NFSTC Staff

Program / Project and Operations Sponsors

Kevin Lothridge - Chief Executive Officer
David Epstein - Chief Operating Officer

Kevin Lothridge
›››Chief Executive Officer

Kevin always wanted to be a forensic scientist. From a very young age, he enjoyed the mixture of science and law. After reading many literary works such as the Hardy Boys and Sherlock Holmes, Kevin found that there was a career in this boyhood passion.

Kevin has a BS in forensic science and an MS in Management. He has held the positions of forensic chemist, chief forensic chemist and Laboratory director. His areas of expertise are drug chemistry, fire debris analysis and detection dogs. Kevin is a past president of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD). Kevin also spent the last year at the National Institute of Justice as the Acting Chief of the Investigative and Forensic division.

He works closely with the staff of the National Institute of Justice to make sure the programs delivered by the NFSTC meet the needs of the forensic community.

As Chief Executive Officer, Kevin is responsible for overseeing governmental relations and new business opportunities.He interfaces with key governmental stakeholders and potential clients.

"I enjoy the feeling of providing support to the nation's crime laboratories so they can better assist in ensuring public safety."

David Epstein
›››Chief Operating Officer

David was born in Louisiana, raised there and in Florida, and upon completion of his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Florida in Forensic Science, he worked at the Acadiana Criminalistics Laboratory in New Iberia, Louisiana from 1982 to 2000. While in Louisiana he met Lynn and they were married in 1987. They have two children, Brittany and Jared.

In 2000, David began full time employment with NFSTC, holding various leadership positions.  As a member of the executive team he directly interfaces with key customers, NFSTC Board members, management staff, and stakeholders.

“Being involved in the planning and delivery of so many important programs and projects is enriching and engaging.”
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Program/Project and Operations Directors and Managers

Mike O'Berry - E-Solutions Program Director
David Sylvester - Operations Administration Program Director

Eileen Fynan - Training Operations Manager
Priscilla Miller - Compliance Operations Manager
Joan Ring - Laboratory Operations Manager
Dennis Thureson - Finance Operations Manager
Liz Yourkievitz - Human Resources Operations Manager

Michael O'Berry
›››E-Solutions Program Director

Mike earned a BA degree in Visual Arts and has over twenty-five years of teaching and technology-based training (TBT) development experience. He has directed the development of content for numerous national Websites, including DNA.gov and NamUs.gov. He has been a program director for St. Petersburg College and an adjunct professor for Ringling College of Art and Design and Florida College.

Mike joined the NFSTC in 2002 and currently directs technology solutions for data-driven websites, information exchanges, online learning, and electronic crime awareness.

David Sylvester
›››Operations Administration Program Director

Dave began employment with NFSTC in February 2003. His position responsibilities as Program Operations Administration Director include project/program oversight, project opportunity review, proposal response, negotiation and implementation of future projects and/or programs.  Dave is responsible for assuring that programs/operations outcomes are achieved through the design, development and maintenance of organization wide systems including data analysis and reporting for programs/projects.  His position is also responsible for the high level oversight and guidance of the Assessment Program, as well as oversight and management of the Information Systems operations.

Past NFSTC projects directed include the DNA/GPA Assessments program, Quality Documents program, Fire Debris Validation/Verification Kit, Field Investigation Drug Officer (FIDO) project, among others.

Dave holds a BS degree in Criminal Justice as well as an MPA from Indiana University.  Retired from the Indiana State Police (ISP) Department with 25 years of service, 18 of those years were spent in the crime laboratory.  During tenure with the ISP, positions included road trooper, crime scene investigator, polygraph examiner, lab director and section commander.  He also served in the capacity of Emergency Response Team Leader and Statewide Coordinator of the Clandestine Laboratory Response Team.

Eileen Fynan
›››Training Operations Manager

Eileen holds a B.A. in Business Management, an AS in Dental Hygiene and Certification as a Webmaster.

Eileen's professional experience includes work in private practice dental hygiene, practice administration, software sales and training, technology tradeshow development and technology training for electronic anesthesia. After earning her Bachelor's degree, Eileen became an adjunct faculty member at St. Petersburg College in 1994 where she taught clinical instrumentation, dental materials, radiology and orofacial anatomy.

Her interest in computer capabilities eventually led Eileen to a career in web design and distance education curriculum development.

