Kristen Knox, Chief Executive Officer

Kristen Knox, Microbiologics CEO, joined the company in 2023. Inspired and motivated by making a positive impact on human lives, Kristen has centered her career on the healthcare industry. She brings that passion to building and maintaining a purpose-driven company culture. Her early work experiences include marketing roles at Mayo Clinic, Ottobock Healthcare and Coloplast. She went on to a life-sciences tools company, Data Sciences International, serving in various leadership roles before being appointed to CEO. Most recently, Kristen served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of ACIST Medical Systems, a cardiovascular diagnostic solutions provider. Kristen earned her bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of St. Thomas and a master’s degree from Cardinal Stritch University. Committed to diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging, Kristen founded EDGE, a female-led forum that supports women in their leadership journey.

Outside of work, Kristen loves travelling and exploring the world with her husband and two sons. In particular, Kristen’s favorite place to visit is her lake cabin in Northern Minnesota. She enjoys all things fitness, especially strength training and Yoga. Kristen also reads, or listens to, over 100 books each year. Her personal mantra is to “Be Kind. Work Hard. Have Fun!”

Jay Gizzi, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Clinical Diagnostics Division

Jay Gizzi joined Microbiologics in 2023 as the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Products. In his role, Jay leads the organization in developing, implementing, and achieving strategic operating plans for Microbiologics’ Products Division. Jay’s professional experience is rooted in the life sciences industry, serving primarily in sales and marketing leadership roles for companies including CSafe and Harvard Biosciences (formerly Data Sciences International). He received a BS in Animal Biosciences from The Ohio State University and went on to receive an MBA in Organizational Leadership and Marketing from Otterbein University.

Jay spends his free time enjoying family life with his wife, daughter, son and two yellow labs. He stays busy with personal interests that include fitness, hiking, kayaking, camping, coaching multiple sports, and traveling.

Steven Henderson, Vice President and General Manager, Biopharma Therapeutics Division

Steven joined Microbiologics in 2024 as the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Services. In this role, Steven leads the organization in developing, implementing, and achieving strategic operating plans for the company's Services Division. Steven brings 25 years of professional experience in the medical device, life science, and biotechnology industries, serving in business development, program management, business systems, and quality compliance leadership roles for companies, including Invetech (formerly a Fortive Company) and Thermo Fisher Scientific. He received a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Riverside, Bourns College of Engineering, holds an MBA in Biotechnology Business Strategy from The Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management, and is a California Registered Chemical Professional Engineer (PE).

Steven’s other interests include enjoying time with family, community service and mentoring youth.

Brian Beck, Ph. D., Vice President of Research and Development

Brian Beck is the Vice President of Research and Development for Microbiologics and has led the organization’s molecular products and services division since 2013. Brian leads technology assessment activities focused on quantitation, inactivation, and preservation of microorganisms for novel, ready-to-use formats. He works closely with Microbiologics molecular diagnostic development partners to customize controls used in development, regulatory assessment and verification and validation activities. Before joining Microbiologics, Brian managed the Microbiology Collections at ATCC where he led efforts to acquire and authenticate Type cultures and emerging pathogens for the research community. Brian earned his Ph.D. in Bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed research appointments at the University of Minnesota and the University of Michigan.

In his free time, Brian enjoys all the outdoor activities Minnesota has to offer.

Mardi Noyes, Vice President of Human Resources

Mardi Noyes is the Vice President of Human Resources. Prior to joining Microbiologics in 2022, Mardi served as the Director of Human Resources for St. Cloud-based non-profit Catholic Charities for 16 years. She also instructed HR courses at St. Cloud State University for 9 years. In addition to her role at Microbiologics, Mardi serves as a Leaders in Giving Cabinet member for the United Way of Central Minnesota and an HR committee member for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota. She also serves as the Vice Chair for the Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota Board of Directors. Mardi earned a BS degree in Applied Psychology from St. Cloud State University and a MPA from the University of Illinois.

Outside of work, Mardi enjoys traveling, reading, playing piano, hiking, and snowshoeing.

Preeth John, Vice President of Information Technology

Preeth John, Vice President of Information Technology, joined the Microbiologics team in 2010. Prior to Microbiologics, Preeth spent several years as a management consultant with Venture Allies, where he worked on ERP implementations, strategy, business system assessments, due diligence, market research and financial analysis. Preeth gained additional experience in customer support and engineering working with international companies. He attended the University of Madras, India where he earned a BE degree in Engineering. He went on to earn an MBA from Saint Cloud State University where he now serves as a member of the Board of Trustees.

In his free time, Preeth enjoys playing racquetball, travelling and spending time with his family.

Mitchell Wirka, Vice President of Quality and Regulatory

Mitchell Wirka joined Microbiologics in 2022 as the Vice President of Quality and Regulatory. He brings more than 20 years of Quality and Regulatory experience to the role. Prior to Microbiologics, Mitchell’s career included leadership roles for medical device companies such as Cantel Medical, CHF Solutions, Cardiovascular Systems and St. Jude Medical. Mitchell attended the University of Minnesota, Morris, where he earned BA degrees in Chemistry and Biology with a Minor in Computer Science.

Mitchell enjoys spending time with his family, watching his kids play sports, DIY projects and working on classic cars and truck. He also enjoys the outdoors with hobbies including hiking, off-roading and snowmobiling.

Anne Keller-Novak, Vice President of Marketing

Anne Keller-Novak joined the Microbiologics team in 2020 and currently serves as the Vice President of Marketing. Anne’s career is rooted in the medical device industry with previous sales and marketing leadership roles at bioMerieux, Sigma Aldrich, Beckman Coulter and Abbott Diagnostics. She attended the University of Illinois – Champaign where she earned a BS degree in Biology and an MS degree in Molecular Biology. From there, Anne went on to receive an MBA DePaul Driehaus College of Business. Leading the Marketing team at Microbiologics, Anne sets strategy for product and market development as well as oversees the execution of marketing plans to drive demand and brand awareness globally.

In her free time, Anne enjoys gardening, attending musical concerts, trying new restaurants, and going to her daughter’s soccer games.

Scott Bliss, Vice President of Global Operations

Scott Bliss serves as our VP of Global Operations starting in 2026. Scott is a purpose driven people centric servant leader who is motivated by the personal development of his team. He has worked at all levels of manufacturing from a technician to President with forty years of manufacturing experience, thirty of them in medical device manufacturing for companies including Medtronic, Baxter, Anteris, Cretex, and Innovize.

Scott has a Mechanical Engineering Degree from the University of Minnesota and a Masters Degree in Manufacturing Systems from the University of St. Thomas. He has lead two teams to earning the Manufacturers Alliance Manufacturer of the Year award in 2011 and 2021. He holds two patents with Anteris supporting their development of a novel heart valve. Scott instructs Lean courses and serves on Manufacturers Alliance Advisory Board.

Outside of work, Scott enjoys fitness, reading, DIY home projects, and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.