Spectrum Health Science, SimplyTest Name Damon Silvestry CEO

Spectrum Health Science, the company responsible for the breakthrough COVID-19 saliva tests, has transformed into a life sciences organization focused on next-gen solutions in oral, functional, and women’s health.

As part of this growth phase, the company appointed Damon Silvestry as the new CEO of SimplyTest, its flagship salivary testing company.

Silvestry boasts over two decades of leadership experience in operations, commercial strategy, supply chain, and organizational transformation. He was most recently chief operating officer (COO) at Caelum Diagnostics, a company that develops real-time biopsy diagnostics powered by advanced imaging and artificial intelligence (AI).

He’s also had executive positions at Progenity, Natera, Caris Life Sciences, Miraca Life Sciences, and Ellie Diagnostics.

“I’m honored to lead Spectrum Health Science and SimplyTest at such a pivotal moment,” Silvestry said in a statement sent to the press. “We are advancing accessible, high quality salivary testing that transforms care in oral health, women’s health and functional health. High-risk oral bacteria do not just affect the gums, they can silently drive inflammation linked to heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and other chronic illnesses. We are just beginning to unlock the powerful role salivary diagnostics can play in advancing personalized medicine. Oral health is our first application, but our platform is built to scale into functional health, women’s health and other high-growth categories. With this approach, SimplyTest is defining a new standard in preventive and precision care.”

In his new role as Spectrum Health Science’s president, Justin Hunt will focus on broadening the company’s strategic platform, driving innovation, and fostering its integration.

“Damon is an exceptional leader with a deep understanding of the complexity and opportunity in modern healthcare services,” Hunt said. “He brings the leadership experience we need to take SimplyTest from a breakthrough innovator to a market leader across multiple diagnostic categories.”

In July, the company released SimplyTest Oral Health-IMPLANT, a new molecular assay designed to detect microbial species linked to peri-implant disease and implant failure.