Our Team

Javan Esfandiari joined Chembio Diagnostic Systems, Inc. in February 2000, and serves as President of Chembio Diagnostic Biosynex Group since February 2024. Mr. Esfandiari has over 30 years of experience in Research and Development, Innovation, Strategic Global Technology Transfer, and Marketing and he has a proven track record within Rapid Point-Of-Care Diagnostic.

He has served as Chief Science and Technology Officer until January of 2024. Before joining the company, he co-founded Sinovus Biotech AB, a Swedish Biotech company, where he served as Director of R&D until Chembio acquired Sinovus. He previously served as Director of R&D for On-Site Biotech, a joint venture veterinary company with the Swedish National Veterinary Institute.

Mr. Esfandiari has over 20 US and international patents in his name and is the inventor of Chembio’s patented Dual Path Platform (DPP®) Technology and has developed more than 30 Rapid Point-Of-Care Diagnostic products in the Human and Veterinary fields. Mr. Esfandiari received a B.Sc. in Clinical Chemistry and completed courses at M. Sc. in Molecular Biology from Lund University, Sweden.

Atif Rizvi Joined Chembio Diagnostic Systems, Inc. in June 2019, and serves as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining the company, he worked at L3-Harris Technologies, an aerospace and defense manufacturer/contractor, where he served as Assistant Segment Controller for its Communication & Networked Systems segment. Atif worked at L3 for nearly twelve years and progressed through a range of positions in accounting & finance areas, including Manager-Corporate Controller’s Group, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Manager-Aircraft Sector, and Senior Auditor-Internal Audit. Throughout these roles, he addressed a diverse range of GAAP, internal control (including Sarbanes Oxley testing), and reporting issues. He has also developed revenue forecasts, annual operating budgets, and managed costs in partnership with engineering and R&D teams on long-term contracts. Atif is a licensed CPA in New York State and received his B.S-Accounting degree from the City University of New York.

Tom Ippolito joined Chembio Diagnostic Systems, Inc. in June 2005, and serves as Vice President, Quality and Regulatory Affairs. Prior to joining the company, Mr. Ippolito served as Vice President, Regulatory and Quality at Biospecifics Technologies. He previously held a number of positions with United Biomedical, Biospecifics, Merck, Rhone Merieux, Organon Teknika, Analytab Products Inc., and Olympus. Mr. Ippolito holds the position of Course Director of the Fundamentals of Bioscience Program at the State University of Stony Brook and is the instructor for clinical development and regulatory affairs.

Stella Rivera joined Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. in April 2018, and serves as Vice President of Human Resources.  Stella has over 25 years of experience in Human Resources and a proven track record within the pharma (brand & generics) and biotechnology industries. Prior to joining Chembio, Stella was Director of Human Resources at Pall Life Sciences (division of Danaher Inc).  Her prior experiences also include Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Pfizer) and Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc. Stella has a BA from the InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico and a MBA from Turabo University – Puerto Rico.

Dr. Bennani has experience driving strategy across healthcare vertical to develop and produce industry-leading medical solutions. Able to easily articulate, plan, and execute transformation strategy, engaging with key influencers, and drive capital raising. Fueled by connected thinking, challenging boundaries, and the power of thought leadership to redefine business and medical possibilities. Deep understanding of integrated marketing and business development of all channels to realize lucrative results. Known for pushing boundaries to break new ground, encouraging the development of bold ideas, creative problem-solving, and the tenacity to grow an organization and push a vision forward

Dr. Bennani has over 20 years’ experience in the Medical Diagnostic arena. He was directly involved in Developing numerous Diagnostic tests and taking them through the FDA process.

He has experience interacting directly with the FDA agency to seek guidance and to lead the FDA approval process.

Benedict Abugan joined Qualigen in 2000 and serves as Site Leader – Vice President, Head of Diagnostics, and Corporate Communications. Mr. Abugan first joined Qualigen as a scientist, playing pivotal roles in the feasibility, development, and successful commercialization of multiple Qualigen products. His diverse leadership experience spans investor relations, marketing, customer service, technical support, immunoassay development, and manufacturing. Before Qualigen, he held positions at renowned biotech companies, including Biosite Diagnostics, Acon Laboratories, and Scantibodies Laboratories. Mr. Abugan earned a B.S. in Molecular Biology from the University of California, San Diego.