Search for New CEO at $12 Billion Stem Cell/Gene Therapy Program Extends Into July

Self-imposed deadline of this month goes by the board

CIRM is juggling candidates in search for new CEO Deposit Photos graphic

The $12 billion California stem cell and gene therapy program will miss its aspirational goal of finding a new president and chief executive officer by the end of this month. 

That became clear this week when the agency—the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM)—posted an agenda for its in-person and online board meeting on June 27. It contained no indication that a decision was imminent. All that is on the agenda regarding the matter is an "update"  on the presidential search. Plus no executive session is scheduled for presidential selection matters.

Responding to a query from the California Stem Cell Report, CIRM board member George Blumenthal, co-chair of the search committee, confirmed via email that no decision on a candidate was scheduled for next week. 

CIRM’s last president, Maria Millan, abruptly resigned last November without giving a reason. Subsequently, some board members have publicly mentioned morale problems, but it is likely that more issues exist.

In mid-December, the board appointed Jonathan Thomas, former board chairman, as interim president. He is paid on an hourly rate with a cap of $500,000.

CIRM has not released further details of the arrangement