RTI International Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

RTI International has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, operations, and medical affairs.

Driven by a commitment to global impact, RTI International advances health and economic opportunity through rigorous research and technical services, fostering a culture of innovation and integrity for government and commercial clients worldwide.

Leadership Roles at RTI International

  • Chief Executive Officer - Rollie Nevins
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Tim Gabel
  • Chief Financial Officer - Andrew Cox
  • Manager, Chief Financial Officer Transformation's Talent and Culture (Special Initiative) - Laura Slaughter
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jim Suggs
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Michael Kaelin
  • President - Richard Tisch
  • Chief Technology Officer - Kevin Marty
  • Chief Medical Officer - Leila Kahwati
  • Chief Operations Officer - Scott Simpson
  • Rollie Nevins - Chief Executive Officer

    Rollie Nevins, the Chief Executive Officer at RTI International, directs the organization's overarching strategy and global operations. Nevins guides the institute's mission to improve the human condition by delivering research, development, and technical services to government and commercial clients. This leadership role involves setting the strategic vision, fostering innovation across all research divisions, and ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the nonprofit institute. Overseeing all major initiatives, Rollie Nevins drives the organization's impact in areas such as health, education, and economic development. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include cultivating key partnerships, representing RTI International on the global stage, and championing the institute's commitment to scientific rigor and ethical conduct. This executive ensures alignment with client needs and market demands, positioning RTI International as a leader in applied research and development.
    Rollie Nevins

    Tim Gabel - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Tim Gabel, the President & Chief Executive Officer at RTI International, executes the strategic direction and operational management of the global research institute. Gabel leads the organization's efforts to provide comprehensive research, development, and technical services to a diverse range of government and commercial clients. This executive role encompasses driving growth, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, impactful research outcomes. Overseeing all functional areas, Tim Gabel champions a culture of innovation and collaboration, essential for addressing complex global challenges. The President & Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes fostering strong client relationships, expanding market reach, and guiding the institute's long-term vision. By directing strategic initiatives, Gabel ensures RTI International remains at the forefront of scientific advancement and societal improvement.
    Tim Gabel

    Andrew Cox - Chief Financial Officer

    Andrew Cox, the Chief Financial Officer at RTI International, directs the organization's financial strategy and fiscal operations. Cox oversees all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and reporting, ensuring the fiscal health and sustainability of the nonprofit institute. This critical role involves managing financial resources, optimizing investment strategies, and ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations. Overseeing the finance department, Andrew Cox provides essential financial insights to support strategic decision-making across all research and development initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include managing risk, securing funding, and driving financial performance to support RTI International's mission of improving the human condition globally. By ensuring robust financial management, Cox enables the institute to undertake ambitious projects and maintain its position as a leading research organization.

    Laura Slaughter - Manager, Chief Financial Officer Transformation's Talent and Culture (Special Initiative)

    Laura Slaughter, the Manager, Chief Financial Officer Transformation's Talent and Culture (Special Initiative) at RTI International, leads critical human capital strategies within the finance division. Slaughter focuses on developing and implementing programs that enhance talent acquisition, employee engagement, and cultural development specifically within the context of financial transformation initiatives. This role involves aligning talent management practices with the evolving needs of the CFO's office, ensuring a skilled and motivated workforce. Overseeing talent and culture initiatives, Laura Slaughter drives efforts to build a robust team capable of supporting complex financial operations and strategic changes. The Manager's responsibilities include fostering a positive work environment, promoting professional growth, and ensuring that the finance department's human resources are optimized for maximum effectiveness and alignment with RTI International's overall mission.

    Jim Suggs - Chief Operating Officer

    Jim Suggs, the Chief Operating Officer at RTI International, manages the day-to-day operational functions and ensures the efficient execution of the institute's research and development projects. Suggs oversees the operational infrastructure, including project management, resource allocation, and process optimization, to support the delivery of high-quality technical services to government and commercial clients. This leadership position involves driving operational excellence, enhancing productivity, and ensuring seamless project execution across diverse global initiatives. Overseeing operational teams, Jim Suggs focuses on streamlining workflows and implementing best practices to maximize the impact of RTI International's research. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include ensuring compliance with operational standards and fostering a collaborative environment that supports the institute's mission of improving the human condition.