As an Instructional Designer for the NFSTC, Eileen develops web-based and multimedia training and education materials for Forensic Science disciplines.
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Priscilla Miller
›››Compliance Operations Manager

Priscilla Miller is the NFSTC’s Compliance and Contract Manager. Prior to her employment with the NFSTC, Priscilla worked at TECO Energy, Inc. in various capacities that included environmental laboratory analyst, regulatory and business strategy analyst, legal office administrator, and business manager of Tampa Electric affiliate company – Power Engineering & Construction. Priscilla began her career at the NFSTC in 2003 as a consultant. She became a full time staff member later that year as the NIJ Program Administrator.

In her current role as Compliance Operations Manager, Priscilla is responsible for the compliance administration of federally funded programs with relevant codes and regulations, and program performance with agreed upon goals. She also provides contract/grant programmatic administration for sub-recipients of Federal funds. Priscilla oversees and performs contracts management and administration for the organization. She also provides advisory assistance to the Board of Directors, Executive Team, management, staff and stakeholders for Compliance expertise.

Priscilla holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics and Chemistry from the University of Tampa as well as a Masters Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management, also from the University of Tampa. Priscilla is a certified contract manager, grants manager, and Paralegal.

Priscilla worked four years with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and is a Board Member of the Science Center of Pinellas County.

Joan Ring
›››Laboratory Operations Manager

Joan has earned a BS in Biochemistry and a MS in Forensic Chemistry. She has worked as a forensic chemist at the Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory and as an analytical chemist with Honeywell and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Joan joined the NFSTC in September of 2002, where she oversees laboratory operations and staff.

Dennis Thureson
›››Finance Operations Manager

Dennis holds an MBA with an emphasis in Finance from Anna Maria College (MA) and a BS in Accounting from Bentley College (MA).

Dennis is a Florida Certified Public Accountant. He maintains active membership in the American Institute for CPAs, the Florida Institute for CPAs, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and the honorary accounting fraternity of Beta Alpha Psi.

Dennis has worked as a Chief Financial Officer for both profit and not-for-profit organizations. In his current role as Financial Operations Manager, responsibilities include all accounting and finance, as well as supporting all work groups within the organization.
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Elizabeth Yourkievitz, SPHR
›››Human Resources Operations Manager

Liz Yourkievitz is a human resources professional with over thirteen years of diverse Human Resources Management and Organizational Development experience.  Her background incorporates a variety of aspects from the field of Human Resource Management, including facilitation and training related to performance management; communication and leadership skills development; cross-cultural intelligence development; as well as strategic and operational Human Resource management activities.

An employee of the NFSTC since early 2002, Liz is presently responsible for the management of the Strategic, Administrative and Operational functions of Human Resources and Organizational Development, as well as oversight of the Facility Services that support NFSTC daily operation activities.

Liz earned a bachelor’s degree in Organizational & Interpersonal Communication from the University of South Florida and is pursuing a Masters of Education in Organizational Performance and Change through Colorado State University.  She holds the designation of Senior Professional in Human Resources, certification for Human Performance Improvement, and is a qualified administrator of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator instrument.
MBTI Type:  ENTJ!.

Project/Operations Team Senior Coordinators and Coordinators

Debra Figarelli - Training / DNA Technical Leader / Senior Project Coordinator
Dale Heideman - Assessments Program Senior Coordinator / GPA Technical Leader
Jane Smith - Training Operations-Instructional Systems Senior Coordinator

Danny Nichols - Technology Development / Production Coordinator
Alice Ricketts - Accounting Operations Coordinator
Bridget Tincher - Assessments Operations Coordinator
John Wegel - Assessments Operations Coordinator
Leonard Williams - Informations Systems Operations Coordinator

Debra Figarelli
›››Training/DNA Technical Leader/Senior Project Coordinator

Born and raised in Flagstaff, Arizona, Debbie holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Arizona University. After graduation, she worked at the United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration Southwest Laboratory located near San Diego, California from 1987-1989.

In 1989, Debbie accepted a position with the Arizona Department of Public Safety where she worked for a short time in toxicology. She continued with the Arizona DPS as the DNA Technical Manager for their statewide DNA program through 1998.

In 1998, Debbie accepted a position with the City of Phoenix Police Department Laboratory Services Bureau as their DNA Technical Manager, where she was instrumental in establishing their DNA program.

