The TUMI Genomics Team

The TUMI Genomics Team

Melanie Nash

Chief Executive Officer

Melanie is the CEO at TUMI Genomics, with 23 years of leadership experience and 10 years in the trenches of the cannabis industry. She is passionate about bringing the best out of each team member so that the whole is much greater than the sum of its parts and brings expertise in operations, sales, marketing, finance, and HR. When not working, Melanie is exploring her new home state of Colorado!

Tassa Saldi, PhD

Chief Science Officer

Tassa Saldi, Ph.D., is the Co-Founder and CSO of TUMI Genomics, with over 25 years of experience in RNA biology, infectious disease, and molecular pathogen detection. She is passionate about combating plant diseases and brings expertise in cannabis genomics, pathogen diagnostics, and plant pathology. When not sharing her knowledge, she enjoys traveling the globe and being outdoors with her family.

Patrick Gonzales

Chief Technology Officer

Patrick Gonzales is the co-founder and CTO at TUMI Genomics. He brings 10+ years of experience in informatics to the industry. A dedicated technologist, he is passionate about creating innovative solutions that simplify lives and enjoys tackling complex challenges through technology. Outside of work, Patrick loves spending time outdoors with his family, friends, and pups.

Alfonso Garrido-Lecca, PhD of Tumi Genomics

Alfonso Garrido-Lecca, PhD

Research Director

Dr. Garrido-Lecca is the Co-Founder and Director of Research and Development at TUMI Genomics, with over 18 years of laboratory experience in molecular biology and bioinformatics. He is passionate about genetic research and innovation, bringing expertise in gene expression, next-generation sequencing, and molecular biology techniques. When not advancing scientific discovery, he’s an avid trail runner and enjoys relaxing in nature with his family.

Aisha Jama

Laboratory Director

Aisha is the Lab Director at TUMI Genomics, with 8+ years of experience in plant pathology and soil science. She is passionate about plant health and brings expertise in microbiology, molecular biology and analytical chemistry. When not working, she is mountain biking or skiing.

Santiago Garrido-Lecca

Operations Director

Santiago is the co-founder and Operations Director at TUMI Genomics, with 10+ years of experience in various supply Chain, manufacturing and business planning roles in the petrochemical industry. He is passionate about processes, systems and Excel sheets. Outside of work, Santiago loves surfing, playing soccer and enjoying his time with friends, family and his dog, Canela.

Hailey Spencer

Marketing Director

Hailey is a Marketing Specialist at TUMI Genomics with 5 years of marketing experience, including over 2 in the cannabis industry. She’s passionate about aligning mission values with brand identity to create a sustainable, inclusive digital presence. When not working, she enjoys reading, discussing books, spending time with her family, friends, and aussidoodle Rigby.

Luke Horst

Sales Director

As Sales Director at TUMI Genomics, Luke Horst leverages nearly a decade of cannabis industry experience and a proven track record in business development and customer relations. With expertise spanning cultivation, nursery operations, and manufacturing, Luke understands the challenges cultivators face and is dedicated to building strong relationships and delivering impactful solutions, positioning TUMI Genomics as a trusted science partner for growers industry-wide. Outside of work, Luke enjoys DJ’ing and snowboarding.

Ashley Matte

Laboratory Technician

Ashley is the Diagnostics Lab Tech at TUMI Genomics, with 5+ years of experience in biochemistry and molecular biology. She is passionate about all things science and loves honing her technique at the bench. When not working, she enjoys exploring new trails with her family or fly fishing!

Madeline is a lab technician at TUMI Genomics with four years of experience in laboratory science. She is passionate about microbiology and data driven science. She brings expertise in qPCR and sterile technique. When not working, Madeline can be found in her backyard watching the birds and playing with her two cats Lark and Ash and listening to Taylor Swift. #Swiftie

Madeline Hensley

Laboratory Technician

Raelynn Perisho

Logistics Clerk

Raelynn is a Logistics Clerk at Tumi Genomics, with 8 years of experience in the cannabis industry and retail operations. She is passionate about accuracy in logistics workflows and brings expertise in inventory and order fulfillment. When not working, she enjoys going to her favorite jam band concerts, hiking and crafting handmade art!