    Michael Kaelin - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Kaelin, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at RTI International, directs the comprehensive operational strategy and execution across the institute's global activities. Kaelin oversees a broad spectrum of functions, including project delivery, resource management, and operational efficiency, ensuring the seamless implementation of research and development projects for government and commercial clients. This senior leadership role involves driving operational excellence, optimizing resource allocation, and fostering a culture of high performance and accountability throughout the organization. Overseeing global operations, Michael Kaelin ensures that RTI International consistently delivers impactful results and maintains its reputation for scientific integrity and client satisfaction. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer's mandate includes enhancing operational frameworks to support the institute's mission of advancing health and economic opportunity worldwide.
    Michael Kaelin

    Richard Tisch - President

    Richard Tisch, the President at RTI International, drives the strategic vision and operational leadership for the institute's global research and development endeavors. Tisch oversees key initiatives aimed at advancing health and economic opportunity through rigorous scientific inquiry and technical services provided to government and commercial clients worldwide. This executive role involves fostering innovation, cultivating strategic partnerships, and ensuring the effective execution of projects that address complex societal challenges. Overseeing critical organizational functions, Richard Tisch champions a culture of excellence and collaboration, essential for maintaining RTI International's position as a leading independent research institute. The President's mandate includes guiding the institute's growth, enhancing its impact, and ensuring its continued commitment to scientific integrity and client success.

    Kevin Marty - Chief Technology Officer

    Kevin Marty, the Chief Technology Officer at RTI International, spearheads the organization's technological innovation and infrastructure development. Marty directs the strategy for leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance research capabilities, improve operational efficiency, and deliver advanced technical services to clients worldwide. This executive role involves overseeing the IT department, managing data security, and implementing digital solutions that support RTI International's diverse research portfolio. Overseeing technology adoption, Kevin Marty ensures that the institute remains at the forefront of technological advancements, enabling groundbreaking research in areas such as public health, environmental science, and economic development. The Chief Technology Officer's mandate includes fostering a culture of technological excellence and driving the digital transformation necessary to meet evolving client needs and global challenges.

    Leila Kahwati - Chief Medical Officer

    Leila Kahwati, the Chief Medical Officer at RTI International, provides critical medical and public health expertise to guide the institute's research and development initiatives. Kahwati oversees the strategic direction of health-related projects, ensuring scientific rigor and clinical relevance in areas such as disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and global health equity. This executive role involves advising on medical best practices, interpreting health data, and ensuring that research aligns with current medical knowledge and public health priorities. Overseeing medical affairs, Leila Kahwati collaborates with research teams to translate scientific findings into actionable health solutions for diverse populations. The Chief Medical Officer's responsibilities include championing evidence-based approaches and contributing to RTI International's mission of improving health outcomes globally through impactful research and technical assistance.
    Leila Kahwati

    Scott Simpson - Chief Operations Officer

    Scott Simpson, the Chief Operations Officer at RTI International, leads the strategic management and optimization of the institute's operational infrastructure. Simpson directs efforts to enhance project execution, streamline internal processes, and ensure the efficient deployment of resources to support global research and development activities. This executive position focuses on driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all functional areas. Overseeing operational frameworks, Scott Simpson ensures that RTI International effectively delivers technical services to government and commercial clients, maintaining high standards of quality and impact. The Chief Operations Officer's responsibilities include managing operational risks, implementing innovative solutions, and aligning operational strategies with the institute's overarching mission to advance health and economic opportunity worldwide.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding RTI International Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads RTI International?
    RTI International is led by Rollie Nevins (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Tim Gabel (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Andrew Cox (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of RTI International’s executive team?
    The executive team of RTI International includes leaders such as Rollie Nevins (Chief Executive Officer), Tim Gabel (President & Chief Executive Officer), Andrew Cox (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does RTI International have?
    RTI International has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in RTI International’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of RTI International includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Manager, Chief Financial Officer Transformation's Talent and Culture (Special Initiative), Chief Operating Officer.