Ana Hooker, MBA, MT (ASCP)
SVP, Chief Laboratory Officer
Ana Hooker has over 20 years of laboratory experience. Prior to her position at Exact Sciences, she was at ARUP Laboratories for 15 years, the latter two as the division manager for anatomic pathology, oncology and genetics.
Prior to this, she was the division manager for genetics for three years and during her tenure she held positions of increased responsibility including group manager for oncology and genetics and the Technical Supervisor of the University of Utah Hospital Clinical Laboratories at ARUP.
She received her BS from Kansas State University, her MT from Hays Pathology Laboratories and her MBA from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah. She has served in several positions in the Utah Chapter of CLMA since 2004.
Jerry Machado, PhD, DABMGG, FCCMG
Senior Laboratory Medical Director
Dr. Machado is a laboratory geneticist and joined Exact Sciences in 2021. With over 20 years of experience in laboratory strategic planning and molecular diagnostics, he contributes to the growth of the company in laboratory medical operations and precision oncology. Jerry’s professional journey included leadership roles focused on developing company policies and procedures, laboratory developed tests, as well as obtaining FDA test approval at PreventionGenetics, a genetic testing company later acquired by Exact Sciences.
Jerry has a PhD in Cancer Molecular Genetics from the University of Toronto and holds master's and bachelor's degrees in Genetics and Molecular Biology from York University, Toronto. He obtained board certification in Clinical Molecular Genetics at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto by the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists (CCMG). He is also dual certified by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG) in both Clinical Molecular Genetics and Laboratory Genetics and Genomics. Certified as a green belt in Lean Six Sigma, Dr. Machado demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement.
Kay Schmidt, MS
Vice President, Lab Operations and Transformation
Kay Schmidt joined Exact Sciences in 2024, leading our high-performing, growth-oriented Laboratory Operations and Transformation team. She has a strong background in Operations, Engineering, R&D, and Project Management.
Prior to joining Exact Sciences, Ms. Schmidt held leadership roles at Catalent Pharma Solutions for 14 years, spanning both Development and Operations. Additionally, she spent 26 years in Development, Operations, and Service with GE Healthcare. Kay’s passion lies in new product and process introductions along with current process improvements - all while prioritizing patient and employee care.
Ms. Schmidt’s educational background includes a Computer Science undergraduate degree from Carroll University and a master’s degree in Industrial Safety from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Kay is committed to fostering a culture of compliance and continuous improvement and discovering ways to best serve our patients.
Raja Kakuturu, PhD, DABCC
Laboratory Medical Director
Dr. Kakuturu is a molecular biologist and joined Exact Sciences in 2020. Raja has over 20 years of experience in molecular diagnostics and supported the In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) manufacturing industry, Translational Research in Oncology, Biomarker development for Precision Medicine and CLIA certified/CAP accredited Clinical Laboratories. Prior to joining at Exact Sciences, Dr. Kakuturu advanced his clinical and leadership skills with progressive roles, lastly as a Research and Clinical Technical Director at American Molecular Clinical laboratories.
He received his PhD in Molecular Immunology from Anna University, India, and completed post-doctoral training at University of Illinois and Northwestern University. Raja holds certifications from American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Board of Clinical Chemistry (DABCC) and New York State Department of Health. Dr. Kakuturu also holds an Adjunct Faculty role at the University of Illinois, Medical Biotechnology Program and supports Next Generation Sequencing clinical applications curriculum.
