Michael Baltezor, Ph.D., is CritiTech’s Chief Scientific Officer. He provides leadership to our scientific and technical teams regarding all areas of drug development from POC through commercial manufacturing. He also provides hands-on assistance to our clients. 

For 35 years before Dr. Baltezor joined CritiTech in 2014, he spent his career in the pharmaceutical industry where he developed deep expertise in pharmaceutical chemistry and product development, analytical chemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, formulation, drug delivery, CMC, regulatory documentation, cGMP, Phase II and commercial production, quality operations and FDA audits. He has held numerous key leadership positions with Sandoz, Marion Labs, Quintiles, Aptuit, Medi-Flex and Cardinal Health. 

Dr. Baltezor has been involved with the development of over 20 drugs that have been approved by the FDA. He is the co-inventor of Cardizem CD, which generates over $2B in annual sales.

Dr. Baltezor earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Kansas, as well as his B.S. in Chemistry from Missouri Western State University. He likes reading scientific journals, working on home projects and spending time with his family.

Deborah Wade is Vice President of Quality Operations for CritiTech. She leads Quality Assurance operations and oversight, including cGMP compliance, quality systems, tracking, training and audits.

Before joining CritiTech in 2024, Deborah spent over 23 years in leadership roles across quality control, analytical development and quality operations at Catalent, Aptuit and Quintiles. Her experience spans from earlt phase through commercial manufacturing and testing She has a wide range of experience with small to large pharma companies, generics manufacturers and CDMOs.

Deborah holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Missouri and a B.S. in Chemistry and Biology from Culver-Stockton College. She is a self-proclaimed nerd – loving to read, play video games and collect science-related antiques. She spends her free time with her family, her beloved cats, camping and living history activities..

Jake Sittenauer is Senior Director of Technical Operations for CritiTech. He leads day to day activities for all technical operations including managing laboratory, analytical, drug development and production operations, cGMP compliance and ensures that all client projects are performed at the highest standards of quality and timeliness. As a key interface for many of our clients, Jake leads client drug development projects from POC through clinical trial manufacturing. He also is instrumental in designing and deploying our ever expanding array of technology and equipment.

Jake has spent over twelve years with CritiTech. He has developed a keen expertise in particle engineering and product development, and leads our Spray Drying capabilities. He also supports drug development and technology deployment with Purcision™. 

Jake earned his M.B.A. and a B.S. in Biochemistry from Rockhurst University. He is an avid sports fan, aspiring golfer and bourbon enthusiast.

Richard Ramos is CritiTech’s Senior Director of Support Services. He leads all facilities operations including logistics, safety and security, facility maintenance, contractor management, construction/expansion and coordination of metrology, validation and maintenance activities.

Prior to joining CritiTech in 2006, Richard spent 25 years in facility and quality operations support, including working with Quintiles, Oread Inc. and the University of Kansas Animal Health & Technical Services.He has extensive experience with operations and support of cGMP facilities, including consulting for FDA cGMP/GLP compliance, instrumentation and specimen management.

Richard studied Farm Management/Animal Health and Kansas State University. He cherishes his family and faith, wine and dining with his wife, dancing with his granddaughters, country music, sports, fishing, hunting and a fancy bourbon/whisky with a mild cigar.