ClassNotes

John A. Chickosky ’74 is president and CEO of Natrix Separations Inc, a supplier of high-performance disposable chromatography products to the life science, food, beverage, and water markets. Chickosky has been a member of the Natrix Board of Directors since mid-2010 and will continue to hold a board seat. Natrix Board Chairman Jim Iuliano commented, “John has been instrumental in assessing our technology and shaping our business strategy as a member of the board, and we are thrilled to have him leading the company during this exciting new phase of its development. He is widely respected among biopharm industry leaders and has demonstrated a deft hand in commercializing new technologies in this space.”

Chickosky added, “Natrix’s patented advective high-capacity chromatography technology has been well-received by the industry, and we are confident that it will deliver a step-change improvement in the way downstream processing is handled. We now have the right team and a focused plan to swiftly deliver the promise of Natrix’s core technology to customers who need it to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing bioproduction environment.”

Most recently, Chickosky was Chief Commercial Officer and President of the BioSystems Division of Xcellerex, Inc., where he led the development and execution of the company’s commercial strategy. He brings more than 20 years of senior management experience with life science technology companies, including senior positions at Kendro Laboratory Products (now part of ThermoFisher), CARR Separations, and Sepracor, Inc. John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Santa Clara University and an MBA from St. Mary’s College.

Tina Caratan '74 decided after 37+ years to redirect her career path and left public accounting. She is currently an adjunct professor at SFSU and doing free lance consulting for the not for profit industry. She ultimately would like to take on the role of a CFO for a major NFP in the greater Bay Area.

Julie Brooks J.D. ’74 was named one of the 100 “Women of Influence” by Silicon Valley Business Journal. As the executive VP, general counsel, chief compliance officer, corporate secretary at Conceptus Inc., Brooks oversees legal and compliance issues. Conceptus is a health care service company that focuses on women’s health. Founded in 1992, the company specializes in the design, development and distribution of medical products and services for use in the field of women’s health. Brooks is also president and director, Silicon Valley Association of General Counsel 2010–13. She received the president’s award for outstanding industry service, ARRDA, 1988.

Bruce Bottini ’70, J.D ’74 writes: “I am a trial lawyer in Portland, Ore., specializing in personal injury law, in practice with my wife, Marianne, and son John for over 25 years.”

Rita Beamish '74 climbed to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, at 19,300 feet, in July with a group of women journalist friends.