Penn Life Sciences Leadership Team
From product development and production to quality assurance and marketing, Penn Life Sciences leadership team is comprised of individuals who are dedicated in upholding the company’s core principles of quality, affordability, and integrity.
Anthony Tabasso – President/CEO
Mr. Tabasso holds a B.A. from Cornell University, and a J.D. from Villanova University. Prior to joining Penn Life Sciences, Mr. Tabasso spent 16 years in private practice at a large Philadelphia law firm, where his practice focused on commercial litigation, business restructuring, and transactional work. After serving as outside counsel for many years, Mr. Tabasso joined Penn Life Sciences as President and CEO in August, 2013. Since that time, Mr. Tabasso’s focus has been on committing PLS to three core values: Regulatory Compliance, Safety, and Productivity. Mr. Tabasso has also dedicated KVK to strengthening its commitment to our customers and supply chain partners.
Sudha Damerla – Chief Administrative Officer
Ms. Damerla holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry, along with a Master of Computer Applications (MCA). She began her career managing .NET projects, including a School Management Application for South Africa, before joining KVK in 2011.
Since joining KVK, Ms. Damerla has played a pivotal role in the implementation and management of a wide range of compliance-related software systems, including ERP, Chargeback Systems, Document Management Systems, Regulatory Software, Quality Management Systems, and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). Her dedication and expertise were quickly recognized, leading to her promotion as Head of Information Systems Quality and Compliance. In this role, she also oversaw Sourcing and Procurement operations.
Ms. Damerla has consistently provided strategic leadership to enhance quality and compliance across the organization. Her commitment has been especially impactful in strengthening GxP systems, aligning them with the company’s core values and regulatory expectations. Known for her exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and effective collaboration, she brings a deep understanding of project management, ethics, and problem-solving.
As CAO for the past two years, Ms. Damerla now leads efforts to streamline systems and procedures across departments, with a focus on enhancing employee compliance, commitment, teamwork, and operational efficiency. She works closely with all department heads to ensure the company operates in full alignment with FDA guidelines and internal SOPs, driving a culture of quality, integrity, and continuous improvement.
Anthony Pavell – Vice President of Technical Services
Anthony Pavell serves as the Vice President of Technical Services at Penn Life Sciences. He brings over 30 years of experience in directing production operations and overseeing the technology transfer of products and processes into new facilities. Tony has held operations roles at Fresenius Kabi, Catalent, and Cardinal Health, as well as technical services and validation positions with IMA Life (formerly MKCS Inc), Cardinal Health, Lloyd’s Register Serentec, Novo Nordisk, and Burroughs Wellcome. He earned a Master of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from East Carolina University in 1992. Tony has contributed to PDA task forces, published articles on validation, and remains an active member of both the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineers (ISPE) and the Parenteral Drug Association (PDA).
Jonathan Hunsberger – Human Resources Manager
Mr. Hunsberger received his BA from Temple University in Human Resource Management and industrial and Organizational Psychology. Mr. Hunsberger worked in Human Resources for an international steel manufacturer and then moved into staffing working for the oldest national staffing company, Stivers Staffing Services for 23 years leading the Eastern Pennsylvania area offices. Mr. Hunsberger joined KVK Tech in January of 2018 as the Human Resources Manager. Mr. Hunsberger provides strategic business partnering to the senior leadership team as well as manage a group of HR professionals responsible for supporting the managers and their employees.
Dr. William Berger – Executive Director of Quality
Dr. William Berger joined Penn Life Sciences Inc. (PLS) as Executive Director of Global Quality Control in 2023. Dr. Berger came to PLS from American Regent, Inc. formerly Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, a Daiichi Sankyo Company. While completing his undergraduate studies at Stony Brook University, he began his career in pharmaceuticals as a sterile operator, compounder, QC Chemist, and finally a Method Validation Scientist at Luitpold. He returned to graduate school in 2007. After completion of his Masters, he continued to take on more challenging roles in pharmaceutical management with increasing responsibility. Dr. Berger was Supervisor of Aseptic Processing Area and then transitioned as the Supervisor of the Quality Control Particulate Laboratory. Upon receiving his Ph.D. in Chemistry, he became Manager, QC Method Validation R&D and Technology Transfer, Senior Manager, Quality Control Chemistry and finally Associate Director, Quality Control Chemistry and Characterization.
Dr. Berger has over 22 years of pharmaceutical experience and has led large teams. He has successfully led FDA Inspections and is an excellent asset to PLS.
Rakesh Godhani – Director of Regulatory Affairs
Mr. Rakesh Godhani received his M.S. in Regulatory Science degree from University of Maryland, Baltimore and M.Sc. in Chemistry from Saurashtra University, India. He worked as Associate Director for Apotex Inc., Canada, before joining KVK Tech. He held various roles at Apotex in India and Canada in Regulatory Affairs from junior to senior management. He has also worked in Quality Assurance at the beginning of his career at Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd., and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories.
Mr. Godhani has over 20 years of pharmaceutical experience and has led small to large teams in Regulatory Affairs. He has successfully worked on numerous generic products to get pre- or post-market approvals from USFDA and Health Canada. His regulatory knowledge in international markets is an asset. His regulatory expertise and pharmaceutical industry knowledge greatly contribute to PLS’s excellence.
