Our Lab Leaders

Our California and Arizona Lab Director brings more than a decade of hands-on experience in cannabis testing and is proficient across all laboratory methodologies, with a particular interest and specialty in LC-MS analysis. He studied at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he developed a strong foundation in scientific research and analytical thinking. Driven by a genuine passion for both cannabis and science, he pursued a career in the cannabis testing industry to help advance quality, safety, and reliability within the field. His focus on precision, quality, and continuous improvement supports dependable results for every client—one test at a time.

Evelyn Alvarez received a degree in Environmental Science with research experience on pesticides. She has over ten years of experience working on analytical instrumentation and in regulated lab environments including work on EPA and OSHA methods. She is currently the Vice President of Operations and QA at Encore Labs.

Since joining the team at Encore in 2019, Mary Beth has ensured the lab’s adherence to the regulations set by California’s Department of Cannabis Control with a specialty in METRC track and trace software. She has also spearheaded the development, implementation, and maintenance of a customized Lab Information Management System and assists with the troubleshooting of GC/MS instrumentation for residual solvent and terpene analyses. Before moving to LA, Mary Beth spent five years as business manager and associate instructor at Axion Analytical Labs in Chicago, IL, the only facility of its kind dedicated to hands-on chromatography training courses. She has a degree in Chemistry from Furman University in Greenville, SC, and makes good use of newfound SoCal sunshine by playing co-ed baseball with the Los Angeles Yips and going on hikes with her dog, Hank.

Originally from Seattle, Angie has called California home for over 13 years. Since dedicating her career to cannabis testing in 2018, she has helped drive Encore’s mission of integrity, accuracy, and safe access. Her journey from customer service to Vice President of Sales & Marketing gives her a uniquely well-rounded understanding of client needs and regulatory expectations.

While she champions the professionalism the modern industry deserves, Angie also works to keep the heart and culture of cannabis alive. Her event presence, genuine desire to connect, and commitment to educational partnerships fuel her passion for serving and empowering the community.

Nolan serves as Director of Finance, bringing over 10 years of experience in financial leadership across complex, highly regulated industries. In this role, he oversees the company’s financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and tax planning, ensuring strong fiscal discipline while supporting sustainable growth.

Nolan manages financial operations for the company’s primary laboratory in California and its expanding laboratory presence in Arizona, with a focus on state-level compliance, cash flow optimization, tax efficiency, and the development of scalable financial systems. As a trusted partner to executive leadership, he provides clear, data-driven financial insight to support informed decision-making and long-term operational success.

Since joining Encore Labs in April 2019, Firas Haddad began their tenure as a dual-role Lab Technician and Sampler, gaining a holistic understanding of the lab’s pipeline before being promoted to Production Supervisor in 2021. In this supervisory role, he was responsible for managing the potency analysis department and ensuring smooth daily operations throughout the lab.

In May 2023, Firas Haddad relocated to Arizona to establish and manage Encore Labs AZ. He was instrumental in validating all testing methods along with his amazing team and implemented efficient systems to meet regulatory standards and quick turnaround times to become known as the fastest lab in Arizona. Under their management, the Arizona lab is on track for a projected 300% growth for 2025 from last year.