We’re all about people here at ICQ. It’s our staff’s talents, skills, and personalities that make a meaningful and lasting impact for our clients.

Today we’re lucky to announce a new position for a highly skilled personality on our team. Please welcome our new Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, Neftali Tosado!

Neftali joined ICQ in 2019 as a CQV consultant after spending over 25 years in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries working on engineering, maintenance, technical services, process development, and operational excellence initiatives.

Prior to ICQ, Neftali held related roles at Amgen, Baxter, BASF, and Teledyne and spent the last decade in global engineering and technology director roles with industry heavyweights such as Catalent Pharma Solutions, Bausch & Lomb, and AstraZeneca.

Neftali is well-positioned to guide biopharma companies to the right commissioning, qualification, and validation solutions. His expertise in site construction projects spans many distinct technologies, including biologics and inhaler combination products, aseptic and sterile injectables, nasal and ophthalmic solutions and semisolids, blow-fill-seal technology, softgel capsules, orals, continuous manufacturing for orals and biologics, cell and gene therapies upstream/downstream, and automation of sterilization packaging lines.

His experience in commercial operations includes:

Neftali is a certified BBSS from Baxter Quality Institute, trained in lean manufacturing systems design (LMSD) from AstraZeneca, and is Nimbus BPEX certified. He is affiliated with ISPE, PEX, PDA, PMI, and IoPP.

Get to Know Neftali

What has been your proudest moment working at ICQ thus far?

I am very proud of our impressive customer base. We are at the forefront, inside the “hearts” of the changes mapping the future of the biopharmaceuticals industry. I am also proud and impressed with the skills, technical depth, diversity, and professionalism of our staff.

What’s your favorite part about working in the biopharma industry?

The pride and peace of mind that we are using our education, experience, and leadership capabilities to improve the lives of millions and millions of patients around the world. With more than 27 years in this industry, that is one of the passions I’ve carried throughout my entire career.

What led you to pursuing your MBA, MS, and MA degrees?

Learning should never stop. Early in my career, I recognized that my technical expertise was only a small portion of what was required to growth in this industry. So, I decided to diversify by studying in areas that would complement my engineering degree (e.g., finance, project management, and behavioral sciences). These additional degrees, along with my faith, helped me grow not only as a professional, but also as an individual.

Do you have any advice for your professionals looking to work in the biopharma industry?

Again, never stop learning! Stay current with new discoveries, regulations, and industry changes. Identify a mentor early in your career. Affiliate and get involved with leading organizations in the industry (e.g., PDA, ISPE, and others). Learn from your vendors, consultants, and contractors and respect every relationship and exchange with them.

What’s your favorite activity or hobby outside of work?

I read a lot and am always looking for ways to stay current and well-rounded as a person. I love spending quality time with my family and friends. My faith-value systems and my family are the true motivators in my life.

Besides supporting the industry, I have always been deeply involved in the communities anywhere I’ve lived. I am currently involved in the communities of faith and constantly helping and counseling others. I also lead and volunteer in non-profit organizations such as the Boy Scouts (in NJ) and volunteer at food banks some weekends in the Raleigh, NC area.

I’m very much looking forward to having a great dinner, enjoying a coffee, or golfing with some good friends. Just waiting for COVID to slow down.