Leadership - Microbes BioSciences

Brian W. Pusch

Chief Executive Office

Brian W. Pusch has served as Chairman of the Board and sole Chief Executive Officer and President since 2018. From 2012 to 2018 he served as Co-Chief Executive Officer of Microbes. He joined the Board of Directors in 1997.

Brian has been involved in founding, financing and advising technology startup companies for nearly 35 years. In 2016 he co-founded Inozyme Pharma, Inc., which is developing enzyme replacement therapies for diseases of aberrant calcification based on the ENPP family of enzymes. Inozyme closed its Series A venture capital round of $49.5 million in January 2017, subsequently raised an additional $67 million in a Series A2 round and completed its IPO in July 2020.

In 2015 Brian co-founded Quantum Circuits, Inc., the world’s leading company engaged in the development of quantum computer hardware and software. He served as founding President of QCI until December 2017, leading it through closing of its $18.5 million Series A venture capital round in September 2017, and served as a member of the Board of Directors through 2018.

Over the years Brian has been a member of teams that have founded, built and financed a number of successful technology startups, including 5 successful exits ranging from $500 million to $6.8 billion. In 1992 he founded Pusch & Gal, a New York City boutique law firm, after a successful career, first as an associate and then as a partner, of a leading Wall Street law firm.

He also serves on the boards of Evrys Bio, LLC (host-targeted antiviral therapeutics based on sirtuins), InvivoSciences Inc. (3-dimensional tissue derived from induced pluripotent stem cells and used for drug discovery, screening and testing), Xiconic Pharmaceuticals, LLC (ADC oncology therapeutics) Opna-IO, LLC (immuno-oncology).

(A.B. in Interdisciplinary Studies of Economics and Government, The College of William & Mary in Virginia, 1976 (Phi Beta Kappa); J.D., University of Virginia, 1979.)

Carlos Olvera

VP of Business Development, Marketing & Sales

J Carlos Olvera brings more than 30 years of experience leading global business development, marketing and sales for the Agrochemical and Bio-stimulants industry.

J Carlos brings a deep knowledge of grower needs as well as extensive professional experience in commercial strategy, brand development, product marketing, and advocacy.

His deep knowledge of the agricultural market and Microbes Biosciences technology has allowed him to bring his line of bio stimulants to farmers around the world.

His experience in this role as VP of Business Development, Marketing & Sales proves J Carlos’s ability to identify, develop, and execute on opportunities to enhance competitiveness, increase revenues, and improve customer service offerings across the world.

Since 2010 J Carlos has been working in the Microbes Biosciences group, focusing his effort on market development and the introduction of new products.

Throughout the years J Carlos has collaborated in the agrochemical industry with companies such as Du Pont, RHONE Poulenc occupying different roles which allowed him to have a broad vision of the agriculture and the main problems that the growers are facing every day.

J Carlos graduated from Guadalajara University in Agronomy and earned a B.S. in Finance and Marketing from Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management and Marketing from ITESM, MBA Management from FGV Brazil.

Katy Cook

Controller

Katy serves as the Controller for Microbes. Her role encompasses all financial matters.

Throughout her career, Katy has been recognized for her achievements in streamlining processes, researching and establishing domestic and foreign tax guidelines, creating and implementing research and response practices, reconciling complex accounts, and recovering payments made in duplicate or error. These accomplishments have been the result of her unwavering dedication to her work, attention to detail, and commitment to finding innovative solutions to complex problems.

While serving in the Army Reserve, Katy earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from East Central University and has amassed over 25 years of experience working with a diverse range of clients, from start-ups to the world’s largest natural resource producer.

She enjoys her 6 kids and 3 grandchildren when she is not working. Katy supports various social causes, such as mental health advocacy, literacy, veterans, and animal rescue. These passions reflect her commitment to making a positive impact on the world around her.

Justin Doig

Project Management

A graduate of Sam Houston State University, Justin holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business. He first started working for Microbes in 2016 where he assisted in the manufacturing and logistical aspects of production. He has held several roles in planning and organizing for various companies and industries. This includes areas in computer & electronic surplus to nonprofit organizations that consisted of community outreach groups to local law enforcement agencies.

Robert T. West III

Fermentation Research Manager

Fermentation Research Manager for Microbes Biosciences.
In his role, Robert is responsible for managing the Research and Development of new products, the Quality Control program, company-wide manufacturing operations, and the optimization of existing fermentation processes. Robert is a proven leader in the field with over a decade of experience in microbial fermentations. He has conducted research and manufacturing of a variety of microbes such as archaea, strict anaerobic bacteria, and genetically modified bacteria. His production expertise comes from Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery, the creation of novel chemicals using GMO’s, Rhamnolipids, Sophorolipids and fermentations of naturally occurring agricultural bacteria. Prior to his scientific career Robert served in the United States Marine Corps, achieving the rank of Sargent as Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defense Specialist. Robert received his M.Sc. in Biotechnology from the University of Houston Clear Lake.

Tom Williams

Microbial Production Manager

Tom Williams holds a Master’s degree in Microbial Biotechnology from North Carolina State University and a Bachelors of Science in Fermentation Science from Appalachian State University. During his time at NC State University, he worked as a consultant for clients across numerous domains in biotechnology, to include agricultural, industrial, and pharmaceutical biotechnology, as well as working as a Fermentation Research Associate at AgBiome.

During his time at App State, he investigated novel applications for the use of filamentous fungi, Aspergillus oryzae, on unmalted barley in lieu of traditional malting processes.

Tom additionally worked as a project management consultant in corporate healthcare, holding a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, and spent seven years as a commissioned officer in the United States Army. All told, Tom brings over 10 years of professional experience in biotechnology and consulting.

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