In a significant development for the field of regenerative medicine, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has announced the appointment of Jonathan Thomas, PhD, JD, as its new President and CEO. This decision, made by the Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee, CIRM's governing board, marks a new chapter in the organization's mission to accelerate stem cell treatments for patients with unmet medical needs.
Dr. Thomas, affectionately known as JT, brings a wealth of experience to this role. He previously served as the ICOC Board Chair for 12 years before retiring in early 2023, and most recently held the position of CIRM's Interim CEO. His deep understanding of CIRM's mission and vision makes him an ideal candidate to steer the organization through its next phase of growth and innovation.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for CIRM, as it approaches its 20th anniversary and refocuses its efforts on the most impactful strategies to deliver cell and gene therapy treatments. Vito Imbasciani, PhD, MD, Chair of the CIRM board, expressed confidence in JT's ability to lead the agency, emphasizing his deep understanding of CIRM's mission and the vision needed for its future growth.
During his tenure as Board Chair from 2011 to 2023, JT led CIRM in granting $2.5 billion to support groundbreaking research in stem cell treatments. Under his leadership, CIRM expanded its work with industry, revamped its award processes, and successfully navigated the expiration of bond funding. He also played a crucial role in supporting the drafting of Proposition 14, which secured an additional $5.5 billion in funding for CIRM's future programs.
JT's background extends beyond his work at CIRM. He was a Co-Founding Partner at Saybrook Capital, an investment banking and private equity firm, where he led an early round of financing for Advanced Cell Technology, now part of Astellas. His legal experience includes clerking for White House Counsel Lloyd Cutler and for the Honorable George Mackinnon of the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Academically, JT holds a bachelor's degree from Yale University, a JD from Yale, and a PhD from Oxford University, where he was a George C. Marshall Scholar.
In his new role, JT is expected to focus on improving the access and affordability of cell and gene therapy treatments across California. Maria Gonzalez Bonneville, Vice Chair of the CIRM board, expressed confidence in JT's ability to champion patients and CIRM's diverse community of stakeholders, ensuring that the organization continues to be a world leader in regenerative medicine research and patient access.
CIRM, created by the people of California, has been at the forefront of stem cell research and treatment development. With $5.5 billion in funding and more than 150 active stem cell programs in its portfolio, CIRM stands as one of the world's largest institutions dedicated to advancing cellular medicine. As JT takes the helm, the organization is poised to enter a new era of innovation and impact in the field of regenerative medicine, bringing hope to patients with unmet medical needs across California and beyond.
