PreludeDx – Our Mission
PreludeDx was founded with the goal of providing better breast cancer decision-making tools to physicians and the patients they serve. At PreludeDx, we realize that every sample we receive in our laboratory has a patient behind it. It is our mission to make precision diagnostic testing accessible to all patients and provide physicians with the information and confidence they need to make the best treatment decisions. Our goal is to improve patient outcomes in breast cancer and reduce the overall cost burden to the healthcare system.
PreludeDx – Our Values
Patient Focused: We realize that every sample that comes through our laboratory has a patient behind it and it is our job to ensure that we handle each sample with care and provide results back to the patient and physician in a timely manner. PreludeDx exists to take care of the needs of our patients.
Quality First: We will put quality systems and processes first and foremost as we provide the highest quality results to our patients and physicians.
Driving Innovation: PreludeDx will strive to find new innovative tools and processes that assist patients and physicians for the better management of cancer.
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Management Team
Daniel Forche
President & CEO
Dan serves as President and CEO of PreludeDx, a Fjord Ventures company that developed the DCISion RT test for women diagnosed with DCIS breast cancer.
Dan’s 20-plus years of operational and commercial diagnostic experience includes positions with medical device, lab services, and molecular testing companies. Before joining PreludeDx, he was President of Pathnostics, a full-service cancer diagnostics company providing clinical and molecular pathology testing services throughout the U.S.
Previous positions included General Manager of Abbott Laboratories’ oncology lab company, where he oversaw P&L and designed growth strategies that led to Abbott’s successful sale of PersonalizeDx; Vice President of Sales and Marketing for CombiMatrix Corporation, a national provider of molecular diagnostic services, where Mr. Forche developed and executed key sales and marketing initiatives; and Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Netherlands-based Agendia Inc., a genomics company with the first FDA-cleared IVDMIA test (MammaPrint) for breast cancer recurrence, with Dan responsible for opening and building US operations.
Earlier positions included Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Insight Health Corp., a national provider of diagnostics imaging services with annual revenues of $285 MM; various roles, including Vice President of Marketing and Oncology Sales, for US LABS, where Dan was instrumental in strategies that grew revenue from $3 MM in 2000 to more than $75 MM in 2004; Worldwide Marketing Manager for Ventana Medical Systems, a manufacturer and developer of automated immunochemistry systems for cancer testing, where Dan launched the BenchMark system, today’s leader for IHC testing. US LABS was sold to LabCorp for $160 MM in 2005. Ventana was sold to Roche for $3.4 BB in 2008.
Dan began his career in medical diagnostics with Abbott Laboratories. He received a B.S.B.A. in marketing from Central Michigan University College of Business.
Andrew Wade
CFO
Andrew Wade – Chief Financial Officer
Andy brings nearly 20 years of broad corporate finance and accounting experience, including nearly 15 years within the medical device industry. Most recently, Andy was Senior Director Finance and Corporate Controller at Lombard Medical, a publicly-traded medical device company. In addition, Andy has held management positions with a number of life science firms, including Fjord Ventures, Alsius Corporation and Cardiac Science.
Andy began his career with KPMG and holds a B.A. in Business Economics with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
Troy Bremer, PhD
CSO
Troy Bremer, PhD – Chief Scientific Officer
Troy is co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at PreludeDx and has been an integral part of the company since its inception.
Troy is passionate about improving healthcare through innovation. His research background has involved the application of machine learning, statistical pattern recognition, modeling and biostatistics to molecular biology. He has expertise in the planning, management, analysis and execution of complex research and development programs.
Troy has extensive experience in diagnostic development and previously identified and validated several biomarker panels for disease prognosis and treatment response in oncology leading to a number of publications and various patents. Prior to PreludeDx, Troy worked at Lion Biosciences and Prediction Sciences where he served at Director of Research and Development.
Troy received his Doctorate in Biomedical Engineering from the University of California, San Diego.
Pat Whitworth, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Pat Whitworth serves as Chief Medical Officer of PreludeDx, bringing more than 30 years of clinical and research expertise to this leadership role. He also serves as a Breast Surgical Oncologist and Director at Nashville Breast Center. Dr. Whitworth held the role of Chair of the Board of Directors for the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) from 2005 to 2008. He also served as Vice Chair of the Breast Committee for the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) and Chair of the Research Committee for ASBrS.
