Who We Are

Critical Mass Consulting, LLC specializes in deploying consultants with diverse skillsets to support clients in the life sciences industries. Our group is focused on creating a premier organizational culture, founded on the basis of employee development and engagement. We believe in building a company for our employees, to the benefit of our clients.

Meet the Team

  • Andrew Matheson

    GENERAL MANAGER

    The founder and General Manager of Critical Mass Consulting, Andrew built the company centered around Core Values he believes in. As a Senior Consultant, Andrew brings a wealth of experience to multiple client projects as he manages CMC. As the General Manager of CMC, Andrew participates in all internal teams within the company to ensure the company continues to thrive. He loves to play music no matter how it sounds, stares at his bicycles longingly, and will happily watch basketball and football all day if he can.

    Fun fact: Andrew is a SoCal kid at heart with a strong passion for New England sports teams.

  • Randall Hartley

    SENIOR CONSULTANT / DIRECTOR

    A long time member of Critical Mass Consulting, Randy has worn a myriad of hats since joining in 2019. As a Senior Consultant with decades of experience in the life sciences industry, Randy has managed various projects across several client sites in different sectors. Internally, Randy currently serves as the head of the Sales and Recruiting divisions, helping grow the business through both facets using his vast experience. In his time off Randy enjoys reading to continue learning new things, backpacking through the wilderness and riding his sweet motorcycle.

    Fun fact: Randy served as a Special Forces commander for many years.

  • Vishwas Patel

    Director - Engineering and Validation Services

    Joining the team in mid-2025, Vishwas brings over 13 years of deep technical expertise in the life sciences industry, specializing in Risk & Science based Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV), Computer System Validation (CSV), Data Integrity, Technology Transfer, Process Characterization, Engineering, & Validation, and QMS compliance. Known for his strategic project leadership and hands-on problem-solving approach, Vishwas has successfully led numerous high-impact initiatives across biotech and pharmaceuticals. With a strong passion for innovation, he actively explores the evolving intersection of AI and life sciences, continuously staying up-to-date on industry trends and emerging technologies.

    Outside of his professional pursuits, Vishwas enjoys a well-rounded life filled with travel, music, sports, and time with loved ones. Whether it’s exploring new countries, capturing the world through the lens, playing cricket, reading while savoring exotic teas, playing his bamboo flutes and guitar, or experimenting in the kitchen, he embraces every opportunity for curiosity, creativity, and connection.

    Fun Fact: Vishwas is a passionate travel and nature photographer who enjoys teaching and inspiring others through professional photography.

  • Aldelberto Cordova

    Bert brings over two decades of expertise in global quality operations, compliance, and strategic transformation across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and advanced technology industries. Recognized for his ability to unite technical excellence with practical execution, Bert has successfully led large-scale GxP system implementations, remediation programs, and operational turnarounds. His career spans building and optimizing Quality Management Systems, guiding organizations through regulatory inspections, and embedding digital innovation into quality and manufacturing operations to drive both compliance and efficiency.

    Outside of work, Bert enjoys getting outdoors- an end-to-end mountain biking trip along the Kankakee River Trail is a favorite when time allows. At home, you’ll often find him catching up on the yard before winding down with a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale or Stone IPA, spinning classic vinyl from Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, or Otis Redding live at Monterey—with Hendrix on the B-side.

    Fun Fact: Bert’s favorite location is the "Big Island" of Hawaii. It contains 8 of the world's 13 climate zones and is home to the best coffee and pina coladas ever. The environmental diversity feeds into a few other passions, including diving and photography.

  • Tommy Thompson

    HEAD OF OPERATIONS - SAN DIEGO

    Coming on board in mid 2024, Tommy joined Critical Mass Consulting with 18+ years of experience within the Pharmaceuticals / Biotech industries. Tommy has worked both technical and management roles throughout his career, with a working background in trades, project management, calibration, validation, engineering management and quality systems. Tommy’s role at Critical Mass includes leading operations in San Diego and supporting client projects as a Senior Consultant. During his off-hours, Tommy enjoys spending leisure time with loved ones, fitness, travel and attending concerts as often as possible.

    Fun Fact: Tommy jumped off the Stratosphere in Las Vegas, attended Spice Girls live at Wembley Stadium in London, and drove a go-kart through the streets of Tokyo.

  • Adam Pfeifer

    HEAD OF OPERATIONS - LOS ANGELES

    Coming aboard the team in early 2025, Adam is a Life Sciences professional with 13+ years of experience driving operational excellence in process development, technical transfer, and manufacturing operations. A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, he has led initiatives to optimize tech transfer, streamline workflows, and enhance efficiency. His expertise in cross-functional leadership and strategic planning has enabled the successful execution of complex programs where he consistently delivers results on time and within budget.

    In his free time, Adam loves spending time with his loved ones, fitness and playing sports (current craze is Golf), traveling, watching Detroit and Michigan State University teams, and DIY projects around the house.

    Fun Fact: Adam has been learning Farsi for 2 years and can speak at a conversational level.

  • Adam Derakhshan

    CONSULTANT

    Adam Derakhshan has been a valuable member of the Critical Mass Consulting (CMC) team since early 2023. As a Life Sciences Consultant working on projects in Southern California, he brings his diverse expertise and skills to every project he works on. In addition to his work with clients, Adam is also involved in roles on internal teams at CMC, where he contributes to different components of the business. When he isn't working, Adam enjoys collecting and playing his vinyl records, hiking around California, and skateboarding.

    Fun fact: Adam’s favorite foods are Asian and Mediterranean, and has a 9-year-old Shih Tzu named Teduardo whom he loves very much.

  • Kenneth Mao

    CONSULTANT

    Kenneth has been a valuable addition to the Critical Mass Consulting team since 2023. As a consultant with experience as a plant engineer and decommissioning projects, he utilizes his time management skill to efficiently complete all projects with outstanding quality and within the designated timelines. Kenneth is also getting involved with the CMC Marketing team. In his free time, Kenneth enjoys exploring new restaurants, playing Forza Horizon, and cooking for friends and family.

    Fun Fact: Kenneth can speak 4 languages, Mandarin, Cantonese, English, and Spanish.

  • Michelle Tu

    CONSULTANT

    Michelle joined the Critical Mass Consulting team in 2025, bringing a strong background in project management and operations to ensure projects are delivered with exceptional quality and on time. She also contributes her expertise to the CMC Marketing team. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys playing pickleball, learning videography,  and exploring new recipes in the kitchen.

    Fun Fact: Michelle did competitive swimming for about 10 years.