Leadership
The leadership of Proove is experienced, battle-tested, and have built an earlier version of this business to a success before – as one of North America's fastest growing companies listed on the Inc. 500 and Deloitte Technology Fast500, with research awards from leading medical societies, and over 250,000 panels performed.
Management
Brian Meshkin
Founder and Executive Chairman
Brian Meshkin stands at a singular intersection as a Successful Tri-Sector Leader. He is an award-winning executive and entrepreneur, a community activist whose advocacy has helped enact laws protecting tens of thousands of lives, a former elected official who helped lead one of the nation's best school systems, a nonprofit leader, and a person of devout faith. Meshkin founded Proove Biosciences in 2009, building it into one of North America's fastest-growing technology companies, with recognition on the Inc. 500 and Deloitte Technology Fast 500. His entrepreneurial leadership earned him OCTANe's Emerging Technology Company CEO of the Year, an Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award from the Orange County Business Journal, and two-time finalist honors for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Proove pioneered personalized medicine and genetic testing applications for chronic pain, with Meshkin contributing to peer-reviewed research on genetic testing and evidence-based pain treatment. Proove and Brian Meshkin were unjustly targeted by the U.S. Department of Justice in a multi-year legal case, ultimately prevailing in the interest of justice, with all charges dismissed. The proceedings interrupted the continued advancement and adoption of technologies intended to improve pain management and reduce reliance on opioid prescribing during a critical period of the opioid epidemic. Following the resolution of the matter, Meshkin initiated legal action against the Department of Justice related to the government's handling of the case to prevent such abuses from harming others and holding corrupt officials accountable for their malicious prosecution and abuse of the process. Now, Brian has re-launched Proove Genomics to finish the mission he started years ago. His life's journey is an arc that began with pioneering one of America's most successful public health programs which has saved tens of thousands of children's lives and avoided hundreds of thousands of childhood injuries. Now, his journey continues as Proove Genomics will help end the deaths from the dueling public health crises of chronic pain and opioid overdoses through innovation, rather than waiting on the government which has objectively caused these crises and only made them worse.
David Baron, DO
Medical
David Baron MSEd, DO is professor of psychiatry at Western University of Health Sciences, an adjunct clinical professor in psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University, and research professor at Claremont Graduate University. He is the former Provost and Chief Academic Officer, of Western University of Health Sciences. Dr. Baron is the former Deputy Clinical Director of the NIMH, Chair of Behavioral Science at FAES, and co-director of the Office of Education of the NIH-IMP in Bethesda, MD. From 1998-2010, he was Chair of the Dept. of Psychiatry at Temple Univ. School of Medicine. Dr. Baron has over 130 publications, including 3 books. He is very active in Global Psychiatry, has chaired a Section for the World Psychiatric Association, and led North America's efforts for the World Federation of Mental Health advising the WHO and UN. He has won numerous teaching and research awards, including the Kennedy Award and America's Top Sports Psychiatrist. He is a mental health advisor for USA Olympics, the NFL, USA Rugby, and other sports organizations. He is the author of the ADA-mandated opioid safety training for dentists in the United States. His current research interests are in the psychiatric aspects of head trauma in athletes and novel protein biomarkers for concussion.
Stephen Lewis, Ph.D.
Science
Dr. Stephen Lewis manages a multidisciplinary research program and has generated deep expertise in autonomic neurophysiology and neuropharmacology using freely-moving animal models. His laboratory employs a wide array of techniques including in vivo nerve recording and stimulation, whole-body plethysmography, in situ brainstem electrophysiology, single-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, and molecular/proteomic approaches. Steve's academic interests and focus are on the role of brain and peripheral neural circuits in the control of breathing and the cardiovascular system; as well as research and development of novel thioesters and biomarkers that reverse the deleterious effects of opioids such as morphine and fentanyl on breathing and arterial blood-gas chemistry. Dr. Lewis has contributed to over 200 peer-reviewed publications and holds 7 patents related to autonomic nervous system modulation. He serves as Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacology Research and on the editorial boards of Medicines, Pharmaceuticals, Frontiers in Pharmacology, and Frontiers in Neuroscience.
Burns Blaxall, Ph.D.
