AUSTIN, Texas– Babson Diagnostics, a science-first healthcare technology company, today announced that it has expanded its leadership team with key senior hires who will advance the development and commercialization of its unique blood-testing system that unites innovations in collection, sample handling, and analysis.
Babson’s new additions include:
Jim Jacobson, Ph.D., vice president of clinical affairs: Jacobson is Babson’s laboratory director and principal investigator, responsible for clinical research to further validate the safety and efficacy of Babson’s first-of-its-kind technological ecosystem. The ongoing research will build on a clinical study conducted in 2020 that demonstrated the effectiveness of Babson’s proprietary sample collection, sample handling, and analysis technology.
Jacobson, who holds a doctorate in population biology, is a senior research and development executive with experience overseeing the daily operations of high-complexity, CLIA-certified laboratories. He was at Luminex Corporation in Austin for ten years in a variety of positions including Chief Scientific Officer. He is an inventor on five patents and the author of publications in genetics, molecular biology, medical devices, and laboratory science.
Cynthia Mollet, vice president of people operations: Mollet is leading the human resources team, as the company rapidly grows its workforce in preparation for commercial launch. Her responsibilities include attracting and retaining talented, passionate people who will innovate with integrity and believe in the values-based culture Babson has built since its founding.
Mollet has more than 20 years of experience as an HR leader at startups and mature businesses, developing strategies that strengthen organizational leadership skills and create inclusive cultures.
Steve Nava, vice president of service: Nava is building a quality field service, transportation, and customer support organization to operationalize the Babson ecosystem. The company’s testing platform is designed to collect capillary blood samples at retail pharmacies, automatically process them to preserve quality and reduce waste, and transport the microsamples to Babson’s CLIA-certified laboratory for analysis – without sacrificing quality, accuracy, or menu breadth.
Before joining Babson, Nava spent 18 years at Luminex Corp., where he became senior director of global field service at the biotechnology company, which manufactures biological testing technologies in the clinical diagnostic and life sciences industries.
CJ Singh, vice president of information operations: Singh is developing Babson’s next-generation Information Technology Systems, powering the company’s omni-channel digital experience for partners, providers, retailers, and patients. This digital first approach will make blood testing more accessible and easier, empowering people to take charge of their health.
Singh is a seasoned IT leader with 18 years of experience managing software product strategy, engineering and IT systems for startups and Fortune 500 companies. At Molina Healthcare, he successfully led the company’s implementation of the Medicaid Management Information System for the state of Idaho.
Nicholas Turos, PharmD, vice president of business development: Turos is overseeing the formation of business partnerships to bring Babson’s novel testing platform to retail pharmacies and other convenient locations. Pharmacies are playing a bigger role in improving access to affordable, quality care. There are more than 67,000 community pharmacies in the United States, and most Americans live within five miles of one.
Turos, a Doctor of Pharmacy, is an industry leader in retail pharmacy, pharmacy services and operations. Most recently, he was vice president of pharmacy retail operations at McKesson, the leading wholesale distribution company and franchiser of independent pharmacies.
“I am excited with the level of passion, talent, and expertise we have brought to Babson,” said David Stein, chief executive officer. “These executives all possess strong backgrounds in healthcare, as well as a passion for advancing our values. They will help us achieve our vision of making routine blood testing easier, more accessible and less invasive.”
The growth of the leadership team gives Babson the momentum it needs as it enters a pivotal year in the commercialization of its technological ecosystem that will enable a full range of diagnostic testing using only small capillary samples taken from a finger.
