CIRM Welcomes New Board Members

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is thrilled to welcome a distinguished group of new board members and alternates, each bringing a wealth of experience and leadership in healthcare, research, and innovation.

Joyce A. Sackey, MD, FACP

Dr. Sackey joins CIRM as an alternate for Linda Boxer. As the inaugural Chief Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer (CEDIO) at Stanford Medicine, Dr. Sackey leads enterprise-wide efforts to advance inclusive excellence and health equity across Stanford's healthcare system. In addition to her role as Clinical Professor of Medicine and Associate Dean at the Stanford School of Medicine, Dr. Sackey's extensive experience includes her previous roles as Chief Diversity Officer at Tufts University's Health Sciences campuses and co-chair of the strategic planning committee at Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM). A board-certified physician, she completed her medical degree at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine and is deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the medical field.

Carolyn C. Meltzer, MD

Dr. Meltzer is the Dean of the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California and holds the prestigious May S. and John H. Hooval Dean's Chair in Medicine. An expert in neuroradiology and nuclear medicine, her groundbreaking work in imaging technologies and artificial intelligence applications in medicine has earned her recognition as a pioneer in the field. She has held numerous academic positions and earned accolades such as the American Medical Association's distinguished service award. Dr. Meltzer's research, funded by the NIH, has focused on brain aging, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. She holds a medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed her graduate medical education at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Eyad Almasri, MD

Appointed by the UC Chancellor, Dr. Almasri joins CIRM as the Assistant Dean for Research at UCSF Fresno. Dr. Almasri is also a Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, specializing in pulmonary and critical care, as well as the Medical Director of the Intensive Care Unit at Fresno Community Regional Medical Center. His research efforts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, have positioned him as a leader in respiratory care, with significant contributions to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and COVID-19 treatment studies. Dr. Almasri earned his medical degree from Damascus University and completed residencies and fellowships at the University of Pittsburgh. He brings a commitment to expanding research opportunities for residents, students, and the local community at UCSF Fresno.

Hala Madanat, PhD

Dr. Madanat was appointed to the CIRM Board by Governor Gavin Newsom. As Vice President for Research and Innovation at San Diego State University (SDSU), Dr. Madanat oversees an expansive research enterprise, leading initiatives such as the development of the SDSU Mission Valley Innovation District and the launch of Techstars San Diego. Dr. Madanat's work focuses on health disparities, and she has spearheaded collaborations between SDSU and local health agencies to combat public health challenges, including COVID-19. With nearly 100 peer-reviewed publications and her leadership in cancer research, Dr. Madanat is a respected scholar and advocate for public health. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and a minor in Public Health from Brigham Young University.

Donald P. Taylor, PhD, MBA

Dr. Taylor joins CIRM as an alternate for Kim Barrett. Dr. Taylor serves as Chief Ventures Officer at UC Davis Health Ventures, where he leads commercialization efforts for human health innovations and intellectual property. With a background in biomedical entrepreneurship, Dr. Taylor has led multiple start-up companies, held executive roles at institutions like Ohio State, and contributed to research in cancer therapies and diagnostics. A five-time life sciences entrepreneur, his academic achievements include a Ph.D. in bioengineering, an MBA, and a distinguished alumnus recognition from the University of Pittsburgh for his work in biomedical innovation. Dr. Taylor's unique expertise in translating research into clinical applications makes him a valuable addition to CIRM's board.