The Jackson Laboratory Executive and Leadership Team

Jeffrey Wallerstein, the Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer at The Jackson Laboratory, manages the fiscal health and operational logistics of the biomedical research institution. Wallerstein oversees the financial planning required to sustain large-scale genetics research and the production of specialized mouse models. By directing capital allocation and resource management, the Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer ensures that laboratory facilities operate at peak efficiency. This leadership role involves balancing the needs of diverse research programs with the long-term financial sustainability of the nonprofit entity. Jeffrey Wallerstein monitors global supply chain operations to guarantee the consistent delivery of research tools to scientists worldwide. Through rigorous financial oversight and operational discipline, the Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer supports the expansion of genomic research capabilities. Wallerstein secures the necessary funding and infrastructure to advance studies in cancer and aging, directly impacting the institution's ability to deliver transformative medical insights.

Iry Witham, the Chief Information Officer at The Jackson Laboratory, directs the digital infrastructure supporting global genomics research. Witham manages the complex data-driven tools required for mouse model development and stem cell systems analysis. By architecting secure, scalable cloud environments, the Chief Information Officer ensures that researchers worldwide access critical genetic datasets without latency. This leadership role involves integrating advanced computational biology platforms with institutional research workflows to maximize scientific output. Iry Witham oversees the cybersecurity posture protecting proprietary biomedical intellectual property across North American and international research sites. Through the implementation of high-performance computing clusters, the Chief Information Officer drives efficiency in data processing for cancer and aging studies. This technical oversight remains vital for maintaining the institution's competitive edge in the rapidly evolving field of precision medicine, ensuring that all digital assets align with the broader mission of understanding and treating human disease.

Emily Schorer, the Senior VP, Chief of Staff & Chief People Officer at The Jackson Laboratory, manages organizational strategy and human capital development. Schorer aligns the workforce with the institution's core mission of genetics and genomics research. By overseeing talent acquisition and retention programs, the Senior VP, Chief of Staff & Chief People Officer ensures that top-tier scientists and researchers thrive within the nonprofit environment. This leadership role involves coordinating executive board activities and streamlining internal communications to foster a culture of innovation. Emily Schorer drives initiatives that support diversity and professional growth across all research departments. Through the optimization of organizational structures, the Senior VP, Chief of Staff & Chief People Officer enhances operational agility, allowing the institution to respond effectively to emerging challenges in neurological disorders and complex disease research. Schorer maintains a focus on building a high-performance culture that sustains long-term scientific impact.

Melissa Nirenberg, the Chief Medical Officer at The Jackson Laboratory, directs the clinical translation of genomic research findings into actionable medical knowledge. Nirenberg bridges the gap between laboratory-based mouse model studies and the understanding of human disease. By overseeing clinical collaborations, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that research outcomes address critical needs in neurology and complex disease treatment. This leadership role involves guiding the integration of genetic data into clinical practice, facilitating the development of new therapeutic pathways. Melissa Nirenberg coordinates with research teams to validate findings that impact patient care and diagnostic accuracy. Through the application of medical expertise, the Chief Medical Officer drives the translation of stem cell systems research into real-world applications. Nirenberg maintains a focus on ethical research standards and clinical safety, ensuring that all scientific advancements adhere to rigorous medical protocols while pushing the boundaries of modern genomics to improve human health outcomes.