Applied DNA Sciences Inc (NASDAQ:APDN), a provider of DNA-based supply chain, anti-counterfeiting, authentication, genotyping and anti-theft technologies, has appointed Robert B. Catell to its Board of Directors. As a globally recognized leader of major energy utilities, Mr. Catell will assist in Applied DNA’s expansion into the protection of critical infrastructure in power grids and railways.
Mr. Catell currently serves as Chairman of the New York State Smart Grid Consortium and Chairman of the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center (AERTC) at Stony Brook University. He served on the Board of New York State Energy Research & Developmental Authority and is on the NYS Economic Development Power Allocation Board. Among other accomplishments, Mr. Catell was formerly Chairman and CEO of KeySpan Corporation and KeySpan Delivery (formerly Brooklyn Union Gas), and Chairman of National Grid, U.S. and Deputy Chairman of National Grid plc, upon National Grid’s acquisition of KeySpan. He also serves on the Board of several business and not-for-profit organizations. He has been Chairman of Applied DNA Sciences’ Strategic Advisory Board since its inception in February 2016. His appointment to Applied DNA’s Board of Directors increases the size of the Board to seven members.
Dr. James Hayward, President and CEO of Applied DNA Sciences, said, “Having worked with Bob throughout the past several months, we have been impressed by his knowledge and insight into important markets that include protecting critical infrastructure as well as power grids and railways. With Bob now a member of our Board of Directors, we look forward to his continued leadership and contributions as we work toward expanding our presence in these markets.”
Mr. Catell said, “Protection of assets in the power and transportation industries is critical not only to the agencies that run these businesses but to our citizens as well. I look forward to taking an even more active role in helping the team at Applied DNA enter and succeed in these markets.”
Mr. Catell received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the City College of New York and is a registered Professional Engineer. He has attended Columbia University’s Executive Development Program as well as the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School.