Jay started Hardy Diagnostics in 1980 with what began as a small lab in Santa Barbara has grown into an employee-owned company serving customers around the world.
After 45 years, founder of to Hardy Diagnostics, Jay Hardy, has officially retired from active service. Jay started Hardy Diagnostics in 1980 with what began as a small lab in Santa Barbara has grown into an employee-owned company serving customers around the world. As Jay steps into this next chapter, he shares his gratitude for everyone who has supported the company’s mission over the years:
“After 45 years of helping lead this wonderful company, I have decided that it’s time I took a step back to spend more time with my children and grandchildren. More than anything, I want to thank all the Hardy employee-owners for their hard work and dedication that has made Hardy Diagnostics what it is today.”
While Jay will continue to advise in a supporting role, Christopher Catani, who has been with Hardy Diagnostics since 1996 and has served as CEO since 2024, will now lead as President and CEO. Chris has worked alongside Jay for nearly three decades and shares his passion for advancing microbiology and supporting the laboratory with “A Culture of Service.”
Related Articles Eagle Protect Files Citizen Petition Urging FDA to Ban Vinyl Gloves in U.S. Food Handling
The petition references research estimating that endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure costs the U.S. over $340 billion annually in healthcare impacts. Vinyl gloves, while appearing cheaper, increase contamination risk, recall liability and waste.
Analytical Science Leaders Honored at AOAC Internationals 2025 Annual Meeting
Founded in 1884 with beginnings in the USDA and US FDA, AOAC INTERNATIONAL is an independent, non-profit membership association of analytical science professionals across government, industry, and academia worldwide. Its mission is to advance food safety and product integrity through…
EAS Consulting Group Announces Reduced Rate Services on Fundamental Food Strategy Solutions Across Human and Animal Food Industries
As regulatory scrutiny intensifies and certification becomes a market necessity, EAS’s newly priced services are designed to help companies cost-effectively enhance their food safety systems, prepare for audits, and maintain compliance with federal and global regulations.
Foreign Food Safety Inspections Hit Historic Low in 2025
Inspections began to decline in early 2025, after 65% of the staff in the FDA divisions responsible for coordinating travel and budgets left or were fired in the name of government efficiency.
