Our Company

Ajay is an expert in cell-based diagnostic technologies, as well as an experienced entrepreneur, having previously co-founded two life science companies (one acquired in 2012). Ajay received his PhD from the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, where he developed a novel platform for circulating tumor cell isolation under the supervision of Mehmet Toner and Daniel Haber at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Henry leads research and development efforts to commercialize the microfluidic deformability cytometry technology. His science and engineering expertise spans microfluidics, cancer biology, image processing, and application proof-of-concept clinical studies. Henry is the co-inventor of the deformability cytometry platform, which has resulted in peer-reviewed publications of the technology, as well an accompanying suite of issued patents. Henry holds a BS in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering from the University of California San Diego and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of California Los Angeles.

Bill is a tenured medtech executive with broad experience across finance and general management. Over the past twenty years, Bill was an auditor at KPMG, served in a variety of roles at CareFusion/Becton Dickinson, and most recently led finance at Pfenex Biopharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: PFNX) until its acquisition in late 2020. Notably, in addition to several accounting and finance roles, Bill has operations experience (including serving as VP Global Business Operations, Dispensing Technologies at BD). In these operating roles, Bill has helped secure several large health system technology agreements, led a business model transformation of BD’s Pyxis Enterprise Solution business, managed efforts in the federal government segment, and restructured the product release and product lifecycle management processes.

Dave Vort is a seasoned leader in commercial strategy and market expansion with over 25 years of experience in the medical device sector.

Before joining Cytovale, Dave served as President of Magnus Medical, where he led the commercialization of novel, rapid-acting brain stimulation technology for major depressive disorders. Prior to that, he was Chief Commercial Officer at iRhythm Technologies, Inc., where he built a high-growth commercial organization, driving revenue from $21.7 million to $492 million and playing a key role in the company’s $107 million IPO in 2016.

Passionate about transforming patient care, Dave is committed to advancing Cytovale’s mission of revolutionizing sepsis detection and improving outcomes for patients.

Christopher Slachta, Ph.D, MBA, has more than 20 years of leadership in medical diagnostics & device industry. He started his career as a medical technologist in transfusion medicine & bone marrow cryopreservation. He completed his Ph.D in Immunology & Microbiology at Temple University School of Medicine & a post-doctoral fellowship in immune tolerance at The University of Pennsylvania. His diagnostics industry career began at Johnson & Johnson. He has led organizations for on-market technical support, design & technology transfer, product development, global external manufacturing & supplier management, supply chain management, & multi-site operations management. Chris came to Cytovale from Abbott Laboratories where he was the Divisional VP of Global Operations for their Molecular Diagnostics business unit, leading the COVID-19 operations ramp-up to deliver one of the first FDA-approved commercially available COVID PCR assays to market. Chris is also a veteran of the US Army, Infantry.

Rhonda Collins, DNP, RN, FAAN, is the Chief Nursing Officer at Cytovale and a leader in healthcare innovation. A nurse for over 30 years, she co-founded the American Nurse Project to elevate nurses’ voices.

Previously, she served as Chief Nursing Officer at Vocera, improving clinical communication worldwide. She also held leadership roles at CareFusion, Masimo, and Fresenius Kabi, where she led a medical device through FDA clearance and U.S. launch.

A Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, Dr. Collins holds degrees from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and the University of Texas. A published author and sought-after speaker, she focuses on nursing leadership, cognitive overload, and communication technology in healthcare.

Chris oversees all aspects of Marketing for Cytovale. He brings over 20 years of experience in Marketing, Market Development, Clinical Research, Training and Commercialization. Prior to Cytovale, Chris held marketing roles at EBR Systems (leadless CRT), Ceterix Orthopaedics (meniscal repair, acquired by Smith and Nephew), Ardian (hypertension, acquired by Medtronic) and Johnson and Johnson (vascular). Chris holds a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.

Fe is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Human Resources, its practices and operations for Cytovale. Her role will have a focus on providing strategy, thought leadership and execution related to the People strategy, organizational effectiveness and culture in support of key business outcomes. She brings over 25 years of successful Human Resources expertise in the biopharmaceuticals and diagnostics industry. During her career, Fe has served as a trusted advisor and coach to senior leadership with an emphasis in the areas of Talent Acquisition, HR operations, Workforce Planning and Organizational Design. Prior to joining Cytovale, Fe most recently served as Vice President, Head of Human Resources for HUYABIO International. She has also held several key leadership positions within Human Resources at Genoptix, Celgene, Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp. Fe is passionate about working in a purpose and mission driven, fast-paced environment where she can build and champion a strong company culture, rooted in ownership and accountability that will prepare Cytovale to deliver its strategic plan.

Rachel is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Sales organization for Cytovale. She is a performance-driven commercial leader with experience launching first-of-its-kind technologies and navigating complex sales processes and market dynamics to establish new standards of care, elevate market presence, and optimize revenue and shareholder value. Rachel blends deep industry expertise with early clinical experience to form strategic partnerships to drive cross functional collaboration, brand equity and commercial success. Prior to joining Cytovale, Rachel served in a variety of roles during her 22 year tenure with Alaris Medical Systems/Cardinal Health/CareFusion/BD, most recently as the Area Vice President of Sales. Rachel holds a BS in Nursing from Texas Woman’s University.