellowship in the country. While at NYU, he obtained specialized instruction in the surgical and non-operative management of complex spinal conditions by several pioneers in the field. Throughout his career, Dr. Norton has authored multiple publications on a variety of topics related to spine surgery in numerous peer-reviewed journals and textbooks. He has received several research grants. Skilled in the most advanced surgical techniques and emerging technologies, Dr. Norton offers expertise in all aspects of spine care. Procedures that he specializes in range from non-operative management options such as epidural and facet injections to degenerative or deformity conditions of the spine demanding complex surgical reconstruction.
Robin Brooks is joining Verséa AgroTech as the President of this newly launched business division. She is a highly skilled, experienced chief executive, entrepreneur and a recognized Food Industry leader.
Ms. Brooks has over 20 years of experience in mergers & acquisitions, strategic management (sales/marketing/operations), implementation of proprietary technologies to increase sales, efficiencies, profitability and improve on sustainability.
From 1999 to 2012 Ms. Brooks served as a CEO of Brooks Food Group. Ms. Brooks operated 2 manufacturing plants, employing 330 people and generating more than $100 million. She implemented a business growth strategy which generated approximately $70MM in revenue by cross-selling new product lines and expanding customer base.
Ms. Brooks also worked for Deloitte & Touche, Touche Ross, Arthur D. Little Valuation, and General Electric Credit Corporation. She served as a Trustee of Smith College, a member of the Committee of 200 Foundation Board, and treasurer and director for the Women's Foodservice Forum, which named her the 2003 Entrepreneur of the Year.
She is a founding board member and former treasurer of the Multicultural Foodservice and Hospitality Alliance and had served on the SBA National Advisory Council. Ms. Brooks is the recipient of several awards including National Minority Supplier Development Council's Supplier of the Year, National Urban League's Excellence in Leadership, and Ernst & Young's Virginia Entrepreneur of the Year.
Currently Ms. Brooks serves as an independent Board Member of Flagship Food Group and Creo Capital Operating Partner.
Ms. Brooks holds a BA in economics from Smith College and a Master of Management from Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Job Titles:
- Board Advisor
- Independent Board Member and Advisor to Verséa
Bio
Sanjay is an independent Board Member and advisor to Verséa on Biologics, Pharmaceuticals and other Healthcare initiatives. He is also a board member of several molecular lab systems in the US and Canada, and advises multiple diagnostics companies. For the decade ending Q1'18, Sanjay served as a Board Member of CanLab, Inc, a National network of leading Cannabinoid testing and analysis laboratories and Global President of the Toxicology division of Alere, Inc (NYSE: ALR), the Global leader in diversified toxicology products, services and rapid diagnostics. Sanjay deployed over $1B across diagnostics assets, merging 30+ companies to form a stand-alone division of 2,500+ employees across all world regions. As a member of the company's executive team, he supported Alere's $5.3 billion sale to Abbott Laboratories, Inc (NYSE: ABT) in 2017. Sanjay has executive experience across diversified In-Vitro Diagnostics platforms and health services - including Biologics, Point-of-Care Diagnostics, Laboratory Services and Health Information Solutions Based Screening Services- and has developed the world-leading business in every healthcare category he has worked in. He held successive executive and commercial leadership positions within the Point-of-Care and Diabetes Care divisions of Roche Diagnostics, Inc. and within the Specialty Chemicals division of Dow Chemical, Inc. Sanjay holds an MBA from Northwestern University and a BS in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Co - Founder
- Founder
- Co - Founder and CEO of Verséa Holdings, Inc. Announced As a Tampa Bay Business Journal 40 under 40 Honoree
Sean Fetcho, the co-founder and CEO of Verséa Holdings, Inc. announced as a Tampa Bay Business Journal 40 under 40 honoree
Sean Fetcho, the co-founder and CEO of Verséa Holdings, Inc. ("Verséa") has been announced as a Tampa Bay Business Journal 40 under 40 honoree. This is the most competitive award given by the Tampa Bay Business Journal, with over 500 nominations this year alone. The award recognizes exceptional business professionals, leaders and innovators under the...
Bio
Sean Fetcho is the co-founder and CEO of Verséa Health, Inc.
Sean's shared passion for the evolving healthcare industry and for building early-stage companies prompted him to drive explosive growth for Verséa over the past few years.
Prior to Verséa, Sean's roster of early stage and start-up companies includes multiple industries spanning from Agrotech, online consumer magazines and finance.
Sean successfully created, launched, and oversaw 8 highly successful print and digital publication that targeted oncology, pain management and cardiology professionals, all of which remain in circulation today. He was then recruited into a Continuing Medical Education (CME) company where Sean developed and executed on new revenue streams that helped structure the business for an exit. Within 3 years, Aventine (PAINWeek) sold to a publicly traded company on the London Stock Exchange.
In his earlier years before healthcare, Sean was part of the launch team for Red Bull USA and a co-founder in a revolutionary packaging company that sustains the shelf-life of perishables all while killing off any food borne pathogens while in transit.
Steve Porada is a co-founder of Verséa Health, Inc. He holds a position of a Chief Growth Officer and the President of Verséa Discovery. He has over 30 years of pharmaceutical research and commercialization experience. He began his career as a research scientist at Ciba-Geigy, now Novartis, and later held a variety of sales, marketing and commercialization positions at pharmaceutical and medical device companies. In 2004 Stephen's entrepreneurial experience began with joining Aventine Co, a startup medical marketing and communications company focused in the therapeutic area of pain. Stephen, as partner, directly engaged with, consulted on, and established a variety of commercial-related plans and strategies spanning 12 unique analgesic brands. His work included preapproval clinical trial and market development plans, tactical new formulation development, multi-partner commercial planning, strategic marketing, launch planning and implementation. In addition to his work related to product commercialization, Stephen conceptualized and founded Aventine's primary asset, PAINWeek, which was ultimately sold to Tarsus, a publicly traded company on the London Stock Exchange.