Dr. Whitworth’s research and clinical interests encompass a breadth of topics crucial to breast cancer care. He’s authored numerous articles, including subjects such as molecular diagnostics, genetic testing, cancer staging and personalized treatment options. As a proponent of advancing surgical techniques, he advocates for image-guided minimally invasive procedures for both diagnosis and disease management.
In clinical trials, he’s served as Principal Investigator, Investigator or co-investigator for numerous initiatives sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and industry partners. Additionally, his role as Chief Scientific Officer and Managing Partner at Targeted Medical Education underscores his dedication to fostering medical education and providing strategic advisory services to the medical industry.
He earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee, completed his residency at the University of Louisville, and his fellowship at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in cell biology and surgical oncology.
Leona Hamrick, DHSc, PA-C, MSL-BC
Vice President of Global Medical Affairs
Leona Hamrick, DHSc, PA-C, MSL-BC – Vice President of Global Medical Affairs
Dr. Leona Hamrick serves as Vice President of Global Medical Affairs for PreludeDx and is a Board-Certified Physician Associate (PA) with nearly 30 years of internal medicine experience. Additionally, she brings to PreludeDx 10 years of industry experience focusing on oncology molecular diagnostics. Dr. Hamrick was also a subject matter expert in the development of an international board certification exam for medical science liaisons (MSL) – the MSL-BC.
Dr. Hamrick’s medical experience goes beyond schooling and work; she is also a 10-year stage 3 breast cancer survivor. She understands patients’ struggles on a personal level, brings an astounding passion to the PreludeDx team, and is excited to work towards improving patients’ lives again.
Dr. Hamrick obtained her Doctor of Health Science degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She also holds a Master of Science in PA Studies at University of Nebraska Medical Center and a Bachelor of Science in PA Studies from Mountain State University.
Chris Emery
Vice President of Business Development
Chris brings more than 25 years of experience in healthcare across laboratory services, medical device and biopharmaceutical companies, with senior leadership roles in marketing, sales and business development in the cancer diagnostics market. He joins PreludeDx from HALO Precision Diagnostics where he served as the Chief Business Officer – Molecular Diagnostics. He was responsible for helping HALO build out its clinical laboratory in order to integrate breast cancer-focused precision diagnostic testing with radiology services to better serve physicians and patients in the community healthcare setting. Previously, Chris served in various leadership roles with Menarini, Abbott, Novartis and LabCorp, where he launched innovative testing for personalized treatment decisions for cancer patients. He obtained his Executive MBA from Pepperdine University and his BA in communications studies from University of California – San Diego.
Wendy Zeldes
Vice President of Marketing
Wendy Zeldes is a seasoned sales, marketing, and training executive with over 30 years of experience in cancer diagnostics and healthcare. As Vice President of Marketing, she combines scientific expertise with strategic commercial insight to drive innovation, accelerate growth, and enhance market presence.
Wendy holds a Master’s degree in Immunology from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan. Her scientific background includes co-authorship of peer-reviewed publications in Cellular Immunology and PNAS, with research focused on alternative pathways of T-cell activation in rheumatoid arthritis.
Throughout her career, Wendy has held key leadership positions at MDxHealth, Insight Imaging, and US LABS/LabCorp. She has successfully led multiple product launches and developed impactful sales training programs, contributing to significant revenue growth and national recognition. Known as a dynamic communicator and empowering leader, Wendy is passionate about advancing precision medicine and elevating both the patient and customer experience.
Matthew Tate
Senior Vice President of Sales
Matthew Tate – Senior Vice President of Sales
Matt Tate has over 18 years of development and commercial experience in the diagnostics market, including novel testing for device and lab services companies. Matt comes to PreludeDx from Pathnostics where he served as Vice President of Business Development responsible for the training, sales strategy, and business partnership models for the anatomic pathology lab services product lines.