Strategy
Burns is a dynamic healthcare and academic leader with over 25 years of experience driving innovation in precision and preventive medicine, implementation science, translational and clinical research, and health system transformation. He is passionate about shifting healthcare from reactive to proactive as well as health equity and wellness. Burns is recognized for a strong track record of implementing precision medicine into clinical workflow with decision support, risk assessment tools to improve outcomes, and value-based care. He is skilled in forging strategic partnerships across healthcare, academia, and industry. Led multi-million-dollar initiatives, established and scaled research centers, clinics, and precision health programs. Burns has successfully secured tens of millions in competitive funding, with impactful publications and invited lectures across six continents aiming to advance personalized, proactive care. He is the former Founding Executive Director, Precision Health, The Christ Hospital Health Network. Burns is the former Senior Vice President of Precision Medicine for Aranscia, and the former Founder/Director, Center for Translational Fibrosis Research and Co-Director, Heart Institute Clinical Research Core and Biorepository at Cincinnati Children's Hospital.
Eric Fronk, MBA, CPA (Inactive)
Chief Financial Officer
Eric is a certified financial and operational leader with Big-4 accounting experience. He serves as Chief Financial Officer of Proove Genomics, bringing more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in the life sciences, diagnostics, and medical device industries. He has partnered closely with CEOs, Boards of Directors, and executive teams to build high-growth companies, execute strategic initiatives, and drive long-term value creation. At Proove Genomics, Eric oversees the company's financial strategy, fundraising activities, investor relations, financial operations, and organizational growth initiatives. Throughout his career, Eric has successfully led multiple IPOs on both NASDAQ and the Toronto Stock Exchange, guided companies through acquisitions and restructurings, and helped organizations scale from early-stage ventures to publicly traded enterprises. His expertise spans financial planning and analysis, capital formation, budgeting, forecasting, audit readiness, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. Prior to joining Proove Genomics, Eric held CFO and executive leadership roles with several innovative healthcare and technology companies, including Aurora Spine, MacroAir Technologies, HD Medical, and Trice Imaging. He began his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young, where he developed deep expertise in accounting, auditing, and financial reporting and earned his CPA (currently inactive). Eric holds an MBA in Finance and Information Systems from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Brigham Young University. He is recognized for his collaborative leadership style, strategic perspective, and proven ability to help emerging healthcare companies achieve sustainable growth and operational success.
Pam Bonnett
Commercial Lead, Genodental
Pamela is an accomplished Business Executive with an exceptional 25+ year career history leading the growth of medical devices and software in some of the world's most respected organizations, including GE Healthcare and Envista Dental Holdings. With her expertise in strategic planning and execution, she has managed full portfolios ranging from $100M to $1B in revenue. Her unparalleled leadership abilities and business acumen were recognized when she was recruited by Danaher Corporation to help lead the spin-out of their dental business platform as Envista Dental Holdings, which successfully launched as an IPO on the NY Stock Exchange. Pamela is an influential and dedicated board member, making a profound impact on two transformative organizations. As a board member of Ultrasound AI, a pioneering startup, she is at the forefront of a revolutionary mission to improve the lives of mothers and babies by detecting risk for preterm birth. Additionally she serves on the board of HerhealthEQ, a nonprofit dedicated to creating health equity for women in developing communities worldwide. She brings her industry expertise to support the acquisition of essential medical equipment for detecting, preventing, and treating non-communicable diseases, she actively contributes to their mission. Pam has a proven track record of developing and leading the profitable growth of businesses throughout North America, thanks to her strong commercial foundation built during her 26-year tenure at GE Healthcare. Her contributions have earned her a place in The Top Women in Medtech to Know. With her expertise in developing commercial excellence, data-driven decision making, assessing product viability, and marketplace trends, she has helped numerous organizations achieve impactful go-to-market strategies. As the CEO of Ultrasound Al, she transformed a startup into a well-structured organization poised for success, with a focus on product development, commercialization and operational excellence. She transformed the startup into a well-structured organization poised for success, with a focus on product development, regulatory compliance and operational excellence. Under her leadership, the team successfully submitted the first product for FDA clearance.
