Tracy Durnan

Operations Manager
University of Alaska Fairbanks

Tracy Durnan has worked in the field of scientific research for 30 years, starting as a lab technician, then moving into lab manager and director roles, including overseeing all research laboratory operations at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is now the Operations Manager at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, where she oversees the safety and operations of one of the world's leading arctic research centers.

Brian Eichelberger

Vice President of Quality and Innovation
SPL

Brian Eichelberger has 16 years of laboratory management experience, currently holding the position of Vice President Quality and Innovation at SPL Inc. He received his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry in 2003 and, after spending several years in academia, began work in Analytical testing in the Consumer Product industry. Currently, he supports SPL Inc. in managing and maintaining accreditations and Quality practices in both the Energy and Environmental lines of business while also supporting the organization with leadership training programs and technical program development.

Scott Hanton

Laboratory products group editorial director
Lab Manager

Scott Hanton is the Editorial Director of Lab Manager. He spent 30 years as a research chemist, lab manager, operations manager, chief scientist, and business leader at Air Products and Intertek. He earned a BS in chemistry from Michigan State University and a PhD in physical chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Scott has successfully developed lab cultures that drive all forms of safety and quality while delivering technical results to satisfy clients and customers. He values excellence, kindness, and helping others and builds work environments that solve complex problems while generating employee engagement that helps all staff grow, develop, and thrive.

Kurt Headrick

Consultant

Kurt Headrick is an experienced laboratory leader with a proven record of managing academic and industrial laboratory teams of up to 30 staff across diverse operational environments, including start-ups, renovations, ISO 17025–accredited labs, fly-in/fly-out operations, unionized workplaces, and 24/7/365 facilities. His expertise spans analytical, environmental, geo-, radio-chemistry, and battery and metal recycling laboratories.

Kurt has also led strategic transformations in laboratory culture, business operations, organizational structure, staffing, succession planning, facilities, instrumentation, software, and waste management to support sustained growth and profitability. He's a recognized safety champion who has "transformed safety culture" and has been recognized for leading the business to successive record-setting years of performance.

Dwayne henry

Biology Laboratory Coordinator
Montgomery College

Dwayne Henry is a 25-year-plus employee of Montgomery College who is currently the instructional lab manager of chemical and biological sciences at the Takoma Park/Silver Spring, MD campus. After completing his BS and MA degrees in biotechnology in 1994, he spent one year doing toxicology studies at Oncologix, a cancer research company in Gaithersburg, MD. He then joined Montgomery College's Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus as its sole biology instructional lab coordinator, where he helped organize and develop its current biology laboratory academic setups, developed and modernized its biology labs' physical structures/equipment, and upgraded the biology lab safety procedures. Once promoted to instructional lab manager, he would then become the college’s only manager of both biology and chemistry labs, at which time he would then repeat those same feats for its Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus chemistry labs. He has also started the campuses' first laboratory safety committee and partners with various organizations to provide basic laboratory skills and job training for individuals with various disabilities.

Curtiss McNair Jr

Vice President of Operations
PanGIA Biotech

With over two decades of leadership experience in laboratory operations, diagnostics, and biotech, Curtiss McNair Jr has built a career defined by strategic growth, operational excellence, and an ability to drive innovation across complex healthcare environments. Known for adapting and thriving in demanding environments, Curtiss’ transformative leadership style has helped organizations fulfill their mission to transform disease detection and improve healthcare outcomes globally, while driving scalable processes and aligning resources to support organizational strategic initiatives. 

Currently serving as Vice President of Operations at PanGIA Biotech, Curtiss oversees daily operations, manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics, ensuring seamless alignment with company goals and rigorous compliance with GMP and GCP standards. Since joining PanGIA in early 2025, Curtiss has developed and executed operational strategies that have optimized processes, managed budgets, and enhanced resource allocation. By restructuring day-to-day workflows and identifying bottlenecks, he has improved efficiency and profitability while leading strategic planning and business development efforts. These initiatives have included market analysis, contract negotiations, and the cultivation of a robust product pipeline from discovery through clinical development.

With a reputation for building high-performing teams and executing strategic initiatives that drive efficiency that aligns with organizational goals, this Rochester, NY-native holds an MBA from Ashford University, and is currently defending his Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership at Carolina University.

Laura Severs

Clinical Director of Pathology & Immunology
WashU Medicine

Laura Severs, MHA, MLS(ASCP)CM, QLSCM, CLHP® is a dynamic leader in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, dedicated to driving efficiency, innovation, and strategic growth in clinical and academic settings. As the Clinical Director of Pathology & Immunology at WashU Medicine, she oversees laboratories and clinical service lines that enhance patient care. 

Laura brings a systems-thinking approach to healthcare challenges that has played a pivotal role in implementing new technologies that bridge the gap between science and strategy. Her expertise extends to regulatory compliance, workforce development, and financial sustainability, making her a key voice in shaping the future of Laboratory Medicine. 

Laura is also an Instructor at Washington University, pioneering a newly developed Bioscience program at the University aimed to upskill and transform laboratory professionals in clinical, pharmaceutical, and research industries.

LaRRY SULLIVAN

Manager
Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Division of Forensic Sciences

Larry is the manager for the Eastern Regional Crime Laboratory for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Division of Forensic Sciences. He has been with the GBI for over 29 years, starting out as a drug chemist, was promoted to assistant manager, and finally to manager. Also, during his time at the GBI, he has also served as a safety officer, Division Safety Manager, IT administrator, and an Internal Auditor.

Larry is a member of the American Chemical Society, American Society of Crime Lab Directors, Southern Associate of Forensic Scientists, and Association of Laboratory Managers. He is an adjunct professor at Augusta University, teaching forensic chemistry, and a freelance writer for Lab Manager.

LINDA WIlliams

Laboratory Manager – Analytical Services
Santee Cooper

With over 20 years of experience in laboratory science and environmental compliance, Linda currently serves as the Laboratory Manager of Analytical Services at Santee Cooper. Linda leads a multidisciplinary team responsible for delivering accurate, regulatory-compliant analytical data to support key operational areas, including environmental monitoring, fuel quality, water safety, and beneficial use programs.

Linda oversees two specialized laboratories—Environmental and Fuels—and manages a team of analysts, a quality control specialist, and a supervisor. In addition to her leadership role, Linda serves as the Laboratory Director, Radiation Safety Officer, and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Administrator, ensuring data integrity, system efficiency, and regulatory compliance across all functions. Linda also manages over 100 laboratory certifications through SCDES across clean water, safe drinking water, and hazardous waste programs.

TYWAUNA WILSON

President
Trendy Elite Coaching

Tywauna Wilson is a leadership strategist, coach, trainer, and champion for healthcare and laboratory professionals. She has over two decades of progressive medical laboratory experience, with her most recent role serving as a technical director providing leadership over multiple clinical laboratory sites. As the founder of the Stand Out Leader Academy, creator of the Stand Out With Intent™ Leadership Framework, and President of Trendy Elite Coaching, Tywauna empowers emerging and mid-career professionals to lead with clarity, confidence, and impact. She is passionate about building future-ready teams through intentional leadership, emotional intelligence, and well-being initiatives. She is the author of "Some Leaders Wear Lab Coats" and "LabWise" and host of the "S.O.S For Leaders" and "eLABorate Topics"  podcasts. Whether she is speaking from the stage, coaching one-on-one, or podcasting to her global audience, Tywauna is known for her no-fluff, practical guidance, and unwavering belief in her clients' potential.