Every breakthrough at HeartWorks begins with a dedicated team of individuals who share a common goal: transforming the future of congenital heart disease (CHD) care. One of those team members is Tim Klossner, or “TK,” as everyone in the lab calls him. His energy and humor set the tone for the team, while his calm, steady leadership ensures that every detail of the manufacturing process meets the highest standards. Together, those qualities help shape products that could one day transform lives.
Originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, TK now calls the Twin Cities home. His wife, two young daughters, a dog and a cat fill his busy household. When he isn’t immersed in advancing HeartWorks’ mission, TK embraces the joys of family life – finding joy and pride in watching his girls learn and grow! Winter holds a special place in his heart; he seizes every opportunity to hit the slopes. In recent years, he’s had the joy of sharing his love of skiing with his daughters and watching them fall in love with the sport.
TK’s combination of professional focus and vibrant personality makes him a vital part of HeartWorks’ growing mission to bring innovative, regenerative solutions to the CHD community.
From ReGen to HeartWorks: A Journey of Growth and Purpose
TK began his journey with ReGen in April 2016, well before the organization evolved into HeartWorks as it is known today. From the very start, his work has spanned nearly every corner of the manufacturing process. Early in his career, TK focused on the CardiaCord product, an early-stage therapy that relied on processing and manufacturing cord blood for treatment. For years, he balanced a demanding schedule of being on call for urgent manufacturing and traveling to help support treatments.
His curiosity and adaptability led him to explore induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) products, a cornerstone of HeartWorks’ work today. Through these experiences, TK developed a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in creating regenerative cell therapies. This is the foundation that continues to guide his leadership.
Now, as Director of Manufacturing, TK oversees production to ensure every product meets the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and quality. He spends less time inside the biological safety cabinet (the controlled space where cell therapy products are handled.) However, he stays closely connected to the process. Each day, he empowers his team, drives quality operations, and prepares HeartWorks to meet the growing needs of CHD.
Driving Innovation for the CHD Community
Pictured above: The office on TK’s first day. Fast forward to today: The office is now our R&D space. Our current office space is home to around 40 HeartWorks employees.
At its core, HeartWorks exists to give hope and healing to children, adults and families impacted by hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and other congenital heart defects. It’s this important mission that keeps TK motivated every single day.
He finds deep fulfillment in knowing that the manufacturing team is creating something that has the potential to change lives. The complex science behind regenerative medicine can often feel distant to those outside the lab, but for TK, the connection between process and purpose is crystal clear: each vial, each batch, and each quality check represents a future filled with possibility for a child born with a CHD.
What inspires him most isn’t just the science itself, it’s the people behind it. He’s proud to work with colleagues who are driven not only by technical excellence but by compassion. Together, they’re ensuring that every innovation is built on a foundation of care, collaboration, and commitment to the families HeartWorks serves.
A Glimpse Beyond the Lab: Energy, Humor, and Heart
While TK’s professional life revolves around precision, protocols, and product pipelines, those who know him best recognize the sharp humor and infectious energy that define his personality. When asked about his passions outside of work, TK’s quick-witted answer…“Breathing. All day, every day.” This perfectly captures his lighthearted spirit.
That sense of balance between dedication and levity is what makes TK such an effective leader. He believes that meaningful work should also bring joy, and he encourages his team to take pride not only in what they accomplish but also in how they grow together.
Looking Ahead: Building the Future of Regenerative Medicine
As HeartWorks continues to expand its reach and impact, TK is energized by the growth of the manufacturing team and the infrastructure they’ve built together. What started as a small, ambitious group has evolved into a sophisticated operation with the capability to bring regenerative therapies to more patients with CHD.
TK sees this progress as both a professional milestone and a personal point of pride. The systems, standards, and people he’s helped cultivate form the backbone of HeartWorks’ ability to deliver on its promise. A promise not just for today, but for years to come.
At HeartWorks, innovation is never static. It’s driven by the people who believe that every detail matters because every patient matters. For TK, it’s a privilege to help build that foundation. One that’s rooted in science, strengthened by teamwork, and powered by heart.
Hang out with TK
Tim leads our monthly virtual lab tours and is going to begin a new cell manufacturing video series!