In 2005, Debbie began full time employment with the NFSTC and currently serves as the DNA Technical Leader. She is a DNA subject matter expert and is responsible for the design, review, and delivery of material under the NIJ President's DNA Initiative - Analyst Training. Debbie also assists with the development of DNA training programs and is responsible for the final review of DNA audit documents for the External DNA Audit program.

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Dale Heideman
›››Assessments Program Senior Coordinator/GPA Technical Leader

Dale Heideman holds a BS degree in Police Science from Michigan State University.  He is retired from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) after 34 years of service in the crime laboratory system.  During his tenure with the FDLE, the positions he held included trace evidence analyst, crime laboratory director of the Sanford and Tallahassee laboratories, and Deputy Director for the FDLE Laboratory System.  He also served in the capacity of Program Manager for the Florida Medical Examiners’ Commission, the Florida Crime Laboratory Council, and the Florida Violent Crime Council. 

After his retirement from the FDLE, Dale accepted the position of Deputy Director of the National Center for Forensic Science in Orlando, Florida.  During his five years there, he served for two years on an Intergovernmental Personnel Assignment (IPA) with the National Institute of Justice.  During this IPA, he was the Program Manager for the National Forensic Science Improvement Act (Coverdell) grant program, the DNA Convicted Offender Backlog Program, and several congressionally directed awards to crime laboratories.

Dale began full-time employment with the NFSTC in September 2008.  His position responsibilities as the Assessment Program Senior Coordinator include the administration, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of the Grant Progress Assessment program (GPA). Prior to joining the NFSTC as an employee, Dale worked on a contractual basis in the following areas: performance of needs assessments for the States of Arizona and Massachusetts; several accreditation pre-inspections; and as an assessor in the GPA program.

Jane Smith
›››Training Operations-Instructional Systems Senior Coordinator

As the Training Operations-Instructional Systems Senior Coordinator, Jane is responsible for providing the coordination of organizational Instructional Systems and conducting final reviews for Training Program didactic rigor and quality assurance standards. She coordinates the technical delivery of instructional design activities through planning, organization, and implementation of all phases of instructional design work. Jane oversees coordination activities for the design, development, and delivery of designated Training Programs.

Before moving to the Training unit, Jane held the position of Communications Design Coordinator (2003-2008). In this capacity, she planned, developed and coordinated both internal and external communications projects and programs.  These responsibilities included comprehensive technical writing and editing for NFSTC projects and programs; media/web design, content development, and management of NFSTC Internet and Intranet websites; and information development for dissemination through outreach activities in a variety of publication formats including newsletters, annual reports, handouts, posters and brochures. Jane also participated in the development of NFSTC proposal responses to competitive grant solicitations and functioned as program manager for the Incorporating Technology Scholarship program.

Prior to joining the NFSTC, Jane worked as an independent consultant providing technical writing and editing skills to a variety of industries.  She began consulting in 1997 as a second career and it was in this capacity that Jane first worked for the NFSTC in the fall of 2002.  She joined the NFSTC as an employee in January 2003.

Upon earning a BS degree in merchandising from the Florida State University, she held positions as a retail buyer, merchandise distribution manager, and assistant store manager for department stores and specialty store operations.

Danny Nichols
›››Technology Development / Production Coordinator

Born in Clearwater, Florida, Danny hasn't left the area since. After attending Largo schools for his primary education (Largo Central Elementary, Largo Middle, & Largo High School), Danny enrolled at St. Petersburg College ( then St. Petersburg Junior College) to obtain an AA degree. Danny then went on to the University of Central Florida (UCF) where he was awarded a BA in Information Systems Technology. While attending UCF , he also obtained an AS in Networking with a Microsoft focus at a local community college.

AAfter his marriage in July of 2004, Danny joined the staff at the NFSTC where he provides visual media through web design, graphic creation and other visual media formats. He now has a beautiful little girl.
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Alice Ricketts
›››Accounting Operations Coordinator

Alice was born overseas and lived in several different countries during her childhood. After moving every couple of years, Alice's family settled in Largo, Florida. She graduated from Largo High School in 1979 and holds BS degree in both Accounting and Finance. 

