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Dr. Kathleen O'Leary Havelka has extensive work experience in research and development roles within the specialty chemicals industry. Their most recent position is as the Vice President of Research and Development at ANGUS Chemical Company, where they are responsible for the innovation pipeline and leading the R&D function. Prior to that, they held roles at Fuchs Lubricants Co., where they served as the Director of Research & Development and later as the Senior Director of Research & Development and Quality Control. In these positions, they focused on increasing the impact of R&D projects, coordinating R&D activities in the Americas, and managing a team of professionals. Dr. Havelka also worked at Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc. as the Director of Product Development, leading the R&D efforts to commercialize new products. Dr. Kathleen has also held leadership positions at Diversey and The Lubrizol Corporation, where they led global R&D teams, developed rapid prototyping methodologies, and managed diverse research portfolios. Overall, Dr. Havelka brings a wealth of experience in driving innovation and managing research and development functions within the specialty chemicals industry.

Dr. Kathleen O'Leary Havelka has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Elmhurst University, which they obtained from 1982 to 1987. Dr. Kathleen later pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemistry from Northern Illinois University from 1987 to 1991. In 2008, they completed a program in Developing & Executing Strategic Plan from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Kathleen has also obtained certifications such as being a Certified Quality Management Lead Auditor for ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949:2016 from Exemplar Global, Inc. in 2019. Additional certifications include the Dimensions of Professional Selling from Carew International and Fundamental Selling Techniques for the New or Prospective Salesperson from the American Management Association.