The NECBB team is composed of exceptional clinical, technical, and customer service professionals with an array of backgrounds.
New England Cryogenic Center, Inc. (NECC), affiliate of New England Cord Blood Bank, Inc., was founded in 1971 and is considered one of the pioneers in processing and cryopreservation of human cells and tissue. Our goal is to continue to be a premiere worldwide leader in cryopreservation of human cells, tissue, and cellular therapies. In addition, we aim to educate the public and medical communities on the availability of cryogenic storage of cells and tissue, along with their current and potential benefits for future use in treating disease and injury.
Owners/Founders
Catherine and John Rizza have devoted their lives to the science of helping people keep their families healthy.
As the business manager for Dr. Robert Newton, a pioneer in reproductive therapy, Mrs. Rizza was a first-hand witness to the beginning of assisted reproductive technology and helped to establish one of the world’s first sperm banks in 1971. As president of New England Cryogenic Center, Inc., since 1993, she has helped to build NECC into one of the largest full-service cryobanks in the world.
In 1997, in order to offer families a greater chance to fight disease, Mrs. Rizza and her husband John founded a second company, the New England Cord Blood Bank, Inc., where families can store the stem cells found in umbilical cord blood and tissue for future use in treating diseases.
Cell Biologist
Matthew Wilgo is a Cell Biology Scientist at NECBB. This means he is the lead on projects outside the scope of normal NECBB processing operations (such as Process Validations, new equipment validation, assay/protocol development, scientific collaborations). Additionally, he assists in training on critical laboratory skills, maintains state-of-the-art knowledge, and presents scientific seminars to raise general awareness of adult stem cells. His work ethic and integrity are crucial to the organization.
Matthew received his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology at the University of New Hampshire, and is a member of AABB. Outside of work, he enjoys walking, home improvement projects, and (best of all) making his wife laugh.
Laboratory Manager
Angela Dexter is the Laboratory Manager of New England Cord Blood Bank, Inc. She started with the company in 2002 as a cord blood processing technician and over the years has been promoted multiple times. She is responsible for the overall operation of the day-to-day functions of the cord blood processing laboratory, which includes supervising laboratory personnel, as well as providing them with training and guidance. She also assists the Quality Department with internal audits.
For Angela, the most important part of her job is knowing that the work she does could potentially help save a life.
She is an active member of AABB as well as an AABB Cord Blood Assessor. She holds a B.S. in Biology. She loves to read, watch movies, cook, and spend time with family and friends.