St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital shared a post on LinkedIn:
“St. Jude announced today that James R. Downing, M.D, will step down as president and CEO this year as part of a planned and structured leadership transition. After more than 12 years in the role, he will continue to advance the mission of St. Jude in a faculty position within the Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, which he helped establish in 2018.
The St. Jude Board of Governors has begun a global search for the institution’s next leader. The Board expects to announce the incoming CEO this summer and complete the transition by the end of 2026. This process is designed to ensure continuity across the institution’s scientific, clinical, operational and global programs.
Downing’s tenure has been marked by major expansions in fundamental, translational and clinical research, as well as significant growth in global initiatives. These efforts strengthened the institution’s ability to address childhood cancer and other catastrophic pediatric diseases. ‘I’ve watched St. Jude transform the care of pediatric cancer around the world, and I’m grateful to have played a small part as its CEO,’ Downing said.
Judy Habib, chair of the St. Jude Board of Governors, emphasized the importance of his leadership in building global partnerships and advancing scientific collaboration. ‘He has nurtured the spirit of collaboration within St. Jude and among peer institutions, governments, global agencies and advocacy groups,’ she said. ‘His legacy of bringing people together, leading with a bold vision, and being a relentless advocate of fundamental science will carry St. Jude forward for the next CEO and beyond.’
Ike Anand, president and CEO of ALSAC, highlighted the close partnership between the two organizations throughout Downing’s tenure. He noted that he has long admired Downing’s “commitment to scientific excellence and his deep compassion for the children and families we serve,” adding that his leadership has guided St. Jude through historic expansion and strengthened its global impact.
It’s a reminder that progress is built through a collective effort. ‘Nothing worth doing can be achieved in a single lifetime, nor can it be achieved alone,‘ Downing said. ‘I look forward to helping the next leader fulfill our founder’s dream that no child should die in the dawn of life.‘
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