Alice provides analyses for the Finance department’s ongoing functions and required financial reporting. She also assists with the functions of the
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Bridget Tincher
›››Assessments Operations Coordinator

Bridget Tincher is a lifelong resident of West Virginia who enjoys traveling and outdoor activities such as white water kayaking, snow skiing and gardening. She has an AS degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, a BS degree in Biological Sciences and a Masters Degree in Forensic Science.  Working 18 years as a registered Medical Technologist (MT, ASCP) in the highly regulated environment of a clinical laboratory prepared her for a career change into forensic science.

Prior to joining the NFSTC, Bridget worked at Marshall University in Huntington, WV where she was instrumental in the development of the DNA Laboratory in the Marshall University Forensic Science Center (MUFSC).  During her employment at the MUFSC, Bridget served as CODIS Database Technical Leader, Quality Assurance Manager, and Project Manager for the NIJ Expert Systems Project (NEST) project.

 As an NFSTC contractor, Bridget worked as a Lead GPA Assessor/Lead DNA Auditor and was responsible for the planning and delivery of reports for the External DNA Audit and Grant Progress Assessments program.  She joined the NSFTC as Assessments Operations Coordinator in 2008.

John Wegel
›››Assessments Operations Coordinator

John Wegel lives with his wife Cathy in Bogart, GA, just outside of Athens.  He is employed as an Assessments Operations Coordinator with the Grant Progress Assessments and External DNA Audit programs.

John retired from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Division of Forensic Sciences in June of 2004 after 31 years with the laboratory.  He received his B.S. in Chemistry from Georgia Institute of Technology and his M.S. from the University of Pittsburgh.  John began his career as a drug chemist and moved into serology in 1975.  He became manager of the biology section in 1997 and was promoted to Quality Manager of the GBI laboratory system in 2000.  During his tenure as Quality Manager, the GBI became the first crime laboratory in the U.S. to become accredited to ISO 17025. 

During his employment with GBI, John was a member of the Army Reserve, serving as an examiner with the Army Crime Laboratory in Atlanta, Georgia and in Japan.  He retired from the Army Reserve as a CW5.

 John is qualified as a Lead ISO 17025 Auditor, Lead FBI QAS Auditor and Lead Grant Progress Assessor.  He has worked as a contractor for the NFSTC since 2001, participating in various assignments. 

Leonard Williams
›››Informations Systems Operations Coordinator

Leonard studied Computer Technology at Hillsborough Community College. He has seven years of hands on experience in server technology and network administration.

Leonard joined the NFSTC in 2004 as Network Administrator. He has designed and implemented a new network structure solution. Leonard is also responsible for troubleshooting and maintaining the network, monitoring for security and system compromises, and for providing additional services.

Project/Operations Team Specialists

Kirk Grates - Physical Scientist - Chemistry
Edmund Asher Gurko - Interactive Media Specialist
Scott Hutchins - Graphic Design / Web Specialist
Lea Jerin - Assessments Operations Specialist
Robert O'Brien - Training Specialist - Forensic Biology
Carrie Sutherland - Senior Physical Scientist - DNA
Billy Young - Community Relations Specialist

Kirk Grates
›››Physical Scientist - Chemistry

Kirk earned a Bachelors degree in Chemistry from the University of South Florida in 1997 and has recently obtained a certificate in Forensic Toxicology from the University of Florida. He is currently attending the Florida Institute of Technology where he hopes to acquire a Masters of Science degree in Project Management.

Kirk held the position of Forensic Toxicologist with the Pinellas County Medical Examiner's Office. He was subsequently employed as a Forensic Toxicologist for the Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory, specializing in the areas of Post Mortem and Human Performance Toxicology.

As a Physical Scientist/Analytical Chemist at the NFSTC, Kirk's responsibilities include laboratory support for Chemistry and Biology programs, evaluating new forensic technologies, as well as serving as the Safety Officer for the organization.

Edmund Asher Gurko
›››Interactive Media Specialist

A native of Orlando, Florida, Edmund moved to Tampa in 2000 to attend the International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT), where he earned a B.A. in Fine Arts (Interactive Media). Currently, he attends IADT in the Media Design Management Masters program.

With six years of design experience (three of which focused on Multimedia Design), Edmund constantly strives to expand his creative and technical knowledge. His experience at the NFSTC as a member of the Training unit has provided a tremendous opportunity to continue on this path of growth.

