Newswise — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute—a...

Newswise — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute—a premier biomedical research organization that is home to an NCI-designated Cancer Center, a drug discovery center, and an accredited graduate school; and includes nearly 700 research and support professionals working to discover tomorrow’s cures—today announced that its Board of Trustees has appointed C. Randal “Randy” Mills, Ph.D., as chief executive officer, effective immediately. Mills joins the Institute with decades of experience as an entrepreneur and transformational leader in the biomedical industry.

“I am very pleased to have Randy join the Institute as CEO,” says James C. Blair, Ph.D., chair of the Sanford Burnham Prebys Board of Trustees. “We conducted a very thorough search to identify an experienced industry leader who understands medical and translational research and has a track record of successfully advancing diverse organizations. Randy fits that profile perfectly and his organizational and leadership experience stood out from the beginning.”

Mills previously served as president and CEO of the National Marrow Donor Program/Be The Match®, the global leader facilitating and supporting bone marrow transplantation within the U.S and around the world. Prior to that, he was president and CEO of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the state’s $3 billion regenerative medicine agency.

“I am excited and humbled to serve as CEO at this pivotal time in the Institute’s history,” says Mills. “I’m inspired by the immensely talented people of this organization and the contributions Sanford Burnham Prebys has made to improving human health over the past 40 years. It is our responsibility to now build upon that exceptional work.”

“I have worked closely with Randy during his time at CIRM and I know he will be a great leader for Sanford Burnham Prebys,” says Kristiina Vuori, M.D. Ph.D., president and Pauline and Stanley Foster Presidential Chair, who oversees Sanford Burnham Prebys’ scientific and academic activities. ”He comes to us with extensive organizational and executive leadership experience. His diverse background and knowledge of translational research and drug discovery will help us propel the Institute into a bright and successful future.”