CIRM Welcomes Jonathan Thomas as New President and CEO

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is excited to announce the appointment of Jonathan "JT" Thomas, PhD, JD, as our new President and CEO. JT brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to our mission. Previously, he served as the Chair of the Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee (ICOC) for 12 years and, most recently, as CIRM's Interim CEO.

"JT brings a deep understanding of our mission and the vision we need to steer CIRM through the next phase of growth and innovation," said Vito Imbasciani, PhD, MD, Chair of the CIRM Board. "CIRM's leadership has the utmost confidence in JT's ability to lead our Agency as we refocus our efforts on the most impactful strategies to deliver cell and gene therapy treatments to the patients who need them."

The ICOC began searching for a new CEO and President in November 2023 after Dr. Maria Millan left. JT has served in an interim capacity since January 2024 and will officially take over the role, bringing continuity and fresh energy to CIRM.

"It is a privilege to take over as the official CEO and President of this incredible organization," said Dr. Thomas. "Over the past six months, our outstanding team has made significant strides in developing a game plan to best use the remaining Prop 14 funds for the greatest benefit of patients throughout California. As we approach our 20th anniversary, I am eager to lead CIRM into this next phase by building on our achievements and accelerating the development of transformative therapies."

In 2011, JT was elected Chair of the Board and led CIRM through significant growth and achievement. Under his leadership, CIRM granted $2.5 billion to support groundbreaking research to accelerate stem cell treatments for patients with unmet medical needs. He played a crucial role in expanding CIRM's collaboration with industry, revamping the award processes, and securing an additional $5.5 billion in funding through Proposition 14.

Before joining CIRM, JT co-founded Saybrook Capital, where he led early financing for Advanced Cell Technology (now part of Astellas). His legal career includes clerking for White House Counsel Lloyd Cutler and the Honorable George Mackinnon of the US Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. JT holds degrees from Yale University and Oxford University.

Maria Gonzalez Bonneville, Vice Chair of the CIRM Board, expressed her enthusiasm for JT's appointment: "I am delighted to work with JT in his new capacity as the Agency launches programs and initiatives aimed at improving the access and affordability of cell and gene therapy treatments across California. JT will be a strong champion for patients and our diverse community of stakeholders, ensuring that CIRM continues to be a world leader in regenerative medicine research and patient access."

As JT assumes leadership, CIRM is dedicated to accelerating top-notch science to provide groundbreaking regenerative medicine treatments fairly to a diverse California and the world. We are excited about this new chapter under JT's guidance.