Our Leadership Team

Tassa Saldi, PhD

Chief Science Officer

  • Dr. Tassa Saldi is an accomplished molecular biologist with more than 25 years of research experience in RNA biology, infectious disease, and molecular pathogen detection. Dr. Saldi graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Molecular Biology. She completed her graduate and postdoctoral studies at the University of Colorado, where she studied RNA structure, small RNAs and RNA processing. She was awarded a prestigious fellowship from the American Cancer Society and was one of eighteen doctoral fellows nationwide invited to present her research at the Aspen Cancer Conference. Dr. Saldi has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals. As the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of TUMI Genomics, Dr. Saldi continues to use her expertise to provide the cannabis industry with reliable, accurate diagnostic tools and pathogen mitigation guidance.

Patrick Gonzales

Chief Technology Officer

  • Patrick is a highly skilled and experienced data scientist and molecular biologist. Patrick has authored 10 peer-reviewed publications and brings more than 12 years of research experience in computational biology to the TUMI Genomics team. He has extensive experience in multiple programming languages as well as machine learning and big data methodologies. Patrick served as a senior bioinformatic analyst at the University of Colorado and has experience in corporate software development. As a co-founder and the chief technology officer of TUMI Genomics, Patrick is excited to have the opportunity to bring his values, work ethic and expertise to the growing cannabis industry.

Alfonso Garrido-Lecca, PhD

Chief Research Officer

  • Dr. Garrido-Lecca is a molecular biologist and bioinformatician with more than 18 years of laboratory experience. He obtained his PhD in Biology from the University of Colorado studying gene expression. Dr. Garrido-Lecca’s was awarded the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome fellowship and the National Institute of Health grant to study cancer. He has published peer-review papers in top-tier journals highlighting his extensive experience in vitro biology and next generation sequencing. As a co-founder and the director of research and development, Dr. Garrido-Lecca brings two decades of experience in molecular biology techniques and scientific innovation to the TUMI Genomics team.

Aisha Jama

Chief Laboratory Officer

  • Aisha Jama is an experienced scientist with expertise in microbiology, molecular biology and analytical chemistry. She holds a Masters of Science in Soil and Crop Science from Colorado State University where she researched organic fertilizer methods. Aisha brings years of experience conducting agriculture pathogen testing, adhering to GLP and GMP standards and creating and managing rigorous laboratory SOPs. As laboratory manager, Aisha ensures the highest quality standards are enforced at TUMI Genomics laboratory.

Hailey Spencer

Chief Marketing Officer

Chief Revenue Officer

Gonzalo Villaran

  • Gonzalo pioneered angel investment in his home country of Peru and built his career around the construction of the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems. As an intrapreneur, he has been instrumental in building startup investment and acceleration programs in corporations, universities and government entities. His experience leading investments in over 70 startups, as well as his work with several founders in Latin America, has given him the skillset to lead the go-to-market strategy for TUMI Genomics as one of the co-founders of the company.

Santiago Garrido-Lecca

Chief Operating Officer

  • Santiago Garrido-Lecca is an accomplished industrial engineer with 10+ years of experience in strategic planning, supply chain management, systems implementation and procurement. He has worked for several industrial companies including; The Dow Chemical Company and Univation Technologies and Oben Group. Santiago holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Texas AM University.