Meet the leadership team of KeraVet Bio
By Michelle Barson, KeraVet Bio Staff

Meet Luke Burnett, PhD, he’s the CEO and Chief Science Officer, meaning everything is a priority for him including the team, strategy, and execution. Luke has been a part of KeraNetics, the KeraVet Bio parent company, since the beginning in 2008 and founded KeraVet Bio in March of 2022. This is his third spinoff company from KeraNetics and whether it’s for humans or pets, treating wounds is his number one priority. Luke’s desire to develop state-of-the-art wound care stems from his 27 years in the military seeing battlefield wounds that were more extensive than technologies and treatments in civilian trauma medicine could handle. He continues to provide innovative solutions in both human and animal sectors.
Pets: Ollie (American Staffordshire mix), Lagertha “Lags” (Redbone Coonhound mix), Ivan (Russian Greyhound), and Athena (American Shorthair).
Favorite Activities: When Luke is not at work or worrying about work, he enjoys scuba diving, rock climbing, and flying. He’s had less time recently running two companies, but always finds time to be with his wife, three dogs and cat, and cheer on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.
Favorite Quote: BG McCullife, CDR of the 101st Abn Division when asked to surrender Bastogne to the Germans replied “nuts”.

Meet Chiquita Williams, she’s the Chief Operating and Quality Officer, which means she oversees the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the business. She’s also responsible for comprehensive quality as defined by assurance, control, and systems. Chiquita has been with KeraNetics for seven years and brings with her a wealth of knowledge from previous work in other regulated industries. Her science background and previous experience has made her an irreplaceable member of this team. Chiquita’s work is critical in the planning, controlling, and assuring product conformance to meet any and all requirements, specifications and standards. Her attention to detail and consistency ensures processes are accurate and in support of our company’s vision and mission.
Pets: None right now.
Favorite Activities: Chiquita enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, playing tennis or rowing, and watching sporting events.
Favorite Quote: “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” – Maya Angelou

Meet Chris Holder, PhD, he’s the Director of Research & Development managing all aspects of the R&D laboratory, which includes designing and performing appropriate experiments for testing bulk intermediate and finished goods. This role also encompasses oversight of clinical trials performed with our products and maintaining relationships with our various contract research laboratories. Chris has worked for KeraNetics for seven years and has gone from postdoctoral researcher to staff scientist to director. Each role has provided him with valuable lessons about product development. He enjoys identifying and performing the testing needed for effective product development and finds the process of taking a product from concept to commercial viability rewarding.
Pets: Luke (German Shepard mix), Kitty (Domestic Shorthair), and Vic (Leopard Gecko).
Favorite Activities: Outside of work, Chris’ interests include spending time with family, watching college football, engaging in weight training and HIIT, and enjoying the occasional good bourbon with Chiquita.
Favorite Quote: “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” -Robert Brault

Meet Michelle Barson, she’s the Program and Communications Manager, which means she knows everything and nothing all at the same time and, as the only non-scientist on the team, learns something new every day. Her role encompasses managing contracts, keeping both external and internal members of the product development team in the loop on company and product progress, and ensuring everything continues to move forward. She also manages the communication and marketing efforts, which fall more in line with her experience prior to joining the company last year. Her favorite part of the job is that every day is interesting and different.
Pets: Rally (Plott Hound mix), Cork and Rusty Griswold (Beta fish), Peaches, Jack Sparrow and Hershey (Hermit Crabs)
Favorite Activities: Michelle enjoys volunteering in her community, exercising and practicing yoga, being outside in the sunshine, and going to Wake Forest games.
Favorite Quote: “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” – Princess Diana

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