Prior to Pathnostics, Matt was the Director of Sales for PersonalizedDx, a division of Abbott Molecular specializing in partnership models empowering the local pathologist to control the read of genetics testing through innovative imaging tools. Matt also served as a Regional Manager for Agendia, leading the sales team responsible for selling the genetic profile Mammaprint for breast cancer recurrence. Earlier positions include Director of Sales and Marketing for Vassol Inc., an MRI imaging company focused on measuring blood flow to the brain, Marketing Manager at US Laboratories, where he was in charge of IHC and imaging for the diagnosis of Breast Cancer and Lieutenant, Supply Corp, United States Navy.
Matt is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy where he played Division I football.
Jasmin Valverde
Senior Director Laboratory Operations
Jasmin Valverde – Senior Director Laboratory Operations
Jasmin Valverde joined PreludeDx in July of 2019 and serves as Senior Director Laboratory Operations. Jasmin brings a vast background with laboratory experience in Immunohistochemistry (IHC), operations, field service, customer care, operations and sales management. Prior to joining PreludeDx, Jasmin was the Western Regional Sales Manager at Applied Spectral Imaging where she was responsible for promoting ASI at tradeshows and selling Whole Slide Imaging (WSI) scanners for IHC Scoring, i.e. Breast Panel and Cytogenetic Imaging Systems for FISH and Chromosome Analysis. She previously worked at Pathnostics Laboratory where she held various positions including Supervisor of the IHC Department, where she was responsible for managing the daily IHC operations. As the Field Support Manger, she worked closely with the sales representatives and physicians’ offices to in-service and start new accounts throughout the US managing a team of over 20 service techs. She was also involved in project management and key initiatives for the company.
Jasmin received her BS in Chemistry from UC Santa Cruz.
Medical / Scientific Team
Pat Whitworth, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Pat Whitworth, MD — Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Pat Whitworth serves as Chief Medical Officer of PreludeDx, bringing more than 30 years of clinical and research expertise to this leadership role. He also serves as a Breast Surgical Oncologist and Director at Nashville Breast Center. Dr. Whitworth held the role of Chair of the Board of Directors for the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) from 2005 to 2008. He also served as Vice Chair of the Breast Committee for the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) and Chair of the Research Committee for ASBrS.
Dr. Whitworth’s research and clinical interests encompass a breadth of topics crucial to breast cancer care. He’s authored numerous articles, including subjects such as molecular diagnostics, genetic testing, cancer staging and personalized treatment options. As a proponent of advancing surgical techniques, he advocates for image-guided minimally invasive procedures for both diagnosis and disease management.
In clinical trials, he’s served as Principal Investigator, Investigator or co-investigator for numerous initiatives sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and industry partners. Additionally, his role as Chief Scientific Officer and Managing Partner at Targeted Medical Education underscores his dedication to fostering medical education and providing strategic advisory services to the medical industry.
He earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee, completed his residency at the University of Louisville, and his fellowship at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in cell biology and surgical oncology.
David J. Dabbs, MD
Chief of Pathology
David J. Dabbs, MD – Chief of Pathology
David J. Dabbs, MD joined PreludeDx in November 2019 as Chief of Pathology. He leads Prelude’s BREAST Second Opinion Service (BREAST SOS) and consults on challenging cases submitted by clients from across the United States. Dr. Dabbs is a contemporary thought leader in breast pathology. He has published over 200 papers and has several editorial board appointments and responsibility for peer review of pathology journals. He completed his medical degree at Medical College of Ohio, and his residency and fellowship at University of Washington and Affiliated Hospitals. Dr. Dabbs served as Director of Anatomic Pathology, and Chief of Pathology, Magee-Women’s Hospital of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA for over 15 years. Most recently, he was Professor of Pathology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, John A. Burns School of Medicine.
He is certified by the American Board of Pathology for Anatomic Pathology and Cytopathology.
