Inside Promega
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Today we’ll meet Timothy Kupferschmid, Senior Director of the Genetic Identity Strategic Business Unit
Tim Kupferschmid joined the Genetic Identity team as Senior Director earlier this year. He brings over 30 years of experience in forensic science, executive leadership, and DNA testing, having led forensic laboratories in both government and industry settings. Most recently, Tim served as Chief of Laboratories at the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, where he directed four major forensic labs and spearheaded high-profile casework, including mass fatality identifications and the integration of advanced technologies. Tim has trained hundreds of forensic scientists in Lean Six Sigma, and during his tenure as President of ASCLD, he championed initiatives to strengthen quality assurance and collaboration across the forensic community.
A long-time supporter of Promega’s mission dating back to the 1990s when the catalog helped him through grad school. Tim is excited to contribute to a company he views as an innovator and trusted partner to the forensic field.
Outside of work, Tim enjoys riding Isabella, his Moto Guzzi V85, and exploring backroads whenever he can. He stays grounded through Stoic philosophy and meditation. Originally from rural Connecticut, he recently relocated from New York City to Madison with his wife of 31 years. He’s a proud dad of two grown children and finds energy in big ideas, honest conversations, and the occasional strong espresso.
Tell us a little bit about what your role is at Promega.
As the Senior Director of the Genetic Identity Strategic Business Unit, my role is to lead a global, cross-functional team focused on advancing products and solutions that support forensic and human identification applications.
I work across R&D, commercial, regulatory, and operational teams to align our strategies with customer needs, market shifts, and emerging technologies.
A big part of my job is connecting people, within Promega and externally, to build collaboration, unlock innovation, and help ensure that our work has meaningful impact in the world.
What does a typical day for you look like?
There’s rarely a “typical” day, which is part of what keeps the role interesting. Most days involve a mix of strategic planning, team check-ins, customer meetings, and coordination across time zones. I also spend time reviewing data, preparing for product launches, or engaging in discussions around organizational design and long-term vision. Whether I’m in the office or on the road, I try to carve out space to reflect, ask questions, and stay grounded in what matters most: our people, our mission, and the communities we serve.
What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned in your career?
The greatest lesson I’ve learned is the profound human impact of forensic science. It’s not just about data or technology, it’s about people. Every case our customers touch affects real lives: victims seeking justice, families searching for answers, the wrongly accused hoping to be exonerated, and investigators trying to do what’s right. At Promega, we must never lose sight of the fact that every microliter of reagent we produce and every instrument we manufacture may be used during some of the most critical and vulnerable moments in a person’s life.
That perspective instills both purpose and responsibility in the work we do every day.
What’s your favorite thing about your job?
My favorite part of the job is working with smart, mission-driven people who care deeply about what they do. There’s a sense of purpose at Promega that’s hard to find elsewhere, and I don’t take that for granted. The culture here is truly amazing. I also appreciate the freedom to think long-term, experiment, and have honest conversations. When those things come together, it creates a culture where real innovation can happen and that is incredibly rewarding.
If you could describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?
If I had to choose three words to describe myself, they would be humility, authenticity, and integrity. These aren’t traits I claim to have mastered, but rather values I continuously strive toward in both my personal and professional life.