Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, finance, advancement, operations, and legal affairs.

Driven by a commitment to scientific discovery, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory advances understanding in cancer, neuroscience, plant biology, and quantitative biology through rigorous research and comprehensive education, solidifying its impact on global health and biological sciences.

Leadership Roles at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Bruce Stillman
  • Chief Financial Officer - Nicholas Milowski
  • Senior VP, Advancement & Special To The Advisor & President - Charles Prizzi
  • President - G. Browne
  • Chief Information Officer - MaryJo Zaborowski
  • Vice President and Executive Director, Office of Sponsored Programs - Walter Goldschmidts
  • Vice President, General Counsel - Debbie Arenare
  • Bruce Stillman - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Bruce Stillman, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution of the non-profit biomedical research institution. Overseeing critical research initiatives in cancer, neuroscience, plant biology, and quantitative biology, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures scientific excellence and fosters an environment conducive to groundbreaking discoveries. This leadership role involves guiding the laboratory's educational programs and its commitment to advancing biological understanding. By aligning departmental objectives with the overarching mission, Bruce Stillman drives the laboratory's impact on global health and scientific progress. The President & Chief Executive Officer also engages with key stakeholders, including scientific communities and funding bodies, to secure resources and champion the laboratory's contributions.

    Nicholas Milowski - Chief Financial Officer

    Nicholas Milowski, the Chief Financial Officer at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, directs the financial strategy and fiscal management of the non-profit research institution. Overseeing all financial operations, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the prudent allocation of resources to support vital research in cancer, neuroscience, plant biology, and quantitative biology. This critical role involves developing budgets, managing investments, and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations. By maintaining strong financial health, Nicholas Milowski enables the laboratory to pursue its ambitious scientific and educational goals. The Chief Financial Officer also collaborates with other executive leaders to align financial planning with the institution's strategic priorities, safeguarding its long-term sustainability and operational capacity.

    Charles Prizzi - Senior VP, Advancement & Special To The Advisor & President

    Charles Prizzi, the Senior VP, Advancement & Special To The Advisor & President at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, spearheads the institution's fundraising and donor relations efforts. Overseeing all advancement activities, the Senior VP, Advancement & Special To The Advisor & President cultivates relationships with benefactors to secure vital funding for research in cancer, neuroscience, plant biology, and quantitative biology. This leadership position involves developing and executing strategic campaigns to enhance philanthropic support and ensure the laboratory's financial stability. By fostering strong connections with supporters, Charles Prizzi directly contributes to the expansion of scientific inquiry and educational programs. The Senior VP, Advancement & Special To The Advisor & President also advises the President on key strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment between development goals and institutional objectives.

    G. Browne - President

    G. Browne, the President at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, guides the strategic direction and operational oversight of the renowned research institution. Overseeing key institutional functions, the President ensures the continued advancement of pioneering research in cancer, neuroscience, plant biology, and quantitative biology. This executive role involves fostering a culture of scientific excellence and innovation, while also managing relationships with external partners and stakeholders. By championing the laboratory's mission, G. Browne drives its impact on biological sciences and human health. The President also plays a crucial part in shaping the institution's long-term vision and ensuring its sustained contribution to scientific knowledge and education.

    MaryJo Zaborowski - Chief Information Officer

    MaryJo Zaborowski, the Chief Information Officer at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, architects and manages the institution's comprehensive information technology infrastructure. Overseeing all aspects of digital operations, the Chief Information Officer ensures the seamless integration of technology to support cutting-edge research and educational endeavors across cancer, neuroscience, plant biology, and quantitative biology. This leadership position involves developing and implementing robust IT strategies that enhance data security, facilitate collaboration among scientists, and optimize research workflows. By driving technological innovation, MaryJo Zaborowski empowers the laboratory's researchers with the tools necessary for discovery. The Chief Information Officer also directs the IT department's efforts in maintaining system reliability and supporting the institution's long-term growth objectives.

    Walter Goldschmidts - Vice President and Executive Director, Office of Sponsored Programs

    Walter Goldschmidts, the Vice President and Executive Director, Office of Sponsored Programs at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, manages the acquisition and administration of external research funding. Overseeing the entire lifecycle of grant proposals and awards, the Vice President and Executive Director, Office of Sponsored Programs ensures compliance with funding agency regulations and institutional policies. This critical role supports research endeavors across cancer, neuroscience, plant biology, and quantitative biology by securing necessary financial resources. By streamlining the sponsored programs process, Walter Goldschmidts enables scientists to focus on their groundbreaking work. The Vice President and Executive Director, Office of Sponsored Programs also works to maximize the laboratory's success in obtaining competitive grants, thereby bolstering its research capacity and scientific output.

    Debbie Arenare - Vice President, General Counsel

    Debbie Arenare, the Vice President, General Counsel at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, provides comprehensive legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the non-profit research institution. Directing the legal strategy, the Vice President, General Counsel ensures adherence to all applicable laws and regulations governing research, intellectual property, and corporate governance. This essential role supports the laboratory's operations in cancer, neuroscience, plant biology, and quantitative biology by mitigating legal risks and safeguarding institutional interests. By providing expert legal guidance, Debbie Arenare enables the organization to pursue its scientific mission with confidence. The Vice President, General Counsel also manages external legal resources and advises executive leadership on critical legal matters, ensuring the laboratory's integrity and compliance.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory?
    Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is led by Bruce Stillman (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Nicholas Milowski (Chief Financial Officer) and Charles Prizzi (Senior VP, Advancement & Special To The Advisor & President).
    Who is part of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory includes leaders such as Bruce Stillman (President & Chief Executive Officer), Nicholas Milowski (Chief Financial Officer), Charles Prizzi (Senior VP, Advancement & Special To The Advisor & President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have?
    Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Senior VP, Advancement & Special To The Advisor & President, President, Chief Information Officer.