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Scott Hutchins
›››Graphic Design - Web Specialist

Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Scott earned a BA from Auburn University in 1990. Following graduation, Scott moved to Washington, D.C. where he worked as a staff designer and production assistant for the American School Board Journal. Scott then moved to Los Angeles, working as a freelance designer and the proprietor of his multimedia design business. While in California, he gained invaluable experience as a freelance artist working for some of the most respected advertising agencies in the entertainment and gaming industry, including Weston | Mason, Digital Domain, and Ingited Minds.

Scott joined the NFSTC in October of 2007 as a contractor and became a full-time staff member in July of 2008. He contributes to multiple projects through the creation of graphics, video production and post-production, still photography, motion graphics, and interactive media. These multimedia elements enhance learning by actively engaging the user as they progress through technology-based training. In addition, Scott maintains the NFSTC Internet and Intranet websites. He is currently pursuing an MFA in Applied Media.
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Lea Jerin
›››Assessments Operations Specialist

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Lea Jerin has worked as an Administrative Support Professional for over 20 years. She holds a degree in Secretarial Techniques, a certification in Office Automation and is a Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS). In 1998, Lea relocated to Tampa, Florida where she lives with her husband and two children. She enjoys singing, cooking, puppetry, and glass painting.

Lea joined the NFSTC in June of 2006. As an Assessments Operations Specialist, she is responsible for assisting with assessments operations planning, report finalization and dissemination, and program data management, among other related Assessment Program resource activities.

Robert O'Brien
›››Training Specialist - Forensic Biology

Robert earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a concentration in Microbiology and Molecular biology as well as a certificate in Biotechnology from Florida Atlantic University.

Robert began employment in forensic science as a Forensic Technologist in the Serology/DNA Section at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) in Pensacola. After a short time, he was promoted to the position of Crime Laboratory Analyst in the Serology/DNA section where he functioned as a case working analyst. Robert was later promoted to the Lead Worker for the Serology/ DNA section in Pensacola.

Robert joined the NFSTC in June 2007 as a Training Specialist in Forensic Biology. He is responsible for the coordination of Forensic Biology Training programs through content development, instruction delivery, coordination of resources and program activities and also serves as a technical resource through Forensic Biology/DNA Analysis expertise in support of NFSTC program delivery.

Carrie Sutherland
›››Senior Physical Scientist - DNA

Carrie began employment in Forensic Science as a Crime Laboratory Analyst in the Serology/DNA section at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) in Tallahassee. After completing the training program, she functioned as a traditional caseworking analyst and was later appointed as a local CODIS Administrator. In the summer of 2004, she transferred to FDLE's Tampa Bay Regional Office as a Crime Laboratory Analyst. During her employment with FDLE, Carrie also participated as a contract employee for the NFSTC, performing compliance audits of DNA laboratories.

Carrie joined the NFSTC in June 2005 as the Senior Physical Scientist. As the onsite DNA analyst, she is responsible for validating DNA instruments, performing technology evaluations, providing laboratory support and instruction for workshops and DNA academies, participating in compliance audits of DNA laboratories,  and for maintaining proficiency for STR DNA testing.

Billy Young
›››Community Relations Specialist

Billy earned a Bachelors degree in Political Science from the University of South Florida. He joined the NFSTC in June 2007, where he holds the position of Community Relations Specialist. The position responsibilities include the coordination and support of organization-wide information programs and outreach related to the organization’s mission and corporate objectives. These activities include acting as liaison and building advocacy and awareness. Billy provides support for strategic information collection and reporting, funding source development activities, and other related duties.

As a member of the project team for the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), Billy conducts research for the NamUs missing persons state webpages including resources, legislation, and public laws.  He is also active in NamUs outreach and awareness activities and oversees the acquisition of data for the population of the NamUs Unidentified Decedent Database for the southwestern United States.

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Project/Operations Team Support

Carlos Casola - Information Systems Associate
Linda Margaritondo - Program Support Associate - Human Resources
Rose Sacchetti - Program Support Associate - Logistics
Heather Soelch - Program Support Associate - Accounting
Jolan Uber - Program Support Associate - Office Systems

Carlos Casola, CCNA
›››Information Systems Desktop-Network Associate

As the Desktop-Network Associate, Carlos applies the expertise he has gained from A+, Network+ and CCNA certifications. He joined the NFSTC in 2005 and brings eight years of experience in network and desktop support using MS Server and Desktop Applications. Carlos also designed, implemented, and supports the laboratory network.

