Joslin Diabetes Center Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Joslin Diabetes Center has 4 executives leading key functions including clinical research, strategic operations, financial management, and organizational leadership.

Dedicated to advancing diabetes care, Joslin Diabetes Center prioritizes groundbreaking research and comprehensive patient education to improve global health outcomes for individuals living with diabetes.

Leadership Roles at Joslin Diabetes Center

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Peter Amenta
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Roberta Herman
  • Chief Financial Officer - Kristil Smith
  • Chief Operating Officer - Susan Lit
  • Peter Amenta - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Peter Amenta, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Joslin Diabetes Center, directs the overarching research strategy and clinical mission. Amenta oversees the integration of laboratory discoveries into patient care protocols, ensuring the organization maintains a leading position in diabetes research. By fostering collaborations with academic institutions, the President & Chief Executive Officer expands the reach of clinical trials across North American markets. This leadership role requires constant alignment with the Board to secure funding for long-term scientific initiatives. Peter Amenta drives the development of innovative therapeutic approaches, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of diabetes. Through rigorous oversight of scientific programs, Amenta ensures that research outputs translate into tangible improvements for patient health. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on sustainable growth, ensuring that the center remains at the forefront of medical innovation while addressing the complex needs of the global diabetes community.

    Roberta Herman - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Roberta Herman, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Joslin Diabetes Center, manages the operational delivery of clinical services and educational programs. Herman focuses on optimizing patient access to specialized diabetes care, ensuring that clinical workflows support high-quality outcomes. By streamlining administrative processes, the President & Chief Executive Officer enhances the efficiency of the center's outpatient facilities. Roberta Herman directs the implementation of digital health initiatives, expanding the availability of remote education and support services across diverse regional populations. This role involves coordinating with clinical department heads to maintain excellence in patient-centered care. Through strategic resource allocation, Herman supports the expansion of clinical capacity to meet rising demand. The President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization remains responsive to evolving healthcare regulations, maintaining a commitment to superior service standards. Herman drives the operational success of the center, ensuring that clinical excellence remains the primary focus of all institutional activities.

    Kristil Smith - Chief Financial Officer

    Kristil Smith, the Chief Financial Officer at Joslin Diabetes Center, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the organization. Smith manages the allocation of capital toward research grants, clinical equipment, and educational initiatives. By overseeing the budgeting process, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the long-term sustainability of the center's mission. Kristil Smith monitors revenue streams from clinical services and philanthropic contributions, providing the financial transparency required for strategic decision-making. This role involves collaborating with the executive team to evaluate the financial viability of new research projects and clinical expansions. Through rigorous financial planning, Smith mitigates fiscal risks and optimizes the use of institutional assets. The Chief Financial Officer drives the development of financial models that support the growth of the center's research capabilities. By maintaining strong relationships with donors and stakeholders, Smith ensures that the organization possesses the necessary capital to continue its vital work in diabetes research and patient care.

    Susan Lit - Chief Operating Officer

    Susan Lit, the Chief Operating Officer at Joslin Diabetes Center, architects the internal infrastructure required to support large-scale clinical and research operations. Lit oversees the daily management of facilities, ensuring that all physical and digital environments meet the rigorous standards of a premier diabetes research center. By optimizing supply chain logistics for clinical materials, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that medical teams possess the necessary tools for patient care. Susan Lit coordinates cross-departmental workflows to improve organizational agility and responsiveness. This leadership role involves managing the integration of new technology platforms to enhance data management and patient record accuracy. Through the implementation of lean management principles, Lit drives operational efficiency across all departments. The Chief Operating Officer maintains a focus on scaling internal processes to support the center's mission, ensuring that administrative functions align with the strategic goals of the organization. Lit secures the operational foundation necessary for sustained medical advancement.
    Susan Lit

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Joslin Diabetes Center Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Joslin Diabetes Center?
    Joslin Diabetes Center is led by Peter Amenta (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Roberta Herman (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Kristil Smith (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Joslin Diabetes Center’s executive team?
    The executive team of Joslin Diabetes Center includes leaders such as Peter Amenta (President & Chief Executive Officer), Roberta Herman (President & Chief Executive Officer), Kristil Smith (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Joslin Diabetes Center have?
    Joslin Diabetes Center has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Joslin Diabetes Center’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Joslin Diabetes Center includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.