Jess Savala, MD
Medical Director
Dr. Savala is a practicing pathologist who is board certified in hematopathology, anatomic and clinical pathology. Dr. Savala’s previous experience includes Director of Molecular Pathology for Cynogen (wholly owned subsidiary of Abbott Laboratories), Laboratory/Medical Director of MDxHealth, Laboratory/Medical Director and Director of Hematopathology at PLUS Diagnostics Inc., Director of Hematopathology for both the Physician Services and Analytical Services divisions of Genzyme Genetics, Laboratory/Medical Director of US LABS, Co-Medical Director and Scientific Director of Oncology of Specialty Laboratories, as well as several years of community pathology practice in California. Dr. Savala obtained his undergraduate degree from Loma Linda University with his medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine. He completed his pathology residency at the Loma Linda University Medical Center, with additional fellowship training in hematopathology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles, CA).
Troy Bremer, PhD
CSO
Troy Bremer, PhD – Chief Scientific Officer
Troy is co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at PreludeDx and has been an integral part of the company since its inception.
Troy is passionate about improving healthcare through innovation. His research background has involved the application of machine learning, statistical pattern recognition, modeling and biostatistics to molecular biology. He has expertise in the planning, management, analysis and execution of complex research and development programs.
Troy has extensive experience in diagnostic development and previously identified and validated several biomarker panels for disease prognosis and treatment response in oncology leading to a number of publications and various patents. Prior to PreludeDx, Troy worked at Lion Biosciences and Prediction Sciences where he served at Director of Research and Development.
Troy received his Doctorate in Biomedical Engineering from the University of California, San Diego.
Leona Hamrick, DHSc, PA-C, MSL-BC
Vice President of Global Medical Affairs
Leona Hamrick, DHSc, PA-C, MSL-BC – Vice President of Global Medical Affairs
Dr. Leona Hamrick serves as Vice President of Global Medical Affairs for PreludeDx and is a Board-Certified Physician Associate (PA) with nearly 30 years of internal medicine experience. Additionally, she brings to PreludeDx 10 years of industry experience focusing on oncology molecular diagnostics. Dr. Hamrick was also a subject matter expert in the development of an international board certification exam for medical science liaisons (MSL) – the MSL-BC.
Dr. Hamrick’s medical experience goes beyond schooling and work; she is also a 10-year stage 3 breast cancer survivor. She understands patients’ struggles on a personal level, brings an astounding passion to the PreludeDx team, and is excited to work towards improving patients’ lives again.
Dr. Hamrick obtained her Doctor of Health Science degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She also holds a Master of Science in PA Studies at University of Nebraska Medical Center and a Bachelor of Science in PA Studies from Mountain State University.
Karuna Mittal, PhD
Senior Director Research & Development
Karuna Mittal, PhD – Senior Director Research & Development
Karuna Mittal joined Prelude as Director Research and Development in August 2021. Karuna has extensive research experience in biomarker and novel targeted therapy discovery in different tumor types, including breast, prostate, pancreatic, ovarian, and head and neck. She has served as a peer reviewer and has published her research in high-impact journals. Before joining PreludeDx, Karuna was a postdoctoral fellow at Emory University, identifying novel targeted therapies in rare pediatric cancers.
Karuna holds a Master’s in Science (Human Physiology, Medicine) from Health Science University Rajasthan, India, and did her Ph.D. in Cellular and molecular biology from Georgia State University, Atlanta.
Board of Directors
Olav Bergheim
Chairman
Olav is the Founder and Managing Director of Fjord Ventures LLC, a life sciences accelerator company whose portfolio includes Adagio Medical, Inc.; Allegro Medical, Inc.; Anaxiom Corporation; Kato Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Metronom Health, Inc.; Prelude Corporation; Sonendo, Inc.; Volante Diagnostics, Inc.; and YAP Therapeutics, Inc. Each of these companies was founded by Olav.
Previously, Olav was General Partner of Domain Associates, which he joined in 1995 and was charged with forming and providing active management to new life sciences companies. There he established the Company Creation Initiative that led to the formation of several companies, including VenPro; 3F Therapeutics (acquired by Medtronic); Vessix Vascular (acquired by Boston Scientific); Volcano Therapeutics (acquired by Phillips); and Glaukos Corporation.
Earlier, Olav spent 18 years in general management positions at Baxter Healthcare Corporation, serving as Corporate Group Vice President and also President of Baxter’s Cardiovascular Group (now: Edwards LifeSciences). His prior positions with Baxter included President of Immunotherapy Worldwide, President BioTech Europe, and President of Baxter in Germany and General Manager of the Nordic area.