Jim Garner
Commercial Lead, Pain & Orthopedics
Jim Garner is a life sciences executive with more than 35 years of experience building and scaling biotechnology and diagnostics businesses from R&D through commercialization, financing, M&A, and strategic exit. He has commercialized more than 40 diagnostic products and services, played central roles in three M&A transactions, and helped secure more than $85 million in venture financing across multiple companies. His experience spans go-to-market strategy, reimbursement, KOL engagement, regulatory and distribution strategy, global operations, and capital formation. As President and CEO of AllerGenis, he led corporate strategy, financing, commercialization, partnerships, and organizational development. Under his leadership, AllerGenis raised $27 million, established a CLIA-certified laboratory, and commercialized a first-in-class diagnostic platform grounded in more than 20 years of immunology research and over 40 peer-reviewed publications. The company's differentiated immune-profiling capabilities, clinical datasets, and BioPharma services support a broader mission of addressing significant unmet clinical needs and improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Previously, Jim served as Chief Business Officer of Integrated Diagnostics, where he helped de-risk a $30 million Series A financing and played a central role in closing a $56.5 million Series B to advance commercialization of a novel proteomics platform. At UnitedHealth Group, he served as SVP of Global Sales for i3 Research, leading commercial operations across 22 countries. Earlier, he led strategic pharmaceutical partnerships generating more than $140 million in revenue. His executive experience also includes MDdatacor, Elan Diagnostics, and DIANON Systems. Jim is a founding partner of Lloyd Garner & Associates, advising diagnostics and precision medicine companies on commercialization and value-based reimbursement, and serves on two nonprofit boards, including as Board Secretary of Red Sneakers for Oakley. Jim began his leadership career as a U.S. Army Air Cavalry Troop Commander and attack helicopter pilot, earning the Meritorious Service Medal and other honors. The principles developed in military aviation—mission clarity, disciplined execution, accountability, sound judgment under uncertainty, and developing strong teams—remain central to how he leads businesses and people throughout his career. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Jim has built his career at the intersection of science, strategy, leadership, and service, with a consistent focus on advancing innovations that meaningfully improve patients' lives.
Joseph Villanueva
Commercial Lead, Consumer
Joseph is the Chief Strategic Officer for Republicist, where he has led market strategy for more than 30 consumer products, each surpassing $50 million in sales. Our firm produces the magazine covers, content, and leads distribution strategy for a broad range of the most prestigious publications in luxury media and fine art. We oversee communications and public engagement strategy for parties in the most consequential legal cases in the United States and have led private and public investor engagement strategies that have raised over 450 million dollars in finance for life sciences and healthcare companies operating in the emerging Predictive Healthcare markets. Previously, he was the Chief Strategic Officer for SYSTEM Agency, Artist Manager at NEXT Management, and Director of Talent Development and Public Relations for The Network. In these roles, he has worked with high-end luxury brands including Prada, American Vogue, Vogue Paris, L'Oréal, Saint Laurent, Tom Ford, Calvin Klein, and Louis Vuitton. He successfully defended himself against a lawsuit filed by System Agency, the talent agency Villanueva formerly led and developed into Eastern Europe's most sophisticated talent-scouting network. Villanueva's victory comes at a time when high fashion is in dire need of new, ethical leaders.
Kerry Meshkin
Founder and Board Member
Kerry Meshkin is Brian's wife, eternal companion, and business partner. Kerry has a professional background in healthcare marketing and political consulting in Arizona, where she helped grow and manage a network of orthodontic practices, as well as worked in political consulting for gubernatorial and U.S. Senate campaigns. She is the driving force behind the creation of Proove's KidsSafe program to make personalized medicine testing available to all children in America – something she deeply believes as a mother. Having stood by Brian's side during the corrupt government investigation, the associated expensive criminal defense, and ultimate exoneration by the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. District Court from the false allegations spread by his disgruntled ex-wife, terminated ex-employees, and other incredulous sources, Kerry's strength and strategic advice helped him overcome the incredible despair and trauma Brian felt. Though he did not want to re-start Proove, Kerry encouraged Brian and helped craft an approach that is consistent with his life's journey and heartfelt desire to have a positive social impact and prevent this type of tragedy from happening to others. More than just a version 2.0 of the original Proove, Proove Genomics will finish the mission – with a focus on making personalized medicine technologies accessible to all. The KidsSafe coupon and program is just the first part of this effort.
