Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, information technology, finance, advancement, legal, institutional leadership, and sponsored programs.

Dedicated to advancing biomedical discovery, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory fosters a collaborative environment where researchers explore cancer, neuroscience, and plant biology to improve global health outcomes.

Leadership Roles at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

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

    Bruce Stillman, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, directs the overarching scientific vision and institutional strategy. Stillman oversees the integration of cancer research and neuroscience initiatives, ensuring alignment with the long-term mission of the organization. By managing high-level academic partnerships and resource allocation, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives the laboratory toward breakthroughs in quantitative biology. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to maintain the non-profit status and research integrity. Bruce Stillman also coordinates with department heads to prioritize funding for emerging biological studies. Through rigorous oversight of scientific output, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the reputation of the institution within the global biomedical community. Ultimately, Stillman maintains the standard of excellence required for pioneering research in New York and beyond.

    Nicholas Milowski - Chief Financial Officer

    Nicholas Milowski, the Chief Financial Officer at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the institution. Milowski oversees the allocation of research grants and endowment funds to support ongoing biomedical projects. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with federal and private funding requirements. This role involves working closely with the President to align financial resources with the strategic goals of the laboratory. Nicholas Milowski also monitors the economic impact of research initiatives, providing the data necessary for long-term planning. Through the optimization of financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer enhances transparency for stakeholders and donors. Milowski secures the capital required for facility upgrades and new scientific equipment. By managing the complex financial landscape of a non-profit research entity, the Chief Financial Officer supports the continued success of the laboratory.

    John Tuke - Chief Operating Officer

    John Tuke, the Chief Operating Officer at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, manages the daily administrative functions and facility operations. Tuke ensures that the physical infrastructure supports the complex needs of biomedical research teams. By optimizing internal workflows, the Chief Operating Officer improves efficiency across all laboratory departments. This role involves coordinating with the finance and research divisions to streamline resource distribution. John Tuke also monitors operational safety protocols to protect the staff and the integrity of the experiments. Through the implementation of robust management systems, the Chief Operating Officer supports the expansion of research capabilities. Tuke maintains a focus on operational sustainability, ensuring that the laboratory remains a premier destination for scientists. By aligning administrative support with scientific goals, the Chief Operating Officer facilitates the seamless execution of the institutional mission.
    John Tuke

    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, directs fundraising efforts and donor relations. Prizzi cultivates relationships with philanthropic partners to secure the financial future of the research programs. By managing the advancement team, the Senior VP, Advancement & Special To The Advisor & President ensures that the laboratory receives the necessary support for cancer and plant biology research. This role involves advising the President on strategic outreach and community engagement. Charles Prizzi also coordinates special events that highlight the scientific achievements of the institution to a broader audience. Through the development of comprehensive donor strategies, the Senior VP, Advancement & Special To The Advisor & President expands the reach of the laboratory. Prizzi maintains a focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that the mission remains well-funded. By connecting the laboratory with the public, the Senior VP, Advancement & Special To The Advisor & President drives institutional growth.

    Morgan Browne - President

    Morgan Browne, the President at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, provides high-level leadership for specific institutional initiatives and organizational development. Browne oversees the implementation of strategic programs that enhance the reputation of the laboratory in the scientific community. By fostering partnerships with academic institutions, the President expands the collaborative network of the organization. This role involves working with the executive team to ensure that the mission of the laboratory remains at the forefront of biomedical research. Morgan Browne also monitors the progress of key projects, providing guidance to ensure that goals are met efficiently. Through the promotion of the laboratory's research, the President increases the visibility of the work conducted in New York. Browne maintains a focus on institutional growth, supporting the development of new research areas. By providing steady leadership, the President ensures that the laboratory continues to lead in the fields of neuroscience and cancer biology.

    MaryJo Zaborowski - Chief Information Officer

    MaryJo Zaborowski, the Chief Information Officer at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern quantitative biology. Zaborowski manages the data storage and computational systems required for large-scale genomic analysis. By implementing secure network protocols, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive research data from external threats. This leadership role involves collaborating with scientists to provide the high-performance computing resources essential for neuroscience and cancer studies. MaryJo Zaborowski also oversees the digital transformation of administrative processes to enhance institutional productivity. Through the deployment of advanced software solutions, the Chief Information Officer ensures that researchers possess the tools for data-driven discovery. Zaborowski maintains a focus on technological scalability, supporting the growth of the laboratory. By bridging the gap between complex biological data and information technology, the Chief Information Officer drives innovation across the entire organization.

    Debbie Arenare - Vice President, General Counsel

    Debbie Arenare, the Vice President, General Counsel at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, manages all legal affairs and regulatory compliance. Arenare oversees the protection of intellectual property generated by the research teams. By providing legal guidance on contracts and partnerships, the Vice President, General Counsel ensures that the laboratory operates within the bounds of federal and state law. This role involves mitigating risk for the institution while supporting the collaborative nature of scientific research. Debbie Arenare also handles employment law and institutional policy development to maintain a professional environment. Through the careful review of research agreements, the Vice President, General Counsel safeguards the interests of the laboratory. Arenare maintains a focus on ethical compliance, ensuring that all studies adhere to rigorous standards. By providing essential legal support, the Vice President, General Counsel enables the scientists to focus on their primary mission of discovery.

    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 research grants. Goldschmidts oversees the submission process for federal and private funding applications. By ensuring that all proposals meet the strict requirements of funding agencies, the Vice President and Executive Director, Office of Sponsored Programs secures the resources necessary for scientific inquiry. This role involves coordinating with researchers to track grant compliance and reporting. Walter Goldschmidts also monitors the lifecycle of sponsored projects, ensuring that funds are utilized according to the terms of the awards. Through the management of the Office of Sponsored Programs, the Vice President and Executive Director, Office of Sponsored Programs facilitates the financial stability of the research departments. Goldschmidts maintains a focus on maximizing funding opportunities, supporting the diverse research portfolio of the laboratory.

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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 John Tuke (Chief Operating Officer).
    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), John Tuke (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have?
    Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has 8 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, Chief Operating Officer, Senior VP, Advancement & Special To The Advisor & President, President.