The Jackson Laboratory Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Jackson Laboratory has 5 executives leading key functions including finance, information technology, human resources, medical affairs, and operations.

Driven by scientific discovery, The Jackson Laboratory advances human health through groundbreaking genetics and genomics research, developing essential tools and models for global disease study.

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, directs the institution's financial strategy and operations. Abbott oversees all fiscal activities, including budgeting, financial planning, accounting, and investment management, ensuring robust financial health and resource allocation to support the laboratory's research objectives. This leadership role involves managing financial risks and optimizing financial performance to sustain long-term growth and operational efficiency. Abbott's oversight extends to financial reporting and compliance, maintaining transparency and accountability across all departments. The Chief Financial Officer's strategic guidance is crucial for securing funding and managing expenditures related to the development of mouse models, stem cell systems, and data-driven tools that empower scientists globally in their pursuit of understanding and treating complex human diseases like cancer and neurological disorders. Abbott's financial acumen directly supports the institution's mission to translate genetic discoveries into tangible health benefits.

    Jeffrey Wallerstein - Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer

    Jeffrey Wallerstein, the Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer at The Jackson Laboratory, drives operational excellence and financial integrity across the institution. Wallerstein oversees the day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient resource utilization and seamless execution of research programs, while also managing the organization's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. This combined leadership role integrates financial oversight with operational management, optimizing workflows and resource allocation to support the development of critical research tools like mouse models and stem cell systems. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include enhancing productivity, managing facilities, and ensuring compliance with operational standards. Jeffrey Wallerstein's financial acumen ensures that investments in genomics research and data-driven tools are strategically managed for maximum impact. By aligning financial resources with operational objectives, Wallerstein directly supports The Jackson Laboratory's mission to advance human health through genetic and genomic discoveries.

    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 directs the management of all IT infrastructure, systems, and digital resources, ensuring secure, reliable, and scalable technological support for cutting-edge genetics and genomics research. This involves overseeing data management, cybersecurity, network operations, and the implementation of advanced analytical tools essential for processing vast datasets generated by the laboratory's work. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include driving digital transformation initiatives that enhance research capabilities and operational workflows. Witham's leadership ensures that scientists worldwide have access to the data-driven tools and computational resources needed to study cancer, aging, neurological disorders, and other complex diseases. By fostering innovation in IT, Iry Witham directly enables the laboratory's mission to unravel the genetic underpinnings of human disease and accelerate therapeutic development.

    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, provides strategic leadership across critical organizational functions. Schorer directs human capital management, encompassing talent acquisition, development, employee relations, and organizational culture, ensuring a highly skilled and engaged workforce dedicated to the institution's mission. As Chief of Staff, Emily Schorer facilitates strategic initiatives, enhances operational efficiency, and supports executive decision-making by aligning departmental efforts with overarching institutional goals. This dual role involves managing key projects, optimizing internal communications, and fostering a collaborative environment that supports groundbreaking biomedical research. The Chief People Officer's focus on talent development is vital for attracting and retaining top scientific and operational talent needed for genetics and genomics research. Schorer's comprehensive oversight ensures that The Jackson Laboratory's human resources are strategically aligned to drive innovation in understanding and treating human diseases.

    Jens Rueter - Chief Medical Officer

    Jens Rueter, the Chief Medical Officer at The Jackson Laboratory, provides critical medical and scientific leadership, guiding the translation of genetic and genomic research into clinical applications. Rueter oversees the development and implementation of strategies that bridge laboratory discoveries with potential human health interventions, focusing on understanding and treating complex diseases. This role involves ensuring that the research conducted aligns with medical needs and ethical standards, particularly in areas such as cancer, aging, and neurological disorders. The Chief Medical Officer's expertise is essential for interpreting research findings and advising on their potential impact on human health. Jens Rueter's leadership ensures that the development of mouse models, stem cell systems, and data-driven tools directly contributes to advancing medical knowledge and therapeutic strategies. By connecting scientific innovation with clinical relevance, Rueter significantly advances The Jackson Laboratory's mission to improve human well-being through genetics and genomics.
    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.