Daniel Forche
President, CEO, Director
Daniel Forche – President, CEO, Director
Dan serves as President and CEO of PreludeDx, a Fjord Ventures company that developed the DCISion RT test for women diagnosed with DCIS breast cancer.
Dan’s 20-plus years of operational and commercial diagnostic experience includes positions with medical device, lab services, and molecular testing companies. Before joining PreludeDx, he was President of Pathnostics, a full-service cancer diagnostics company providing clinical and molecular pathology testing services throughout the U.S.
Previous positions included General Manager of Abbott Laboratories’ oncology lab company, where he oversaw P&L and designed growth strategies that led to Abbott’s successful sale of PersonalizeDx; Vice President of Sales and Marketing for CombiMatrix Corporation, a national provider of molecular diagnostic services, where Mr. Forche developed and executed key sales and marketing initiatives; and Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Netherlands-based Agendia Inc., a genomics company with the first FDA-cleared IVDMIA test (MammaPrint) for breast cancer recurrence, with Dan responsible for opening and building US operations.
Earlier positions included Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Insight Health Corp., a national provider of diagnostics imaging services with annual revenues of $285 MM; various roles, including Vice President of Marketing and Oncology Sales, for US LABS, where Dan was instrumental in strategies that grew revenue from $3 MM in 2000 to more than $75 MM in 2004; Worldwide Marketing Manager for Ventana Medical Systems, a manufacturer and developer of automated immunochemistry systems for cancer testing, where Dan launched the BenchMark system, today’s leader for IHC testing. US LABS was sold to LabCorp for $160 MM in 2005. Ventana was sold to Roche for $3.4 BB in 2008.
Dan began his career in medical diagnostics with Abbott Laboratories. He received a B.S.B.A. in marketing from Central Michigan University College of Business.
Gerrit Adams
Director
Gerrit Adams – Director
Gerrit Adams has worked for Henry Crown and Company since 2009 and is involved in the firm’s venture investments in the healthcare sector. He currently is a director or board observer of several medical device, service, and diagnostic companies and also serves on the board of USA Water Polo. Gerrit received a B.S. in Neuroscience from Brown University and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Derek J. Maetzold
Director
Derek J. Maetzold – Director
Derek J. Maetzold founded Castle Biosciences in September 2007 and has served as our President, Chief Executive Officer and as a member of our board of directors since inception. Previously, Mr. Maetzold held leadership roles at Encysive Pharmaceuticals, Schering-Plough Corporation (now Merck), Integrated Communications, Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Sandoz Pharmaceuticals (now a division of Novartis). Mr. Maetzold currently serves as a director of AltheaDX, the Ocular Melanoma Foundation and IMPACT Melanoma. He has contributed to the discovery, development and commercialization of five diagnostic and prognostic tests in cancers, has co-authored multiple scientific publications and is a co-inventor of a number of technologies at Castle Biosciences and Encysive Pharmaceuticals. Mr. Maetzold holds a B.S. degree in Biology from George Mason University and completed additional coursework at the University of Calgary Health Sciences Center and the MBA program at the University of California, Riverside.
Alejandro Sanchez
Director
Alejandro Sanchez – Director
Alejandro Sanchez co-founded Evidity Health Capital with Paul Enever in 2014. He has nearly a decade of experience in PE/VC investing and has been advising boards and C-suite executives in the technology sector on commercialization, operations, and strategy for nearly 20 years.
Prior to joining Evidity, Alejandro was a co-founder and partner of Hermes Growth Partners, where he launched its Telecom, Media, and Technology Fund. He is a former partner at McKinsey and Company, where he worked in the telecom, media, and technology sectors across a diverse set of geographies, including the United States, Russia, Poland, Chile, Brazil, and Venezuela.
He serves on the Boards of Directors of Endogastric Solutions and Poseidon Medical, and he is a board observer at Akili Interactive Labs.
Alejandro is a systems engineer with an MS in Engineering-Economic Systems from Stanford University.
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