Advisors
Anita Monteiro
CMS & Quality
Over 25 yrs experience as a Healthcare Quality leader,, fmr CMS Group Director over Quality, Safety and Education.; Program Dirr Obesity and Metabolic at NIH. Fmr MedStar and GWU.
Alph Bingham, PhD
Pharmaceutical R&D
Over 25 years at Eli Lilly, including VP of External Innovation (deals, alliances), R&D strategy, and, portfolio analysis; and Co-founder, e.Lilly Incubator Investment Fund – originating 9 start-ups
James Lilly
Diagnostic IPOs
Fmr Head of Healthcare Investment Banking at Cowen and Company, and Jefferies, SI Capital, KeyBanc Capital Markets/Cain Brothers, Merrill Lynch, Piper Jaffray.
Kurt Henry, MD
Military Health
Critical Care Physician, Former Program Manager for DARPA, and former advisor to the Samueli Family Foundation for health. Current Partner with Excellent Capital
Nic Anderson
Health Economics
Former IHC New Device and Technology evaluator, senior health economics role at Boston Scientific.
Rick Starrs
Veterans Health
Colonel (U.S. Army retired), Fmr CEO of NAVREF, leading the association of 75 research and education institutes supporting VA research
Tom Stromberg
Legal M&A
Former Law Partner, Perkins Coie, over 30 years of experience as one of Southern California's leading M&A attorneys focused on the acquisition and financing of private companies.
Ed Breazeale, MD
Health Informatics
Founder of HealthStar, now CareBridge (#1 on Inc. 500), leading pastic surgeon and Medical Consultant to start-up health technology companies
Ralph Thompson
Marketing & Strategy
Formally trained as a CPA, Ralph brings over 45 years of successful business relationships to current leadership roles in the field of internet technology and advertising agencies
Harvey Castro, MD
AI in Health
Emergency Room Physician, Author of the book ChatGPT Healthcare, and Assistant Professor at tUT San Antonio, Medical Advisor Springtide Ventures
Felix Frueh, PhD
Regulatory - FDA
Former Associate Director of Genomics at the FDA, former President of the Medco Research Institute, and currently CEO of PAGE Therapeutics and founder of regulatory firm Opus Three.
Rich Goldberg, MD
Medical & Quality
Psychiatrist, Geriatrician, and hospital administrator, Professor at Brown University and Dartmouth Medical Schools, former hospital executive (Rhode Island and Miriam Hospitals)
Carl Saab, Ph.D
Pain Research
Dir of the Pain Science Technology and Research (STAR) Lab and Pain Consortium at The Cleveland Clinic, prof at Brown and Case Western Reserve Universities
Doug Masters
Market Access
Senior market access executive, former SVP of Market Access for NeoGenomics, VP of Market Access at Labarium Diagnostic Systems
Rosland McLeod, Esq.
Legal & Compliance
VP of Legal & Compliance with Labarium, former General Counsel and Compliance Officer for SCL Health, Novation, Biogen IDEC, and Cincinnati Children’s
Stuart Weitzman
Health Plan Innovation
Stuart Weitzman is a seasoned healthcare executive and commercial growth strategist with more than 30 years of experience driving innovation, market expansion, and business performance across healthcare, venture capital, financial services, and global industrial organizations. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership roles with Highmark Health, GE Ventures, GE Healthcare, Cleveland Clinic, KeyBank, and GE Lighting, leading initiatives across commercial strategy, marketing, innovation, business development, and market growth. Stuart brings a distinctive combination of payer, provider, healthcare technology, venture capital, and startup experience, having worked extensively with emerging companies, growth-stage ventures, and corporate innovation ecosystems to accelerate commercialization and scale. His expertise in translating innovative ideas into measurable business and clinical outcomes has helped organizations develop successful go-to-market strategies, validate value propositions, and achieve sustainable growth. As an Advisory Board Member, Stuart provides strategic guidance informed by his deep healthcare expertise, broad cross-industry experience, and proven track record of commercial execution and organizational growth.
