Jake Parr

Food Safety Net Services
WLA President

Jake Parr is a Senior National Account Executive at Food Safety Net Services (FSNS), dedicated to advancing food safety and supporting the introduction of safe, high-quality foods into commerce. With over 20 years of experience in the food industry, Jake specializes in food safety and quality assurance across production and manufacturing operations, retail environments, and food testing laboratories.

A long-standing supporter of the Wisconsin Lab Association (WLA), Jake values the professional growth and resources the organization provides. He recognizes the critical role Wisconsin laboratories play in ensuring safe and quality foods reach the market and actively encourages greater involvement from those in the FSQA and laboratory industries.

Jake has also served as President of the Wisconsin Section of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), further showcasing his commitment to the field. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and a Master of Science degree from Michigan State University.

Outside of his professional life, Jake enjoys exploring the beauty of Wisconsin with his wife and two young sons. From hiking and skiing to boating and cheering on the Green Bay Packers, Jake embraces every season and the outdoor adventures it offers.

Tami Collien

Charm Sciences, Inc.
WLA President

Tami joined WLA in 2011 after speaking at the Fall Conference and being elected as a Board Member. She is an Account Manager for Charm Sciences Inc. Tami holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. She has 23 years’ experience in compliance, regulatory adherence, audit, laboratory, progressive quality pillar and project management, lean manufacturing, production operations, KPI and objectives planning and tracking. Past positions include Corporate Senior Manager of Microbiology for a large Cooperative Dairy, Quality & Regulatory Manager for a Global Cheese Producer and Laboratory Evaluation Officer (LEO) for the WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Her favorite aspects of WLA are friendships with colleagues, educational conferences, and sharing expertise with laboratorians and other industry professionals. Tami is happily married for 20 years this year and enjoys spending time with family and friends. She has also played clarinet in a Symphonic band for 20 years.

Janine Mercer

Nelson-Jameson
WLA 1st Vice President

Janine Mercer is a Laboratory Product Manager at Nelson-Jameson and has been a WLA member since 2021. Janine specializes in temperature monitoring solutions, chemicals/reagents for laboratory testing applications, agricultural testing products, pathogen and allergen test kits/equipment, and temperature-controlled lab equipment. Previously, Janine was a Laboratory Manager for over 25 years with AgSource Laboratories in Marshfield, WI, where she managed the technicians, conducted lab testing in the food, water, and milk departments, maintained supplies and inventory, and oversaw the facility’s operations. Janine established and was chair of the Safety Committee for all AgSource locations and helped implement safety standards and procedures for the organization.

Janine is excited to serve on the WLA board and assist with planning the WLA Spring Workshop and Fall Conference. She is looking forward to continue building relationships with industry professionals, obtaining additional leadership skills, and sharing over 30 years of laboratory experience with the association’s members. She enjoys traveling to new destinations, going on motorcycle rides, hiking, and spending time with her boyfriend, two daughters, a grandson, and her two dogs!

Kelsey Kotecki

Nelson-Jameson, Inc.
WLA 2nd Vice President

Bringing her Food Safety and laboratory experience to Nelson-Jameson, Kelsey has the opportunity to help customers ensure that their lab has what is needed to be successful. As a Technical Sales Manager at Nelson-Jameson, she is able to offer technical product expertise, provide training on select products, and assist customers with their food safety and quality programs.

She graduated from UW- La Crosse with a Bachelor of Science in Biology- Aquatic Science and went on to be a Lab Manager at a food manufacturing facility before joining Nelson-Jameson. With this, she understands the importance of industry experience and the support it brings.

Kelsey joined WLA in 2020 when she discovered the organization via her coworkers at Nelson-Jameson. It became very obvious how beneficial WLA was for the food and beverage industry and Kelsey was eager to be part of that. In 2022, she decided it was time to become more involved by joining WLA as a Board Member at Large. She’s excited to play a role in the future of WLA.

When she’s not assisting customers, you’ll find Kelsey taking every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and traveling to new places.

Emily Rice

Grande Cheese
WLA Treasurer

Emily Rice is currently a Laboratory Technician at Grande Cheese. She was inspired to be a board member after attending the 2024 Fall Conference. After listening to the amazing speakers and talking to a few current board members, she was excited to be a part of WLA . Emily has been working in labs since she graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point in 2017 with a BS in Water Resources with a minor in chemistry. She still gets to play in the water with the Water Action Volunteers monitoring a local stream.

Emily likes to keep busy in her free time. Whether that’s running a 5k , finding a new fishing spot, or trying out a new restaurant, she is always looking for her next adventure. She also loves to read, garden and go on walks with her dog.

Melissa Hoffman

Nelson-Jameson
WLA Co-Secretary

Melissa Hoffman is a Food Safety & Quality Specialist at Nelson-Jameson, Inc. She serves customers by offering laboratory solutions and food safety training in food and beverage manufacturing facilities. Melissa started her career as an on-farm Dairy Nutritionist, then worked at a leading company in the direct-mail food and gift business as a buyer, merchandiser and eventually managed the merchandising department. She spent time at a large American-style cheese plant with experience in managing production and quality assurance. During her tenure at Nelson-Jameson, she has spent time as the Laboratory Department Manager and a Technical Sales Manager.

