Ashley Malchow

Ashley Malchow is Microbac’s Chief Quality, Safety, and Risk Officer. 

A transparent leader and loyal team player, Ashley promotes quality excellence, effective communication, and an inclusive and safe work environment.

Growing up, Ashley worked at her family’s popular Nebraska bakery, exposing her to the food industry and inspiring her to study food microbiology. After earning her degree in Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology from Drake University, she started her career by training in ISO 17025, Auditing, Root Cause Analysis, Corrective Actions, and Traditional/Molecular Methods in Food Microbiology during her time at ConAgra Foods as an Associate Microbiologist.

Ashley is a NELAC Certified Quality Management Systems Professional, among the first 18 individuals to attempt and earn this new certification from The NELAC Institute (TNI). This credential demonstrates her expertise in quality management for environmental laboratories, including risk evaluation, internal audits, corrective actions, and overall laboratory quality assurance. She is also certified as a GMP Laboratory Professional and NEHA HACCP Manager, and has completed leadership training in nine soft skill areas.

Since joining Microbac in 2013, Ashley has gained over 20 years of experience in the laboratory industry. Whether in the lab or between team members, she is passionate about quality in the details. Known as a good listener and skilled problem solver, she is unafraid to tackle challenging situations and conversations and enjoys mentoring others to the next stage of their career.

Ashley is a proud member of ASQ (American Society of Quality), IAFP (International Association for Food Protection), A2LA’s Life Science Committee, and TNI (The NELAC Institute). She also serves on A2LA’s Accreditation Council.

She lives in sunny Colorado with her husband Seth and three Keeshond dogs—Apollo, Zeus, and Ares. In her free time, she enjoys fishing, biking, and collecting crystals and minerals.