Yahara: As an experienced team of Microsoft-certified software development professionals, we leverage our extensive background in life sciences, education, and transportation to provide comprehensive process optimization, system integration, and business intelligence solutions to our partners. With a look to the future, our long-term success is completely intertwined with that of our clients.
Bio Highlights: Kevin Meech is a leader who is focused on leveraging technology to help solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges. Graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a degree in Biology and Chemistry, Kevin has always had a focus on the Biohealth sector. He continued his education, pursuing graduate studies in Environmental Toxicology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a focus on studying toxins in the environment. Kevin started his career as an analytical chemist with RMT, Inc., analyzing organic contaminants in the environment. Over his 6-year career in analytical chemistry, he advanced to a Group Lead and Shift Supervisor, eventually going on to manage the information and reporting systems at the laboratory.
After seeing inefficiency in labs first-hand and focusing on how to streamline getting actionable information out of disparate systems, he made a transition to a career in software engineering with Tara Software. As a Software Engineer, he helped design and develop enterprise-class systems in many industries, including healthcare-related instrumentation. Over his 6-year tenure with Tara, Kevin progressed from Technical Lead to Product Owner and Account Manager.
In 2002, Kevin and another senior-level manager at Tara were offered the opportunity to purchase the assets of the company, out of which they formed Yahara Software. In addition to being the COO and CEO of Yahara over the last 23 years, Kevin has continued his work to help Yahara’s clients deliver on their missions, serving as an Executive Sponsor for many of Yahara's key clients. Leading the CHAMPS project, Kevin helped labs use scientific inputs like multiplex PCR assays combined with verbal autopsies to clarify causes of mortality in children in sub-Saharan Africa. With WCG (formerly PFS), Kevin led the team that created more efficient clinical trial planning processes and cost recovery systems. Yahara Software works with WCG to this day, continuing to improve clinical trials across the nation. Kevin also sponsors Yahara’s ongoing work with Cell X, a company that is pioneering automation and the use of AI in passaging IPSC cells for use in personalized medicine applications.
Outside of Yahara, Kevin is an active part of helping make his community happier and healthier. Kevin lives in Middleton, Wisconsin, with his wife and daughter. He loves to stay active, being an avid skier, volleyball player, and golfer, and is helping inspire the next generation by coaching his daughter’s softball team and helping make snow for the Blackhawk Ski Club. He also believes strongly in helping local charities and non-profits, with charity being an important part of the Yahara Software culture. Alongside the Yahara team, Kevin regularly volunteers at Ronald McDonald House, Clean Lakes Alliance, Forward Gardens, and oversees Yahara’s Adopt-A-School partnership with the Vel Phillips Memorial High School ICT Program. He also installed an employee donation match program at Yahara and sponsors Yahara’s Charitable Activities committee.