Key Staff

Mike Strobel

“We are customer focused and quality driven.” – Mike Strobel, DVM, MS, CEO

Michael A. Strobel, DVM, MS, is the CEO and a founder of Aurora Pharmaceutical. He is responsible for our leadership, overall direction, and management. He has 28 years of experience in the field of compounding and marketing pharmaceutical sales in the food animal market. Dr. Strobel graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1982 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and later earned a masters degree in Swine Medicine. He began working for Cannon Valley Veterinary Clinic in 1982 and became part owner in 1983.    Dr. Strobel holds numerous United States and international patents and has published nationally and internationally.
Lori Lori Happel-Jarratt is Aurora’s CFO and is responsible for human resources in addition to accounting and finance. She graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a Master of Business Administration. Ms. Happel-Jarratt has over 20 years experience and has worked as CFO and director of finance and human resources for several medium sized companies.

“Our staff is committed to listening and understanding the needs of our customers.” – Bob Rehurek

Bob Rehurek is Aurora’s Sales and Marketing Manager. He graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1978 with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Photography. Mr. Rehurek has over 25 years of experience and has worked in sales and marketing for several animal health companies, including the Fortune 500 Company MWI. He also was president and owner of a veterinary supply company for 10 years.
Gene Komer Ph.D. is Aurora’s Research and Development Manager. He graduated from the University of Missouri, Columbia, with a PhD in Agricultural Chemistry/Biochemistry. Dr. Komer has over 30 years of experience in all aspects of veterinary pharmaceutical development and production of Generally Recognized as Safe products, products allowed under Center for Veterinary Medicine regulatory discretion, generic Abbreviated New Animal Drug Applications and New Animal Drug Applications, all produced under cGMP.
Michael Chang

“Our Quality Mandate is to maximize the safety and quality of the Aurora Pharmaceutical drug products.” - Michael Chang

Michael Chang is Aurora’s Quality Assurance Manager. He graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a Bachelors degree in Computer Science Application and Chemistry. Mr. Chang has over 20 years experience, including positions in quality assurance, quality control and GMP jobs for several pharmaceutical and laboratory companies.
Alina Garbar Ph.D. is Aurora’s Quality Control Supervisor.  She graduated from Moscow University,  Russia.  Dr. Garbar is an experienced chemist, with the last 12 years focusing on different aspects in the pharmaceutical area – research and development, piloting, manufacturing,  analytical testing of active pharmaceutical ingredients and drug products.
Kevin Bell CPIM, CMfgT is Aurora’s Production Manager.  He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technolgy/Manufacturing Engineering.  Mr. Bell has 24 years experience within various manufacturing companies.  10 of these years were with cGMP pharmaceutical and medical device manufactures.