NEW YORK, MAY 22, 2023 — The Human Immunome Project has undertaken an internal restructuring to expand and accelerate its capacity to execute on the focused initiatives that serve health care stakeholders worldwide. As part of this restructuring, Founder Dr. Wayne Koff has retired from his full-time role as Chief Executive Officer. He will remain an active member of the Board of Directors. Dr. Hans Keirstead, a Board member since 2022, has been appointed to serve as the new Chief Executive Officer. Both of these developments are in effect as of May 22.
“It is with great care and a continued commitment to the Human Immunome Project that I assume a more senior governance role on the Board of Directors,” said Dr. Koff. “It has been one of my greatest honors to lead what was first the Human Vaccines Project and to begin our strategic transformation to the Human Immunome Project. I am passionate as ever about the organization’s vision and look forward to continuing to contribute to its ongoing growth and success alongside Dr. Keirstead, my fellow Board members, and staff.”
Dr. Koff is a world-class scientist and an internationally respected pioneer in vaccines and immunology, who created the Human Vaccines Project after a distinguished career across academia, industry, government, and NGOs. Dr. Koff has run clinical trials around the world and worked as a researcher, teacher, biotech executive, non-profit CEO, and entrepreneur. Named by Foreign Policy as one of the thinkers and doers who have had a profound impact on the planet, his entire career has been devoted to addressing some of humanity’s most intractable diseases through the development of new vaccines.
Dr. Keirstead is an internationally known scientist, serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and government advisor. He was a full professor at the University of California for 15 years, producing more than 150 publications and patents. He has founded five successful biotechnology companies, interacting with multiple stakeholders including big pharma, financial institutions, venture and private equity firms, regulatory authorities, granting agencies, and governments. He has founded and led several charitable organizations. A proven organization-builder and fundraiser, Dr. Keirstead brings a wealth of expertise and a sense of urgency to this leadership role.
“I am proud to step into the CEO role, building on the excellent work of Dr. Koff and the entire Human Immunome Project team,” said Dr. Keirstead. “Our mission is global, transformative, and will re-write the future of global health.”
Contact:
Liza Kane-Hartnett
Liza@ImmunomeProject.org
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