Washington Research Foundation (WRF), a leader in advancing life sciences in Washington state, announces Tom Daniel, Ph.D., as chief executive officer. This appointment follows the retirement of Ron Howell, who served in the position for nearly three decades. Daniel will join WRF on October 1, relieving interim CEO Susan Coliton, WRF’s director and grants committee chair, who has overseen operations since July 2021.
“Tom’s history of conducting trailblazing science, combined with his notable efforts in mentoring scholars from diverse backgrounds, epitomizes WRF’s ethos of investing in innovative research and people,” said Brooks Simpson, WRF board chair. “We look forward to his leadership and future success as he takes the helm of WRF.”
Daniel has a rich history in the life sciences sector, with deep ties to the University of Washington (UW) and WRF. After a Doctoral Degree in Biology at Duke and postdoctoral training in engineering sciences at Caltech, Daniel joined the Biology faculty at UW in 1984. He held the Joan and Richard Komen Endowed Chair, as well as adjunct appointments in Computer Science and Engineering, Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering until transitioning to emeritus faculty status earlier this month. As chair of UW’s Biology department, he worked with the late Benjamin D. Hall, Ph.D., to establish student scholarships and support. Hall was a UW professor who invented the expression of polypeptides in yeast technology that was pivotal to WRF’s licensing program and has had an enormous impact on vaccines and public health.