Linda Margaritondo
›››Program Support Associate - Human Resources

Linda is a Certified Professional Secretary (CPS). After spending 25 years working for Prudential Financial in New Jersey, she decided to leave the company and New Jersey to relocate to Florida, where she resides with her husband and son in Palm Harbor. She enjoys the beach, boating and tries to make frequent trips to NJ to spend time with her brother, two sisters and their families.

She joined the NFSTC during the summer of 2003. In her role as a Program Support Associate, she provides administrative support to the Manager of Human Resources, which includes the maintenance of personnel and benefits records, payroll administration, and is a resource to the staff on HR-related issues.
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Rose Sacchetti
›››Program Support Associate - Logistics

Rose was born and raised in Eveleth, Minnesota, a small town on the Iron Range. After completing her Associate of Arts degree from Lake Superior College in Duluth, MN she relocated to Winona, MN where she studied Human Resource Management. Rose was employed by the Fastenal School of Business as a field coordinator while studying in Winona. After a year, she decided it was time to fulfill a lifelong dream to live in Florida and moved to the Tampa Bay area in 2006.

Rose joined the team at the NFSTC in March 2007 as a Program Support Associate for Logistics. She handles multiple tasks, including support of and participation in project work; travel and meeting/event logistics coordination; stakeholder liaison activities; and other support responsibilities.

Heather Soelch
›››Program Support Associate - Accounting

Heather was born and raised in Largo, FL. She couldn't wait till she turned 18 so she could go to college in another state,  just to experience a change of season. While earning a degree in Interior Design, Heather lived in Arlington and Ft. Worth, TX. After graduation, she decided it was time to return to Florida. Although Heather has provided interior design work for friends and family, she never pursued the field professionally.

Heather rejoined the workforce after her son started school. Every position Heather has held has involved accounting. As a result, she now has over 10 years experience with accounts payable.  Heather began with working for the NFSTC as a contractor in August of 2007 and joined the team permanently in December of 2007. Her responsiblitites include accounts payable, purchase orders, travel expenses, and prucurement for NFSTC. 

Jolan Uber
›››Program Support Associate - Office Systems

Jolan is a Midwest native who has lived in Florida on and off throughout her youth.  After attending college at Oakland Community College in Rochester Hills, MI and Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI, she began her career. Jo worked in a production support specialist role supporting senior management teams for large manufacturing organizations including General Motors and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

Jo joined the NFSTC as a contractor in April 2008 and became a full time NFSTC employee in July 2008.  In her Office Systems Support role at the NFSTC, she oversees all facilities operations and file management.  She maintains the corporate filing system using tools such as Paper Tiger and other electronic file management systems. Jo also coordinates special projects and general upkeep with selected facilities vendors to ensure that the needs and quality standards of the NFSTC are met. 

Jo is now a permanent Florida resident with no desire to go back North except to visit family over the holidays.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband fishing, painting pottery, and experimenting with culinary creations.

Inter Personnel Agreement Assignments

Mark Nelson - IPA - Senior Program Manager

Mark Nelson
›››On Temporary Assignment to the National Institute of Justice

On October 16, 2006, Mark Nelson began a one year Intergovernmental Personnel Assignment (IPA) to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) as a Senior Program Manager. His responsibilities include the management of the DNA grant programs, (DNA Capacity, DNA Casework, No Suspect, and Convicted Offender In-house and Outsourcing grants).

Prior to this special assignment at the NIJ, Mark Nelson managed an NFSTC program funded by the National Institute of Justice that provides for no cost Grant Progress Assessments (GPA) and external DNA audits to the nation’s crime labs. In this capacity, he recruits, trains, and evaluates GPA and DNA assessors,, plans and schedules the assessments, and reviews the work product of the assessment teams.

After thirty years of service, Mark retired from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. He held the positions of Special Agent in Charge of Special Projects and the Special Agent in Charge of the Molecular Genetics Section. Mark was a charter member of TWGDAM, later named to SWGDAM and served as a member until January 2003. Mark has delivered over 100 audits, inspections, and assessments during his career. He is a former member of the American Society of Crime Lab Directors and  the Southern Association of Forensic Scientists.

Mark's past appointments include the ASCLD-LAB DNA Proficiency Test Review Committee, as an ASCLD-LAB Inspector and Team Captain, to the Quality Forensics DNA Proficiency Test Review Committee, and to the College of American Pathology Pathologists - Forensic Identity Committee.

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