The Jackson Laboratory Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Jackson Laboratory has 5 executives leading key functions including information technology, financial management, operational oversight, human resources, and medical strategy.

Dedicated to advancing human health through genetics, The Jackson Laboratory drives global biomedical research by developing innovative mouse models and data-driven tools to combat complex diseases.

Leadership Roles at The Jackson Laboratory

  • Chief Financial Officer - Douglas Abbott
  • Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer - Jeffrey Wallerstein
  • Chief Information Officer - Iry Witham
  • Senior VP, Chief of Staff & Chief People Officer - Emily Schorer
  • Chief Medical Officer - Jens Rueter
  • Douglas Abbott - Chief Financial Officer

    Douglas Abbott, the Chief Financial Officer at The Jackson Laboratory, manages the fiscal health of the nonprofit biomedical research institution. Abbott oversees long-term financial planning, capital allocation, and grant management to sustain large-scale genetics research initiatives. By optimizing budgetary resources, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the laboratory maintains the necessary funding for developing mouse models and stem cell systems. Abbott directs financial reporting processes to provide transparency for stakeholders and regulatory bodies. This leadership role involves evaluating the economic viability of new research programs and infrastructure investments. Through rigorous fiscal oversight, Douglas Abbott supports the institution's ability to provide essential tools to the global scientific community. The Chief Financial Officer coordinates with research leadership to align financial strategies with the overarching goal of understanding human disease. Ultimately, Abbott secures the financial stability required for the laboratory to continue its mission of driving innovation in genomics and complex disease research.

    Jeffrey Wallerstein - Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer

    Jeffrey Wallerstein, the Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer at The Jackson Laboratory, executes the operational strategy for the institution's research facilities. Wallerstein manages the supply chain logistics for mouse model distribution and laboratory equipment procurement. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer enhances the efficiency of the laboratory's daily operations. Wallerstein oversees the physical infrastructure and facility maintenance required to support high-precision biomedical research. This leadership role involves balancing operational costs with the need for cutting-edge research capabilities. Through the coordination of administrative and research support teams, Jeffrey Wallerstein ensures the laboratory meets the demands of scientists studying cancer and neurological disorders. The Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer drives organizational performance by implementing lean management practices across all departments. Ultimately, Wallerstein maintains the operational excellence necessary for the institution to deliver high-quality research tools to the global scientific community.

    Iry Witham - Chief Information Officer

    Iry Witham, the Chief Information Officer at The Jackson Laboratory, directs the digital infrastructure supporting global genomics research. Witham architects scalable data systems that enable scientists worldwide to access critical mouse model information and complex genomic datasets. By modernizing computational frameworks, the Chief Information Officer ensures high-speed data processing for cancer and aging studies. Witham manages cybersecurity protocols to protect proprietary research assets while facilitating seamless collaboration across international research sites. This leadership role involves integrating advanced analytics into the laboratory's core research workflows to accelerate discovery timelines. Through the implementation of robust cloud-based solutions, Iry Witham optimizes the technological backbone of the institution. The Chief Information Officer maintains alignment with the broader mission of treating human disease by providing the necessary digital tools for high-throughput experimentation. Ultimately, Witham secures the integrity of the laboratory's vast data repositories, ensuring researchers possess the reliable information required for breakthrough medical advancements.

    Emily Schorer - Senior VP, Chief of Staff & Chief People Officer

    Emily Schorer, the Senior VP, Chief of Staff & Chief People Officer at The Jackson Laboratory, directs human capital strategy and organizational development. Schorer architects talent acquisition programs to attract top-tier researchers and scientists focused on genetics and genomics. By fostering a culture of innovation, the Senior VP, Chief of Staff & Chief People Officer ensures the laboratory retains the expertise needed to study complex human diseases. Schorer manages executive communications and coordinates strategic initiatives across the leadership team. This leadership role involves designing professional development pathways that align with the institution's research mission. Through the implementation of comprehensive employee engagement strategies, Emily Schorer supports the workforce driving the laboratory's global impact. The Senior VP, Chief of Staff & Chief People Officer oversees internal policy and organizational structure to maintain operational agility. Ultimately, Schorer cultivates the human talent necessary for the laboratory to remain at the forefront of biomedical research and discovery.

    Jens Rueter - Chief Medical Officer

    Jens Rueter, the Chief Medical Officer at The Jackson Laboratory, translates genomic research into clinical applications for treating human disease. Rueter directs the integration of medical insights into the development of mouse models and stem cell systems. By bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical practice, the Chief Medical Officer ensures the institution's tools address critical needs in cancer and aging research. Rueter collaborates with external medical partners to validate research findings and promote the adoption of data-driven tools. This leadership role involves guiding the scientific direction of clinical trials and translational medicine programs. Through the oversight of medical standards, Jens Rueter maintains the relevance of the laboratory's research in the broader healthcare landscape. The Chief Medical Officer provides the clinical perspective necessary to advance the understanding of complex diseases. Ultimately, Rueter drives the translation of genetic discoveries into actionable medical solutions that improve patient outcomes worldwide.
    Jens Rueter

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Jackson Laboratory Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The Jackson Laboratory?
    The Jackson Laboratory is led by Douglas Abbott (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Jeffrey Wallerstein (Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer) and Iry Witham (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of The Jackson Laboratory’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Jackson Laboratory includes leaders such as Douglas Abbott (Chief Financial Officer), Jeffrey Wallerstein (Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer), Iry Witham (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Jackson Laboratory have?
    The Jackson Laboratory has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The Jackson Laboratory’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The Jackson Laboratory includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Senior VP, Chief of Staff & Chief People Officer, Chief Medical Officer.