The Jackson Laboratory Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Jackson Laboratory has 6 executives leading key functions including finance, information technology, medical affairs, communications, innovation, and emeritus leadership.

Driven by a commitment to advancing human health, The Jackson Laboratory focuses on genetics and genomics research, developing critical tools and models for disease study and treatment.

Leadership Roles at The Jackson Laboratory

  • Chief Financial Officer - Lee Wilbur
  • President, S Innovation & Fellow - James Keck
  • Professor and President Emeritus - Edison Liu
  • Chief Information Officer - Iry Witham
  • Chief Medical Officer - Melissa Nirenberg
  • Vice President & Chief Communications Officer - Meghan Finn
  • Lee Wilbur - Chief Financial Officer

    Lee Wilbur, the Chief Financial Officer at The Jackson Laboratory, directs all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Wilbur manages budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, ensuring robust financial health for the institution's research endeavors. This leadership role involves optimizing financial performance to support the development of mouse models, stem cell systems, and data-driven tools essential for global scientific study. Wilbur's oversight extends to managing investments and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations, directly impacting the institution's capacity to fund groundbreaking research into cancer, aging, and neurological disorders. The Chief Financial Officer's strategic financial management enables The Jackson Laboratory to maintain its position as a leader in biomedical research and innovation, supporting scientists worldwide in their pursuit of understanding and treating complex human diseases.

    James Keck - President, S Innovation & Fellow

    James Keck, the President, S Innovation & Fellow at The Jackson Laboratory, drives strategic initiatives focused on pioneering new research methodologies and fostering innovation across the institution. Keck champions the development and application of cutting-edge technologies, including advanced mouse models and stem cell systems, essential for unraveling the complexities of human disease. This leadership position involves identifying emerging scientific opportunities and guiding the integration of novel approaches into the institution's core research programs. The President, S Innovation & Fellow's work directly supports advancements in understanding cancer, aging, neurological disorders, and other complex conditions. James Keck's commitment to innovation ensures The Jackson Laboratory remains at the vanguard of biomedical research, translating scientific discovery into tangible progress for human health.

    Edison Liu - Professor and President Emeritus

    Edison Liu, the Professor and President Emeritus at The Jackson Laboratory, continues to contribute profound expertise to the institution's legacy in genetics and genomics research. Liu's emeritus role signifies ongoing influence in shaping the scientific direction and fostering a culture of discovery, particularly concerning the genetic underpinnings of human disease. This distinguished position leverages extensive experience to guide strategic research priorities, focusing on areas such as cancer, aging, and neurological disorders. The Professor and President Emeritus provides invaluable mentorship and scientific counsel, supporting the development of critical research tools like mouse models and stem cell systems. Edison Liu's enduring connection to The Jackson Laboratory reinforces its commitment to advancing biomedical science and improving global health outcomes through rigorous research and innovation.

    Iry Witham - Chief Information Officer

    Iry Witham, the Chief Information Officer at The Jackson Laboratory, architects and executes the institution's comprehensive information technology strategy. Witham oversees all aspects of digital infrastructure, data management, and cybersecurity, ensuring the secure and efficient operation of systems critical to genetics and genomics research. This leadership position involves implementing advanced technological solutions that support the development and deployment of mouse models, stem cell systems, and data-driven tools used by scientists globally. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include driving digital transformation initiatives, enhancing data analytics capabilities, and safeguarding sensitive research data against evolving threats. Iry Witham's strategic vision ensures that The Jackson Laboratory remains at the forefront of technological innovation, empowering researchers to accelerate discoveries in areas such as cancer, aging, and neurological disorders.

    Melissa Nirenberg - Chief Medical Officer

    Melissa Nirenberg, the Chief Medical Officer at The Jackson Laboratory, provides critical medical and scientific leadership, guiding research initiatives focused on human disease. Nirenberg directs the translation of genetic and genomic research findings into actionable insights for disease understanding and treatment development. This executive role involves overseeing the clinical relevance of the institution's work, including the development and application of mouse models and stem cell systems for studying complex conditions. The Chief Medical Officer ensures that research aligns with pressing medical needs, particularly in areas like cancer, aging, and neurological disorders. Melissa Nirenberg's expertise is vital in connecting laboratory discoveries with potential therapeutic applications, reinforcing The Jackson Laboratory's mission to improve human health through rigorous scientific inquiry and innovation.

    Meghan Finn - Vice President & Chief Communications Officer

    Meghan Finn, the Vice President & Chief Communications Officer at The Jackson Laboratory, directs all internal and external communication strategies, shaping the institution's public narrative and stakeholder engagement. Finn oversees the dissemination of research advancements, institutional news, and the organization's mission to a global audience of scientists, policymakers, and the public. This leadership function is crucial for articulating the impact of genetics and genomics research, including the development of mouse models and data-driven tools, in understanding and treating human diseases. The Vice President & Chief Communications Officer ensures clear and consistent messaging regarding The Jackson Laboratory's contributions to fields such as cancer, aging, and neurological disorders. Meghan Finn's strategic communication efforts amplify the institution's influence and support its role as a premier biomedical research center.

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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 Lee Wilbur (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as James Keck (President, S Innovation & Fellow) and Edison Liu (Professor and President Emeritus).
    Who is part of The Jackson Laboratory’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Jackson Laboratory includes leaders such as Lee Wilbur (Chief Financial Officer), James Keck (President, S Innovation & Fellow), Edison Liu (Professor and President Emeritus) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Jackson Laboratory have?
    The Jackson Laboratory has 6 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, President, S Innovation & Fellow, Professor and President Emeritus, Chief Information Officer, Chief Medical Officer.