Nikki Sasher
Jeffersonville,IN
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented Strategic Leader with 10+ years of experience at the intersection of food and aerosol science, microbiology and business leadership. Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams, driving product innovation, and ensuring regulatory compliance within food, manufacturing, and technical industries. Expertise in strategic management, operational efficiency, global R&D, and quality assurance. Adept at bridging technical knowledge with business acumen, delivering sustainable growth, and ensuring high standards in product quality and safety. Strong communicator and collaborator with senior leadership teams and stakeholders.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Biological and Gas Phase Laboratory Manager
AAF International
01.2020 - Current
- Managed multiple laboratories to provide customer facing tests with a 98% on-time completion rate and generated over $300,000 in cost savings by enhancing and expanding in-house test capabilities
- Selected as U.S
- Delegate and bioaerosol expert for an ISO standard development committee, providing microbiological expertise to define the scope of the standard
- Led testing operations in the lab that directly contributed to securing $500,000 in new sales contracts by demonstrating my department’s capabilities and supporting sales efforts
- Drove the identification of new market opportunities and led the invention and commercialization of a groundbreaking product, securing a patent and expanding the product line
Manager of Biological Safety and Research
AAF International
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Pioneered the design and implementation of the first ever in air filtration, in-house bioaerosol test laboratory; leveraging innovative testing capabilities to align with strategic business goals and capture a dominant share of a new market segment
- Exhibited strong leadership and project management skills by effectively coordinating and overseeing multiple projects and direct reports in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
Quality Assurance Specialist
Diageo
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Appointed technical lead for the laboratory start-up of a 10 million proof gallon distillery, playing a key role in the distillery’s technical start-up and commissioning team
- Spearheaded the development and implementation of a comprehensive and effective Quality Management System, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven-decision making
- Led the design and implementation of pre-requisite programs, GMP, and sanitation reviews to ensure 100% compliance for a new start-up, while developing a site-wide HACCP food safety program that aligned with the corporate initiatives, achieved full site compliance, ensured ISO 22000 certification, adhered to global food safety standards, and met FSMA requirements
- Directed internal and external audits, maintaining a strong track record of compliance with regulatory authorities, and ensuring the company’s food safety certifications were always up to date
- Conducted root-cause analysis for fermentation and critical utility issues, delivering timely reports that enabled swift, actionable production responses and minimized downtime
Associate Microbiologist
Brown-Forman
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Served as the global corporate microbiologist and brand ambassador for one of the largest American-owned spirits and wine businesses, providing expert microbiological support across global production and third-party manufacturing sites
- Led product development initiatives, researching new food ingredients, testing product formulations, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality regulations
- Played an integral role in the launch of a new product line, managing product testing, shelf-life studies, and ingredient sourcing
- Contributed to the development of key regulatory documents and ensured that all products met safety standards before reaching the market
- Provided primary support for quality control operations across production facilities, ensuring compliance with global food safety standards (ISO 22000, HACCP, FSMA) for all products
- Worked cross-functionally with R&D, production, and packaging teams to ensure new products met stringent quality standards before launch, resulting in zero recalls
- Identified opportunities to scale production, working with the supply chain and operations teams to optimize product manufacture and improve yield
Education
MBA -
Purdue University Global
01-2024
Master of Science - Food Science
Kansas State University
01-2018
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
Middle Tennessee State University
01-2013
Skills
- Research & Development (R&D) Strategy
- Product Development & Innovation
- Quality Control & Assurance
- Regulatory Compliance (FDA, HACCP, HARPC, ISO 9000 & 22000)
- Process Optimization & Cost Reduction
- Financial Management & Budgeting
- Cross-functional Team Leadership
- Operational Efficiency & Scaling
- Supply Chain Management
- Market Expansion & Business Growth
- Stakeholder & Investor Relations
- Risk Management & Crisis Resolution
- Data Analysis & Reporting Tools
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
Certification
- HACCP Certification
- PCQI Certification
- OSHA 30 Hour
Affiliations
- Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)
- American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
- American Association for Aerosol Researchers (AAAR)
- American Society for Heating and Refrigeration Engineers (ASHRAE)
Timeline
Biological and Gas Phase Laboratory Manager
AAF International
01.2020 - Current
Manager of Biological Safety and Research
AAF International
01.2018 - 01.2020
Quality Assurance Specialist
Diageo
01.2016 - 01.2018
Associate Microbiologist
Brown-Forman
01.2013 - 01.2016
MBA -
Purdue University Global
Master of Science - Food Science
Kansas State University
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
Middle Tennessee State University
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