Melissa graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a double major in Meat & Animal Science and Dairy Science and then followed with a Master’s in Dairy Nutrition. She has participated in several UW-Madison Short Courses at the Center for Dairy Research, obtained PCQI (Preventive Control Qualified Individual) for FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act), is an SQF (Safe Quality Foods) Practitioner, and previously held State of Wisconsin Cheesemaker and Cheese Grading Licenses. She has served on the Board of the Wisconsin Laboratory Association (WLA) since 2018 and is currently a Co-Secretary.

In her free time, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband, two adult children, extended family and her pets. She enjoys traveling around the world, the outdoors, gardening, lake life, and any kind of skiing. Last but certainly not least, she is an avid Badger fan! On Wisconsin!

Meredith Polar

AgSource Laboratories
WLA Co-Secretary

Meredith joined WLA in 2021 and instantly saw the value it what the organization could provide to members. Meredith is a Territory Sales Rep for the state of Wisconsin for AgSource Laboratories. AgSource Labs is a full-service lab offering testing in milk, food/dairy, drinking water, wastewater, plant and soil and environmental testing. AgSource has been in the lab business for over 30 years serving customers throughout the United States. As a territory rep, Meredith is able to help customers meet regulatory and customer testing requirements through consultative selling to help meet their needs in the most economical way possible.

Meredith has a passion for science that grew from being raised on a dairy farm in eastern Wisconsin. Meredith received her Bachelors Degree in Food Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She worked for 15 years in product development and quality for Johnsonville, Roundys Supermarkets and Schreiber. She joined AgSource in 2021 and loves meeting new people who are also passionate about food and water safety.

In her free time, Meredith enjoys camping at National and State Forests and Parks with her husband and children. She also serves as a 4-H leader for sheep, dog, foods and community service projects in Waupaca County.

Kristen Houck

Center for Dairy Research
WLA Executive Director

Kristen has been a member of WLA since 1998 and during that time has held every position except Treasurer. She has found that WLA provides pertinent and current information for lab professionals in a welcoming and open environment. It is this type of environment that encourages questions and conversations to move the industry forward.  There are also numerous opportunities to network, which has led to not only a plethora of resources, but also has made for many friendships. Kristen is a microbiologist with the Center for Dairy Research with a degree in Biology and Chemistry from UW-Stevens Point. She is also a member of several other professional organizations, including WAFP and IAFP.

In her spare time, Kristen enjoys all the seasons of Wisconsin- snowshoeing in winter, fishing in warm weather, and hiking during any season. If you find her inside, she is probably testing new recipes, or deeply immersed in a book, most likely a mystery.

Dan Brown

Crest Foods
WLA Board Member at Large

I’ve been in the dairy industry for over 40 years, products range from butter to yogurt. I’ve been primarily in the QA/Compliance role, with a touch of production and logistics. My main focus is customer interaction, audit work, document preparation, and lab management. I live in northwest Illinois, about 10 miles from the Wisconsin line (near Monroe). My wife and I are empty-nesters of seven sons and are grandparents to two of the cutest grandsons! I enjoy golf, fishing, and traveling.

Jacob Bulitz

Master’s Gallery
WLA Board Member at Large

Jake Bulitz is the Laboratory Supervisor at Masters Gallery Foods. Jake began his working career at an artisan cheese plant before pursuing a degree in natural resources (specifically Fisheries & Water Resources). In completing this degree, he ultimately was introduced to the Laboratory settings involved in water analysis. His post-educational experience focused mainly on municipal water sampling and Lab analysis, but an opportunity to join the Masters Gallery Pathogen Lab called him back into the dairy industry in 2021. Jake now oversees both the on-site Pathogen Lab as well as the company’s Quality Laboratories at each of two campuses.

Jake has been a member of WLA since taking on the role of Supervisor in 2023, and after attending that year’s Fall Conference, recognized what a great resource and community WLA is to Wisconsin’s Laboratory professionals. He takes pride in being a part of Wisconsin’s dairy industry, and especially in playing a role in its food safety culture of protecting its companies and consumers. As a young professional, Jake joined the WLA Board to foster and take advantage of the Association’s attitude of education.

Jake is a woodworker and craftsman in his free time, and he and his wife enjoy time in the outdoors canoeing, hiking, backpacking, hunting, and fishing.

Ali DeWitt

Master’s Gallery
WLA Board Member at Large

Ali DeWitt has worked in Quality most of her career. She has had amazing mentors along the way who have inspired her to keep growing both in her field of work and within her community. Ali aspires to be a great leader by creating an environment that not only encourages others to do their best but provides them with the knowledge and tools necessary to be successful. Ali has obtained multiple certificates such as MRA – Mastering Leadership series and MRA – Surviving as a New Leader. She is also a Licensed Cheese Grader and has her Six Sigma Black Belt. Ali is involved with the MGF Gives Back Committee through her employer, has been volunteering with WLA for the past year and is currently involved with Sheboygan Chambers Leadership.