Maneesh Sharma, MD
Interventional Pain
Fmr head of pain management at Good Samaritan Hospital (MedStar), researcher with Proove with various publications supporting Proove technology
Steve Lundy
Diagnostics
Seasoned diagnostics executive with 35 years of experience leading commercial organizations and serving as CEO at private and public diagnostic companies and laboratories
Advisors and Friends Emeritus
In memory of the Medical Advisory Board members who helped build Proove's mission and are no longer with us.
William “Bill” Maixner, DDS, PhD
In Memoriam · 2020
Dr. Maixner, the Joannes H. Karis, MD, Professor of Anesthesiology at Duke University, was a world-renowned pioneer in pain research and one of our department's most distinguished faculty. He will be remembered as an extraordinary leader, innovator, scientist and mentor who dedicated his life-long career to unraveling the mysteries of chronic pain and was committed to translating basic discoveries into novel diagnostics and treatments to positively impact research, education and patient care. While he was just at Duke for a short-time, Bill spent most of his career at the School of Dentistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH), where he was the Mary Lily Kenan Flagler Bingham Distinguished University Professor. Over the span of 30 years, he served as a professor in the Departments of Endodontics and Pharmacology, co-director of the Oral and Maxillofacial Pain Program, associate dean for academic affairs in the School of Dentistry, and director of the Center for Pain Research and Innovation. Dr. Maixner played a key role as a knowledge leader in the field of pain; he served as president of the American Pain Society and on our nation's Health and Human Services Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee and the NIH's Pain Consortium, in which he helped shape the direction of our nation's national strategies in pain research, education and patient care. He considered chronic pain to be a “hidden epidemic” and proudly campaigned for more research support amongst colleagues, sponsors, health organizations, and congressional committees. Bill was an active member of the Proove Medical Advisory Board, a research collaborator, and even requested and sold his diagnostic company, Algynomics, to Proove Biosciences. Bill was one of the humblest, gentlest, and smartest people you would ever know. He was a good friend. He is greatly missed, after he unexpectedly passed away in 2020.
Dr. J. Ramsay Farah, MD, MPH, FAAP, FACPM, DFASAM, CPE, CMRO, DABAM
In Memoriam · 2025
For over five decades, Dr. Farah served communities in Maryland and beyond as a pediatrician, public health leader, and pioneer in addiction medicine. He founded and directed Phoenix Health Center and Phoenix Behavioral Center in Hagerstown, where he cared for countless patients with compassion and dedication. He held numerous leadership roles, including Chief Medical Officer at Phoenix of Health, Medical Director of Sierra Military Health Services, Director of Region 5 for American Society of Addiction Medicine, and North East Regional Medical Director at United Healthcare. A Distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Dr. Farah was recognized nationally for his expertise in substance use disorders, complex pain management, and integrated behavioral health. He also served on the Maryland State Board of Physicians, chaired state advisory committees on practice standards, and helped shape medical policy for the betterment of patients across the region. Throughout his career, Dr. Farah received numerous awards recognizing both his medical leadership and his community service. He was honored with multiple Governor's Citations from the State of Maryland, a Special Congressional Recognition from the United States Congress, and commendations from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland presented him with its Distinguished Board of Trustees Award and President's Award, while the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and American Lung Association acknowledged his many contributions to public health. Locally, he was recognized by the Washington County Medical Society, the Arc of Washington County, and the Hagerstown Junior College, among others. As a proud Rotarian, he was a Paul Harris Fellow with four sapphires and served as District Governor. His accolades also extended to cultural and civic life, including recognition from the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, which he helped found, and proclamations from world leaders for his role in establishing the Anwar Sadat Chair for Peace and Development at the University of Maryland. These honors reflected not only his professional excellence but also his deep commitment to service and humanity. Ramsay was an active member of the Proove Medical Advisory Board and research collaborator. After Proove was halted during the erroneous governmental inquiry, he was always calling to find out when he would again be able to access Proove's life-saving technologies for his patients. Ramsay was a warm, gregarious, and passionate physician who was deeply devoted to his family and his patients. He was a good friend. He is greatly missed, after he unexpectedly passed away in 2025.
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