St. Paul — Data Sciences International (DSI) announced that its board of directors appointed Kristen Knox as President and Chief Executive Officer effective July 1.

Knox was also appointed to DSI’s board of directors. Knox will succeed current executive Bert Harman as the company starts its fiscal year and enters its 32nd year of business. Harman will continue to serve on DSI’s Board. DSI’s mission is to improve lives through technology, innovation, passion and the power of information.

Knox, who will serve as DSI’s first female CEO and President, has held several roles since joining the company in 2011, including Director of Marketing, Vice President of Sales and Marketing and most recently Chief Operating Officer, which she was named in 2015. Prior to DSI, Ms. Knox served in marketing and product management positions for Mayo Clinic, Otto Bock and Coloplast.

“As a company committed to improving the lives of millions through technologies that support the process of developing new therapies, I’m humbled and excited to lead DSI into the future,” Knox said in a press release. “Every day I’m inspired by our mission and look forward to continuing on our promise to deliver high quality products and innovative solutions to the scientific research community.”

Knox succeeds Bert Harman, who will retire from DSI effective June 30, 2016.

“I have known Kristen since 2002 when we brought her on to the Otto Bock team, and can think of no one better to take DSI to the next level,” Harman said in the release. “Her exceptional leadership skills and willingness to take on any task, in addition to her passion for the customer and commitment to excellence will move DSI to even greater success.”

Knox is joined by Charlie Coggin, Peter Fritsche, Lori Packer, Gerry Huber and Rich Fundakowski on the DSI leadership team. She graduated from Austin High School, received her undergraduate degree in Marketing from the University of St. Thomas and her MBA from Cardinal Stritch University. She lives with her husband Zachary and their two sons in Shakopee. Her parents are Kathy and Paul Behn and her in-laws are Julie and Steve Knox, all of Austin.