Leadership Overview
Salk Institute for Biological Studies has 4 executives leading key functions including financial oversight, operational management, and scientific leadership.
Dedicated to pioneering breakthroughs in biological research, Salk Institute for Biological Studies advances global health through rigorous investigation into aging, cancer, and neuroscience to transform human medicine.
Dedicated to pioneering breakthroughs in biological research, Salk Institute for Biological Studies advances global health through rigorous investigation into aging, cancer, and neuroscience to transform human medicine.
Leadership Roles at Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Kim Witmer - Chief Financial Officer
Kim Witmer, the Chief Financial Officer at Salk Institute for Biological Studies, directs the fiscal strategy supporting complex scientific research initiatives. Witmer manages institutional budgets, ensuring resources align with the core mission of exploring aging and regenerative medicine. By overseeing financial planning and analysis, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the economic stability required for long-term laboratory operations. Kim Witmer collaborates with the Board to secure funding streams that sustain high-impact cancer biology and neuroscience projects. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of grant management and capital allocation across the research enterprise. Through precise fiscal governance, the Chief Financial Officer enables the institute to pursue ambitious scientific goals without compromising operational integrity. Witmer optimizes resource distribution to support the diverse needs of the research faculty, ultimately fostering an environment where groundbreaking discoveries flourish within the competitive landscape of non-profit scientific research.
Marie Carter-Dubois - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Marie Carter-Dubois, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Salk Institute for Biological Studies, architects the financial frameworks necessary for large-scale scientific advancement. Carter-Dubois manages the institutional investment portfolio and long-term financial planning to support research into metabolism, diabetes, and immune system biology. By driving fiscal transparency, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that every dollar contributes directly to the institute's scientific output. Marie Carter-Dubois coordinates with executive leadership to align financial performance with the strategic goals of the research departments. This role involves managing complex regulatory compliance and financial reporting standards essential for a non-profit research entity. Through strategic financial modeling, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to expand laboratory capabilities and attract top-tier scientific talent. Carter-Dubois maintains the financial health of the organization, providing the foundation for sustained innovation in the global scientific community.

Suzanne Page - Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
Suzanne Page, the Vice President, Chief Operating Officer at Salk Institute for Biological Studies, executes the operational strategies that sustain world-class scientific research. Page oversees the daily management of laboratory facilities, administrative infrastructure, and campus operations to ensure seamless support for plant biology and neuroscience research. By streamlining internal processes, the Vice President, Chief Operating Officer enhances the efficiency of the research environment. Suzanne Page coordinates cross-departmental initiatives to optimize the use of specialized equipment and shared resources across the institute. This leadership role involves managing the physical and digital infrastructure required for high-stakes biological investigations. Through proactive operational planning, the Vice President, Chief Operating Officer mitigates risks and supports the productivity of the scientific staff. Page drives the implementation of organizational policies that foster a collaborative and safe research culture, ensuring that the institute remains at the forefront of scientific discovery and operational excellence.
Gerald Joyce - President
Gerald Joyce, the President at Salk Institute for Biological Studies, defines the overarching scientific vision and strategic direction for the entire research organization. Joyce leads the pursuit of transformative discoveries in aging, cancer biology, and regenerative medicine. By setting the research agenda, the President ensures that the institute addresses the most pressing challenges in human health. Gerald Joyce engages with the scientific community and external stakeholders to promote the institute's mission and secure support for its ambitious research programs. This leadership role involves mentoring principal investigators and fostering a culture of intellectual rigor and innovation. Through the guidance of the President, the institute maintains its status as a premier destination for biological research. Joyce oversees the alignment of scientific goals with the broader institutional mission, ensuring that every project contributes to the advancement of medical knowledge. The President drives the strategic growth of the research portfolio, positioning the institute for continued global impact.