Wistar Institute CEO to step down after 11 years

The Wistar Institute, a leader in cancer, immunology, and infectious disease research, has announced that Dario C. Altieri, M.D., will step down as president and CEO in December 2026. The Board of Trustees will conduct a national search to identify his successor.

Dr Altieri joined Wistar in 2010 as Director of its National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and Chief Scientific Officer and became President and CEO in 2015. Over more than a decade at the helm, he has overseen dramatic growth, guiding the Institute’s annual budget past $100 million, tripling its endowment to $277 million, and expanding the scientific staff from 30 to 41 independent labs. Under his leadership, Wistar’s Cancer Center earned the NCI’s ‘Exceptional’ rating three times and launched new research hubs in advanced therapeutics and HIV/viral diseases.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside the brilliant scientists and staff at Wistar,” said Dr Altieri. “I am proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to focusing on research, teaching, and mentoring in the years ahead.”

A native of Milan, Italy, Dr Altieri has authored more than 260 publications and holds 13 patents. Before joining Wistar, he was founding chair of the Department of Cancer Biology at UMass Memorial Cancer Center.

Rick Horowitz, Chair of Wistar’s Board of Trustees, added: “Dario’s visionary leadership has positioned Wistar for continued growth and success. We are grateful for his dedication and look forward to his support during this leadership transition.”

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