Our Team
WHO WE ARE
Meet The Team
Jeff Pfohl
CEO AND FOUNDER
Jeff was destined for a scientific career choosing that path at an early age. He focused on science and in specific biology through High School and his undergraduate degree of In Vitro Cell Biology and Biotechnology at Plattsburgh State University College (SUNY) culminating at a semester off campus at the Miner Institute. This was one of only two institutes offering training in a broad number (40) of biotechnology techniques at the time. He continued at Duke University achieving a master’s in immunology and excelled in pharma/biotech research post-graduation at Embrex (now Pfizer), GlaxoSmithKline and Amphora Discovery. Jeff entered business development at PerkinElmer and then completed that role with Metabolon. His experience with small molecule pain research allowed for this initial formulation to be developed with a healthy pipeline of products following. Jeff and his wife have been involved not only in science (Lori is a microbiologist) but also ministry for over 30 years planting assemblies of the original Christian Church.
John Ryals
Consultant to the CEO
John has a storied career beginning in molecular biology that started at the University of North Texas with a B.A. in Biology, Chemistry and Music. He went on to complete his master’s and Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Dallas in molecular biology followed by postdoctoral work at the University of Zurich. John’s early career encompassed crop sciences at Ciba Geigy where he advanced from a Research Scientist to Head of Ag BioTech Research and VP of Intellectual Property. Following Ciba Geigy John founded and led Paradigm Genetics to a public offering on Nasdaq (PDGM) which was eventually acquired by Monsanto. While at Paradigm Genetics John began looking at utilizing mass spectrometry to analyze the global biochemistry of plant systems. He translated this technology to mammalian and human systems when he founded Metabolon, the premier metabolomics company in the field. Metabolon has dynamically changed the research paradigm bringing critical understanding of biochemical pathway changes in disease, genetics and plant biology. John currently is semi-retired, enjoying mentoring other leaders in biotechnology. John currently serves on the Boards of uMethod (an Alzheimer’s Disease, Precision Medicine Company) and Biosortia (a microbiome company).
Kelly Nix, DBA
Chief Operating Officer
Born in Lima, Peru, to American parents, Kelly is a dual citizen of the United States and Peru who is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, has lived in four countries, and has traveled the globe. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management and his Master of Business Administration in Management and Strategy from Western Governors University, and his Doctor of Business Administration in Global Business and Leadership from California Intercontinental University. Kelly has held management and executive positions in multiple areas of the non-profit world, including charities, religious organizations, and universities, where he has also served as a faculty member. He is also a frequent presenter at conferences in and outside the United States. He and his wife, Valerie, have four grown children and eight grandchildren. Kelly’s favorite pastimes are fishing, hunting, and writing books.
Jesse Galindo
Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Jesse Galindo has served in several C-suite capacities, including CFO, CHRO, and COO. Along with being a corporate officer, he teaches at several universities, speaks nationally and internationally, is a business owner, and pastors a thriving congregation in Durham, NC. He is the husband of 31 years to Justine, father to Samuel, 27 (Lindsey, his wife), and Bishop, 24, and grandfather to Anneliese, nine months. He enjoys traveling and spending time with his family, meeting people, and learning new things.
Dan Zavodnick, J.D.
Director of Legal Affairs (fractional)
With over 17 years of experience, Dan is a seasoned legal professional who has navigated the complexities of the life sciences industry as regulatory counsel for large, multi-nationals such as Allergan, Bayer, and Bristol Myers Squibb and has served as General Counsel for Kedrion Biopharma and Arch Oncology. His expertise spans the entire product lifecycle across a wide range of therapeutic areas, and includes drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide spectrum of agreement types, analysis of risk-benefit profiles in support of product teams and client groups, legal and compliance training, review of commercial and medical communications, materials and activities, advice on legal issues for prescription, OTC, dietary supplements, and generics, and compliance program development and support.
Dan has served as legal lead on 37 product teams and over 20 launches, demonstrating his deep understanding of the intricate legal landscape and its impact on product development and commercialization.
Dan is the founder and managing partner of NorthStar Advisors, a life sciences legal and strategic consulting firm offering support for compliant product launch and commercialization, including fractional general counsel and chief compliance officers, and advertising and promotional review committee staffing and process development and optimization. He is passionate about fostering a culture of compliance and collaboration, and his ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical solutions empowers clients to meet the challenges of this dynamic industry.
Danielle Wright
Administrative Assistant
Danielle has always loved helping people and advancing her education in the medical field. She started her career as a nurse in pediatric private duty and home care working with premature babies with feeding tubes, tracheostomies and ventilators. Later she worked in cardiology running stress tests and working with pacemakers and defibrillators. She also worked as a legal nurse consultant for health insurance companies and on the defense side with several drug companies. Danielle developed CRPS (Chronic Pain Regional Syndrome) in 2004 post being hit by a drunk driver and developed a secondary site in her right foot in 2024 post-surgery. Her testimonial and data review are in the results section.
Alex Birk
Digital Platform Manager
Alex Birk is a marketing strategist with a degree in Media Studies and minors in Business and Liberal Arts and Advertising from Queens College, City University of New York. With a strong foundation in media strategy, brand development, and digital marketing, she has gained hands-on experience through internships and industry collaborations. As a Marketing Coordinator at StratisBio, Alex plays a key role in crafting impactful campaigns that enhance brand visibility and drive engagement in the healthcare sector. She is dedicated to leveraging creative storytelling and data-driven strategies to connect with audiences and drive meaningful results.
Dr. Skylar Bakko
Medical Affairs Advisor
Dr. Skylar Bakko went to chiropractic school at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa and graduated cum laude in February 2012. Since earning his Doctor of Chiropractic, he completed hours of study on Brain-Based Wellness, including Quantum Neurology, Applied Kinesiology, Developmental Functional Neurology, Advanced Functional Neuroanatomy, Neuro Emotional Technique, and Beyond Functional Medicine. Awarded the “Optimal Neurological Expression” Doctor of the Year award in 2022, Dr. Skylar Bakko has dedicated his life to helping those suffering from pain and chronic illness.
