U.S – AOAC International has appointed Dr. Katerina (Kate) Mastovska as the new Deputy Executive Director and Chief Science Officer.

AOAC International is a well-known, impartial, third-party, not-for-profit organization that creates voluntary chemical and microbiological consensus standards.

“I’m delighted to join the AOAC staff and lead the team of dedicated scientists. AOAC has a critical role in food safety, and I’m inspired to continue to be a part of this important work,” said Dr. Mastovska.

Since joining AOAC International in 2004, Dr. Mastovska has actively participated in the organization. In 2021, she was given the Harvey W. Wiley Award, the association’s highest scientific accolade.

She has a wealth of experience in research chemistry, having held positions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the University of Chemistry & Technology in Prague, and her own independent consulting firm, Excellcon International.

The most recent position Dr. Mastovska held was as a Chief Scientific Officer for Eurofins’ American Food Division.

“Kate has been an instrumental and involved member of AOAC for almost 20 years, and we’re so thrilled to have her officially join our team.

“She will lead all science programs and projects at AOAC International and has excelled with the three main stakeholder sectors for AOAC: government, industry, and academia,” said Executive Director David B. Schmidt.

Additionally, the organization has promoted two current employees, each of whom has nearly 20 years of AOAC expertise.

The position of Deputy Executive Director, Engagement, has been given to Dawn L. Frazier. She had previously held the position of Senior Director of Communications, Marketing, and Membership.

Her duties include directing outreach and communication initiatives as well as leading and implementing the organization’s engagement strategy, which involves establishing and maintaining connections with important partners and stakeholders.

The job acts as the AOAC strategic plan’s membership, communications, publications, and meetings lead.

She has advised the sections, the entire membership, meetings, and education, in addition to marketing and communications, during her tenure at AOAC.

Deborah McKenzie, who previously held the position of  Senior Director, Official Methods of Analysis and Standards, has also been promoted to fill the newly created position of Deputy Assistant Executive Director & Chief Standards Officer.

She is in charge of directing the Official Methods of Analysis database’s implementation and execution of voluntary consensus standards processes.

She will oversee and organize all related tasks for the projects for method approval and standard development.

Frazier will continue to report to Schmidt, while McKenzie will report to Mastovska.

“I’m so pleased to welcome Kate and recognize Dawn and Deborah for their dedication and role in the growth of AOAC,” Schmidt said.

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