Michael Alston Jr. currently serves as the Vice President of Operations for Avid Bioservices and is responsible for CGMP manufacturing operations, technical operations, facilities, engineering, and environmental health and safety. Mr. Alston has over 15 years of CGMP operations experience in the biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, and food manufacturing industries. This includes leading all phases of process and facility design, development, and optimization. He received his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), and a graduate certificate in Project Management from Lehigh University. Prior to this role, Mr. Alston held positions of increasing scope and responsibility for ConAgra Foods, Merck & Co., Inc., Unilever, and Sterogene Bioseparations in manufacturing, engineering, continuous improvement, and maintenance. Additionally, he led Avid’s $150+ million capital investment portfolio for expansions at its’ Tustin and Costa Mesa facilities. Mr. Alston, is also a member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), where he has served in numerous leadership and advisory roles over the years.